Curry Oxtail

— Rich, Spiced, and Slow-Cooked to Perfection

Curry Oxtail is a deeply flavorful Caribbean classic, slow-cooked until tender in a rich curry-infused gravy. This dish combines bold spices, fresh herbs, and aromatics to create a comforting meal that’s full of warmth and island character.

The oxtail is seasoned generously with curry powder, green seasoning, garlic, ginger, and fresh herbs, then seared to build layers of flavor before simmering low and slow. As it cooks, the curry gravy thickens beautifully while the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Finished with butter beans and perfectly balanced seasoning, this Curry Oxtail is hearty, satisfying, and ideal for a comforting home-style Caribbean meal served with rice or your favorite sides.

Recipe Details:

• Servings: 4–6

• Prep Time: 20 mins

• Cook Time: 2–3 hours

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs oxtail

• 2 medium onions, diced

• 2 tablespoons curry powder

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 can butter beans, drained

• 4 stalks scallion, diced

• 4 sprigs thyme

• 6 allspice berries, crushed

• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, diced

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 4 tablespoons green seasoning

• 2 tablespoons oil

• 4 cups boiling water

• Vinegar (for cleaning)

• Lemon or lime (for cleaning)

Instructions:

• Chop all seasonings and set aside.

• Wash the oxtail thoroughly with vinegar, lemon or lime, and water. Rinse well and pat dry.

• Season the oxtail with:

  • curry powder

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning

  • salt

  • 1 tablespoon green seasoning

  • 2 chopped scallions

  • 2 sprigs thyme

  • scotch bonnet pepper

  • 2 garlic cloves

  • grated ginger

  • ½ green bell pepper

• Mix well to evenly coat the meat.

• Heat oil in a Dutch pot or medium pot over medium heat.

• Add the seasoned oxtail and sear for about 5 minutes, stirring to brown evenly.

• Pour in 2–3 cups of boiling water, cover, and simmer on medium heat for 1 hour.

• Check periodically and add more boiling water as needed to keep the meat moist.

• After 1 hour, add:

  • remaining seasonings

  • remaining garlic, scallion, thyme, and green seasoning

  • butter beans

• Stir well and continue simmering for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the oxtail is tender and the gravy thickens.

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

• Remove from heat and serve hot.

💡 Chef’s Note:

For deeper flavor, let the seasoned oxtail marinate overnight before cooking. Curry oxtail tastes even better the next day as the spices continue to develop.

From my kitchen to yours, enjoy!
— Raina 🌿🍛🔥