There is something truly special about a slow-cooked meal filling the house with warmth. This fall-off-the-bone oxtail recipe is our family's favourite weekend project. It’s a wonderful way to teach children the joy of patience and the reward of a truly magnificent meal shared together.
The rich aroma of a slowly simmering stew is the essence of a comforting weekend at home. This fall-off-the-bone oxtail recipe is more than just dinner; it’s a lesson in patience and a rewarding project for the whole family. Perfect for a chilly day, this dish transforms a humble cut of meat into a luxurious meal, making it one of the most cherished weekend family meals in South Africa.
Teaching children how to cook oxtail introduces them to the magic of slow cooking. It’s a fantastic, low-pressure way to explain the science of cooking; how time and low heat break down tough connective tissues into rich gelatin, making the meat incredibly tender. This process, as explained by food science resources like Exploratorium is a delicious science experiment. The result is a memorable meal that truly celebrates time spent together.
This South African oxtail recipe creates a deep, flavourful sauce that is simply irresistible.
Ingredients for the Perfect Oxtail
- 4-5kg oxtail
- 3 large white onions, chopped
- 1 whole bulb of celery, chopped
- 6 medium carrots, chopped
- 3-4 small fennel bulbs, chopped
- 1L (4 cups) red wine
- 2L (8 cups) water
- 3 beef stock cubes
- 2 x 50g packets tomato paste
- 60ml (4 tbsp) Worcestershire sauce
- 3 packets oxtail instant soup powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Our Step-by-Step Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C. Brown the oxtail in an oven tray for about 20 minutes until golden.
- Child’s Task: Supervise older children as they help chop the vegetables. Sauté the onion, celery, carrots, and fennel in a large pot until soft.
- Add the roasted oxtail and tomato paste to the pot, mixing well.
- Pour in the wine and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the stock cubes and water, bring to a
boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Cook, covered, for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender. This is a key step in any good oxtail recipe.
- Once tender, remove the oxtail pieces and set them aside. Strain the sauce into a separate pot, discarding the vegetables.
- Child’s Task: Let your child help mix the oxtail soup powder with a little water to form a paste.
- Add the soup mixture to the sauce and stir until it thickens. Pour the sauce over the oxtail.
- Serve warm with creamy mashed potatoes or your favourite sides.
Share Your Weekend Traditions!
This dish is one of the most rewarding slow cooker recipes for families, creating traditions that last a lifetime. What special meals do you enjoy making on a slow weekend?
We would love to hear about your family’s cooking adventures in the comments. Remember to share this recipe and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more family-friendly ideas!