Welcome to a delicious article on how to cook oxtail in a pressure cooker! In this simple and easy-to-follow guide, you will learn the step-by-step process of preparing tender and flavorful oxtail using a pressure cooker. Say goodbye to hours of slow cooking and hello to a quicker, more efficient way of enjoying this savory dish.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills as we dive into the world of cooking oxtail in a pressure cooker. Have you ever wanted to try cooking oxtail in a pressure cooker but weren’t sure where to start? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of cooking a delicious and tender oxtail dish using a pressure cooker.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment for cooking oxtail in a pressure cooker.
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds of oxtail
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups of beef broth
- Optional: red wine for deglazing
Equipment:
- Pressure cooker
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Make sure you have everything you need before you start cooking to avoid any interruptions during the process.
Preparing the Oxtail
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to prepare the oxtail before cooking it in the pressure cooker.
Cleaning the Oxtail
Before cooking, it’s essential to clean the oxtail thoroughly. Rinse the oxtail under cold water to remove any excess fat or bone fragments. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Seasoning the Oxtail
Season the oxtail with salt and pepper, making sure to coat each piece evenly. You can also add other herbs and spices of your choice to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Browning the Oxtail
Heat the cooking oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the oxtail pieces in batches to brown them on all sides. Browning the oxtail will help enhance the flavors of the dish.
Cooking the Oxtail in a Pressure Cooker
Now that the oxtail is prepared, it’s time to cook it in the pressure cooker to make it tender and flavorful.
Adding Aromatics
After browning the oxtail, remove it from the pressure cooker and set it aside. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pressure cooker and sauté until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme, and cook for another minute or until fragrant.
Deglazing the Pressure Cooker
If there are browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pressure cooker from browning the oxtail, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine or beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape off the bits, as they add flavor to the dish.
Pressure Cooking the Oxtail
Return the browned oxtail pieces to the pressure cooker and pour in the beef broth. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for about 45 to 50 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the oxtail pieces and the pressure cooker you are using.
Releasing Pressure
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully release any remaining pressure according to your pressure cooker’s instructions.
Finishing Touches
After cooking the oxtail in the pressure cooker, it’s time to make any final adjustments and additions to the dish before serving.
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste the oxtail stew and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or any other herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a slurry by mixing equal parts of cornstarch and water. Stir the slurry into the oxtail stew while it is simmering on the sauté setting of your pressure cooker until the sauce thickens.
Garnishing
Before serving, garnish the oxtail stew with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Serving and Enjoying Your Oxtail Stew
Now that your oxtail stew is ready, it’s time to plate up and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Serving Suggestions
Oxtail stew pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, allow the oxtail stew to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer-term storage.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat the oxtail stew, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a little extra beef broth or water to the stew to prevent it from drying out.
Final Thoughts
Cooking oxtail in a pressure cooker is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful and tender dish without spending hours in the kitchen. With the right ingredients and equipment, you can easily create a delicious oxtail stew that will impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try and elevate your cooking game with this classic dish?
