Oxtail Soup (Cow Tail Soup): Quick, Easy, and Delicious Recipe

Published: 04/20/2025

Spread the love

Oxtail soup, also known as cow tail soup, is a rich, slow-cooked dish enjoyed worldwide. Traditionally made with beef tail, this hearty soup is packed with collagen, protein, and deep flavors that develop over hours of cooking. Whether you’re enjoying a spicy Caribbean version or a creamy Korean broth, oxtail soup is a comforting, nutrient-dense meal loved across cultures.

Have you ever tried oxtail soup? If not, this guide will help you make the perfect bowl at home!

Table of Content

Directions: Oxtail Soup (Cow Tail Soup)
Oxtail Soup Health Benefits
Conclusion

About Oxtail Soup

Global Popular Dish

Oxtail soup is a slow-cooked dish made from beef tail, simmered until the meat becomes tender and starts to fall off the bone by self. Despite its name, oxtail soup does not come from oxen alone—today, it refers to cow tail soup made from regular cattle.

This dish is popular worldwide, with unique variations in different regions:

Jamaican Oxtail Soup – Spicy, with beans, carrots, and thyme.
Korean Seolleongtang – A creamy beef tail soup with a milky broth.
European Oxtail Soup – Thick, tomato-based and served with bread.

Ingredients for Oxtail Soup (Cowtail Soup)
Ingredients To make a delicious cow tail soup, you’ll need: Oxtail (beef tail) – The main ingredient, full of rich flavor. Vegetables – Onion, garlic, carrots, celery. Broth or water – Enhances the soup’s depth. Seasonings – Thyme, bay leaf, pepper, salt. Optional Additions Beans – Used in Caribbean oxtail soup. Potatoes – Helps thicken the broth. Spices – Scotch bonnet or chili for heat.

Ingredients for Oxtail Soup (Cowtail Soup)

Ingredients

To make a delicious cow tail soup, you’ll need:

Oxtail (beef tail) – The main ingredient, full of rich flavor.
Vegetables – Onion, garlic, carrots, celery.
Broth or water – Enhances the soup’s depth.
Seasonings – Thyme, bay leaf, pepper, salt.

Optional Additions

Beans – Used in Caribbean oxtail soup.
Potatoes – Helps thicken the broth.
Spices – Scotch bonnet or chili for heat.

Directions: Oxtail Soup (Cow Tail Soup)

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the oxtails and let them sit for 30 minutes. This helps season the meat deeply.
Use high-flame heat and heat the oil to three teaspoons in a medium-sized pot. Sear the oxtails until they are well-browned and caramelized. Caramelization means more flavor, so don’t rush this step. Remove them from the pot and set them aside.
Add chopped onions to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and sauté for 8–10 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and mix well until the onions are coated. Don’t cook the paste too long, or it may turn bitter.
Pour in the beef or chicken stock—about 6 cups. Beef stock gives a richer flavor, but chicken or vegetable stock works, too.
Blend or crush tomatoes and add them to the pot. If using canned tomatoes, you’ll need one 400g tin, ground until smooth.
Return the browned oxtails to the pot, including all their juices. This adds depth to the broth.
Boil the soup till the vapors come out, then lower the heat. Cover with a lid and cook gently for 3–4 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Cool the soup and refrigerate if needed. Once cold, scoop off any solidified fat with a spoon for a lighter broth.
Reheat the soup and add your root vegetables—carrots, potatoes, or celery. Simmer on low heat until they are tender but still firm.
Serve hot with rice, bread, or dumplings. Enjoy your rich and comforting oxtail soup!

Tips for the Best Oxtail Soup
Slow cook for the best texture – The longer, the better. Want it thicker? Add potatoes or let it reduce naturally. Love spice? Try adding chili or hot sauce. Storing leftovers? Keep oxtail soup in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for later.

Tips for the Best Oxtail Soup

Slow cook for the best texture – The longer, the better.
Want it thicker? Add potatoes or let it reduce naturally.
Love spice? Try adding chili or hot sauce.

Storing leftovers? Keep oxtail soup in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for later.

Important Notes:

You can store the OXtail soup for a maximum of up to three days in the fridge and frozen for up to 3 months. Use low heat to maintain the original flavor.
Swap out veggies to suit your taste. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness, but you can use parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for a different twist.
Browning the oxtail first is key. Searing it over high heat creates a deep, rich flavor. Caramelized meat means a better-tasting broth.
Cook low and slow. Oxtail is tough, so it needs at least 3-4 hours of gentle simmering. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful it gets.
Use homemade broth if possible. A good broth enhances the soup’s depth. If using store-bought, go for low-sodium so you can control the seasoning.
Don’t rush the process. Oxtail soup is best when cooked with patience. The flavors develop over time, making it richer and more comforting.
For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes. The broth will reduce, intensifying the flavor.
Want a spicy kick? Add Scotch bonnet peppers, chili flakes, or cayenne for extra warmth.
Remove excess fat before serving. Once cooled, you can skim off the fat for a lighter soup.

It is best served hot with Biryani, bread, or dumplings to soak up the delicious broth.

Oxtail Soup Health Benefits

Oxtail soup is made from a cow’s tail, slow-cooked with vegetables and spices. The long cooking time releases nutrients from the bones and meat, making the broth rich in flavor and health benefits. It also offers many health benefits? Let’s explore why this soup is good for you!

Top Benefits of Oxtail Soup
1. Rich in Collagen for Healthy Skin and Joints Oxtail is packed with collagen, which helps keep skin smooth and youthful. Collagen also supports joint health by keeping them strong and flexible. People with arthritis or joint pain may benefit from eating oxtail soup regularly. 2. High in Protein for Muscle Growth Oxtail contains a high amount of protein, which helps build and repair muscles. This makes it a great meal for athletes, bodybuilders, and active individuals. 3. Supports Bone Health The slow cooking process extracts calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from the bones. These minerals strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. 4. Improves Digestion and Gut Health Oxtail soup contains gelatin, which helps repair the lining of the gut. This can improve digestion and reduce stomach problems like bloating or acid reflux. 5. Boosts Immune System The nutrients in oxtail soup help the body fight infections. A warm bowl of oxtail soup is perfect when you’re feeling sick. 6. Provides Long-Lasting Energy The healthy fats and proteins in oxtail keep you full for a long time. This helps maintain energy levels throughout the day. 7. Supports Weight Management Oxtail soup is filling and nutrient-dense so it can prevent overeating. It’s an excellent option for those trying to manage their weight.

Top Benefits of Oxtail Soup

1. Rich in Collagen for Healthy Skin and Joints

Oxtail is packed with collagen, which helps keep skin smooth and youthful.
Collagen also supports joint health by keeping them strong and flexible.
People with arthritis or joint pain may benefit from eating oxtail soup regularly.

2. High in Protein for Muscle Growth

Oxtail contains a high amount of protein, which helps build and repair muscles.
This makes it a great meal for athletes, bodybuilders, and active individuals.

3. Supports Bone Health

The slow cooking process extracts calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from the bones.
These minerals strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

4. Improves Digestion and Gut Health

Oxtail soup contains gelatin, which helps repair the lining of the gut.
This can improve digestion and reduce stomach problems like bloating or acid reflux.

5. Boosts Immune System

The nutrients in oxtail soup help the body fight infections.
A warm bowl of oxtail soup is perfect when you’re feeling sick.

6. Provides Long-Lasting Energy

The healthy fats and proteins in oxtail keep you full for a long time.
This helps maintain energy levels throughout the day.

7. Supports Weight Management

Oxtail soup is filling and nutrient-dense so it can prevent overeating.
It’s an excellent option for those trying to manage their weight.

Conclusion

So guys, in this article, we’ve covered oxtail soup (cow tail soup) in detail. Whether you like it spicy, rich, or mild, this slow-cooked dish is packed with deep flavors and nutrients. Personally, I love adding a touch of spice with Scotch bonnet peppers for that extra kick! If you haven’t tried making beef tail soup at home yet, now’s the perfect time. Gather your ingredients, take your time, and enjoy every spoonful. Let me know in the comments how you like your oxtail soup.

Can I make oxtail soup without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make beef tail soup on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker.

How do I know when oxtail is ready?

The meat should be falling off the bone and very tender.

Is oxtail soup good for health?

Absolutely! Beef tail soup is high in collagen, which supports joints and skin health.