do you eat the bone in oxtail

Everything you need to know about oxtail, from how to prepare this humble cut of meat, to the health benefits of oxtail, and everything in between!

If you’ve never purchased, prepared, or tried oxtail meat, you probably have a lot of questions. Like, what is it made of? Is oxtail from an actual tail? And, what the heck is an ox?

Let’s start at the beginning – or because we’re talking about a tail, the end! Oxtail is a cross-cut section of beef that a butcher cuts from a cow’s tail. The cut is usually from the uppermost part of the tail or the middle section. Because the tail is thicker at the top and becomes thinner the closer you get to the end, oxtail pieces can vary in size and shape.

No matter which cut you use, the one thing all oxtail pieces have in common is that they’re super gelatinous and filled with connective tissue, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Because oxtail meat is best prepared by braising, slow cooking, or using a pressure cooker, all of that connective tissue gets broken down and gives any dish it touches a rich, beefy flavor.

Oxtail meat is considered a delicacy and is popular in countries around the world, and for good reason – it’s deliciously tender, full of meaty flavor, and easy to prepare. If you’ve never tried it, you’ve got to add it to your grocery list.

Oxtail has a surprising amount of health benefits. The connective tissue in and around an oxtail is filled with collagen. When the meat and connective tissues around the it melts down during the cooking process, it turns into a collagen-rich broth, which isn’t just incredibly flavorful it also has some meaningful health benefits. Collagen has the potential to support the growth of healthy hair and nails, while also relieving joint pain and preventing bone loss. Some health professionals also say it promotes healthy skin. Sounds pretty good to me!

Because oxtail is red meat, it’s a great source of iron, which helps move oxygen through the body, and prevents anemia.

Oxtail contains a lot of connective tissue, but also bones and fat. All of these benefit from a long cooking time in a moist environment. Bones contain a lot of flavor (it’s why you often use bones from fish and meat to make stock) as well as gelatin, that slowly gets out while cooking in enough moisture.

Where to buy oxtail

You don’t have to go to a specialty grocer to find oxtail meat, it’s available at most local grocery stores. I’m usually able to find oxtail cuts in the pre-packaged meat section. But, if you don’t see them there, your butcher should have a few pieces behind the meat counter. You’ll also usually find it at international grocery stores.

When you’re buying oxtail, keep in mind that unlike other cuts of beef, oxtail may appear to be more bone than meat. And that’s okay. Part of the reason oxtail meat is so rich is that when the bones are braised, the bone marrow melts into whatever dish you’re preparing, so less meat doesn’t necessarily mean less flavor.

If you buy oxtail directly from the butcher, rather than in the refrigerated meat section, you can also select your own pieces. Ask for the larger, thicker cuts, they have a bit more meat and a larger section of bone, which means more marrow!

Why is oxtail so expensive?

There’s no doubt that oxtail is pricey! Prices can vary from about $10 per pound or more. The cut is considered a delicacy and is not as widely available as other cuts of meat, which also contributes to its higher price. Although expensive, many people will pay for the prime cut of meat to make delicious they love and are familiar with. The fact that when cooked right, oxtail melt in your mouth. There is nothing like a piece of oxtail that has been cooked low and slow.

Fall Off The Bone Oxtail Recipe – You Will Never Cook Oxtails Another Way Again

FAQ

Do you only eat the tail of an ox?

How do you eat oxtail?

What percentage of oxtail is bone?

Do you eat the marrow in oxtail?

Is oxtail a good meat?

Oxtail is a protein-rich type of meat. Also, it has 30 g of protein, so it’s a good choice if you’re on a high-protein diet. Finally, oxtail is rich in collagen, which means it’s great for skin, nails, and hair [ 2 ]. You can make oxtail bone broth to get the most collagen benefits. Oxtail meat is made from the tail of cattle.

What foods have oxalates in them?

Foods high in oxalates include beets, star fruit, raw spinach, raw or cooked rhubarb, bamboo shoots, cocoa powder, raw hazelnuts, cashews, roasted peanuts, raw walnuts, cooked white and black beans, cooked soybeans, and barley.

Why do people eat oxtails?

Eating oxtails dates back as far as the consumption of beef when all of an animal was used and no part went to waste. The tail made a wonderfully hearty soup that stretched a small amount of meat with the addition of any variety of vegetables. Oxtail soup has become comfort food for many. What Is Oxtail?

Where to eat oxtail?

If you’re in a butcher shop in France, Italy, Spain, or the Middle East you will always find Oxtail on display and hugely popular among locals. Go to a restaurant in Singapore, Hong Kong, or Japan and their Oxtail recipes will knock your socks off. If you have never tried Oxtail, you’re in for a real treat!