Oxtail Soup an Old School British Recipe

Oxtail soup has many guises, this version is a classic British recipe takes time but is very easy to cook & results in THE best beef soup!

There is no rushing this old fashioned British recipe, it is all about breaking down the gelatinous nature of the oxtail and extracting all of that flavour!

Classic Beef Soup

What was once a cheaper cut of meat is now rather more costly. For good reason too and that reason is flavour.

This recipe is one of my all-time favourites and as far as I am concerned the best oxtail soup I have ever eaten!

Now it does need careful cooking and if you rush this recipe you will end up with inedible meat. But so long as you are patient this recipe is incredibly easy.

It ain’t just us British that are fond of oxtail though!

It is used around the world, famed for its flavour and the richness it lends to recipes.

Whether it be the classic Kare Kare from the Philipines, a spicy African oxtail stew or Spanish rabo de toro it is delicious! I’ve even got an Indian-inspired oxtail curry that I love!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you chill the soup overnight?

Oxtail is chock a block full of fat and until you chill overnight you cannot appreciate just how much.

Now I like fat, it is where the flavour is at, but it has to be the right fat and the right amount. When the stock has jellified overnight you will notice that it forms 3 distinct layers.

The bottom layer will be a thick, clear and jellified stock, this is where the good stuff is. 

The next layer will be the impurities, you can leave these in if you like. It will make your oxtail soup a little cloudy, I usually remove around two-thirds.

The final layer is fat, you will be surprised just how much there is. I get rid of all of this, there is plenty that we are returning when we shred the beef!

Can I keep the fat?

Yes strain it through two layers of muslin and keep it in a jar.

I use it to cook any of my recipes that call for lard or duck fat my Wiener Schnitzel or chicken paprikash recipes.

What do you mean by salt “at your judgment”?

This is a long cook and depending on how much your liquid reduces and how much salt is in your stock the amount of salt needed in this recipe changes dramatically.

Start with around three-quarters of a teaspoon when you brown the oxtail. After that taste at every single step and add salt as you see fit.

Alternative Cooking Instructions

I usually cook this recipe in its entirety on the stovetop.

However, I have done some experimenting to offer advice on adding either a slow cooker or pressure cooker into the process.

First of all, I must stress that I do this out of sacrifice not because I am greedy!

In my testing, the cooking method makes no discernable difference to this recipe. As a result, you can take your pick.

My testing also ONLY relates to the initial cooking of the oxtail. Once the meat is cooked it needs to set and rest overnight as in my original recipe.

Slow Cooker or Crock Pot Instructions:

• Chop the vegetables and throw them into the slow cooker.
• Brown the oxtail in a hot pan in hot oil and transfer to the slow cooker.
• Deglaze the pan with the red wine and reduce by half.
• Pour into the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients and cook for 8 hours on low.

Instant Pot Instructions:

• Put the IP on Saute mode and when hot add the oil.
• Brown the oxtail on all sides then remove from the pot.
• Pour in the red wine and reduce by half.
• Return the oxtail and remaining ingredients.
• Add a lid and cook on high pressure for 90 minutes.
• Allow the pot to naturally release pressure.

Equipment Used

I only name-check brands of equipment if I think that they make a material difference to a recipe. But if you have any questions feel free to ask them in the comments section below the recipe.

• Stovetop.
• 28cm or 11″ frying pan or skillet (not nonstick).
• 3.5-litre or 3-quart saucepan.
• Kitchen knife.
• Chopping board.
• Kitchen tongs, stirring and serving spoons.
• Colander.
• Large bowls for chilling the soup and meat overnight.
• Cling film
• Small mixing bowl.
• Whisk.
• Weighing scales and or measuring jug, cups and spoons.