17 Best Seasonings for Oxtails (Homemade & Storebought)

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Oxtails are a delicious and flavorful cut of meat that has gained popularity in recent years. With their rich, gelatinous texture and unique taste, they lend themselves well to a variety of seasoning and cooking methods.

But are you wondering exactly how to season it? Here are 17 of the best seasonings for oxtails – including all my favorite homemade and store-bought options!

Let’s start!

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6 Best Homemade Oxtail Seasonings

Jamaican Oxtail Seasoning

As a lover of Caribbean flavors, I really enjoyed this Jamaican oxtail seasoning.

The blend of allspice, thyme, onions, brown sugar, ginger, and Scotch bonnet pepper brings the taste of the islands to your oxtails.

This combination of sweet, spicy, and savory creates a unique flavor profile that enhances the richness of the meat.

Instant Pot Oxtail Seasoning

Braising or slow-cooking oxtails is a popular way to cook them, and this seasoning blend is perfect for that method.

It features a combination of soy sauce, adobo, oregano, white vinegar, red wine, and garlic powder that adds a delightful aromatic touch to your dish.

The spices perfectly complement the tender, slow-cooked meat and create a mouthwatering aroma as they cook.

Spicy Dominican Oxtail Seasoning

If you’re a fan of rich sauces, give this Spicy Dominican oxtail seasoning a try.

This oxtail seasoning blend includes ingredients like adobo, tomato sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper, giving your oxtails an irresistible Dominican twist.

The warm spices balance well with the savory flavors of the meat! So good!

Authentic Jamaican Jerk Oxtail Seasoning

When I think of oxtail, the first thing that comes to mind is a delicious Caribbean oxtail stew. For a finger-licking good oxtail dish, try this authentic jerk oxtail seasoning.

The combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and dry mustard adds a sweet and smoky flavor to your meat.

It’s the perfect seasoning for slow-cooking your oxtails!

Southern-Style Oxtail Seasoning Blend

For Southern-inspired oxtail seasoning, try this Stovetop Oxtail recipe for inspiration.

This simple yet flavorful blend of red pepper flakes, herbs de provence, garlic, onion, and salt, this seasoning adds a delicious touch to your oxtails.

Toss in some thyme, bay leaves, black pepper, and browning sauce, and you’ll have a delightful spice blend that captures the essence of comfort food.

Oxtail Dry Rub Seasoning

This dry rub seasoning for oxtails is a perfect blend of spices that adds incredible flavor to your dish.

Ingredients like smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar give it a subtle sweetness and a hint of smokiness that pairs well with the rich taste of oxtails.

Simply rub the mixture onto your meat before cooking for a delicious result.

11 Top Storebought Oxtail Seasonings

When I was looking for the best oxtail seasonings, I came across a variety of storebought options that provide added convenience without slacking on flavor. 

Here are my favorite storebought oxtail seasonings:

Blue Mountain Country Oxtail Seasoning

Blue Mountain Country offers an oxtail seasoning that highlights authentic Jamaican flavors. It uses a combination of traditional Caribbean spices, which perfectly complement the rich, tender meat of oxtails. Customers have praised this seasoning’s flavor profile as robust and bold.

Grace Caribbean Traditions Oxtail Seasoning 5.43 oz shaker (Pack of 2)

The Grace Caribbean Traditions Oxtail Seasoning is another prime choice for anyone who appreciates a hint of Jamaican taste. It adds a blend of unique herbs and spices that make oxtails particularly succulent. This pack of two shakers ensures that you’ll have sufficient seasoning for multiple dishes.

Spur Tree Oxtail Seasoning – Oxtails Seasoning to Experience Authentic Jamaican Cuisine – All-Natural And Fresh Ingredients – Oxtail Seasoning Jamaican (33 Oz)

Spur Tree’s Oxtail Seasoning promises to deliver genuine Jamaican flavor with all-natural ingredients. The massive 33 oz size ensures that you’ll have plenty to use in your oxtail recipes. Customers have praised its authentic taste and versatility, as it can be used with various meats.

Caribbean Traditions Oxtail Seasoning, 5.43oz

Caribbean Traditions also offers a standalone oxtail seasoning in a 5.43 oz container.

This seasoning is well-loved for its intense, rich flavors that work harmoniously with oxtail dishes. Reviews confirm that it brings out the beefiness of the oxtails and leaves a lingering, satisfying taste.

Jamaican Style Oxtail Seasoning | 6 oz – by Jamaican Choice

Jamaican Style Oxtail Seasoning by Jamaican Choice offers delectable flavors in a 6 oz container.

This seasoning has won over the approval of cooking enthusiasts with its distinct, mouthwatering taste that enhances the savory nature of oxtails.

Keith Lorren’s Oxtail & Beef Stew Seasoning (2pack)

For those looking for a versatile seasoning option for multiple dishes, check out Keith Lorren’s Oxtail & Beef Stew Seasoning.

This two-pack seasoning combines the richness of oxtail with the heartiness of beef stew, offering a unique and flavorful experience.

Caribbean Fusion Gourmet Jamaican Oxtail Seasoning

Experience gourmet quality taste with Caribbean Fusion’s Jamaican Oxtail Seasoning.

Fans of this seasoning commend its authentic Jamaican flavors, which infuse oxtails with a delightful and memorable richness.

McCormick Sunshine All Purpose Seasoning by Tabitha Brown, 3.82 oz

Tabitha Brown’s McCormick Sunshine All Purpose Seasoning is a versatile option for oxtails and other dishes.

With a blend of garlic, onion, paprika, and other herbs, it adds depth and richness to the meat. The seasoning lends a warm and inviting aroma to the dish – yum!

Walker’s Wood Traditional Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Walker’s Wood Traditional Jamaican Jerk Seasoning brings the authentic flavors of Jamaican cuisine right to your kitchen.

With a blend of spices like allspice, thyme, and scallions, this seasoning adds a hearty flavor and a touch of heat to your oxtails. I find that it marries well with the rich and savory taste of the meat.

Chef Merito Oxtail Seasoning Mix

For a delightful twist on traditional flavors, I like to use the Chef Merito Seasoning Mix. With a combination of garlic, onion, cumin, and oregano, this seasoning blend offers a delicious Tex-Mex flair.

I find that the warmth of the spices perfectly complements the richness of oxtails, creating an exciting and satisfying dish.

Knorr Bouillon Cubes

When I’m in a rush, I turn to Knorr Bouillon Cubes for a quick and flavorful seasoning.

Infused with onion, garlic, and a hint of beef flavor, these cubes enhance the natural taste of oxtails while adding depth and complexity.

Not only do they serve as a convenient seasoning, but they also act as a base for sauces and gravies.

Oxtail Seasoning Tips and Tricks

Balancing Spiciness

When preparing oxtail dishes, it’s crucial to find the right balance of spiciness. I like to add just enough heat without overpowering the dish.

Another tip for balancing spiciness is to taste as you cook. Don’t be afraid to adjust your seasoning throughout the cooking process – a few sprinkles of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish without overpowering the rich, savory flavors.

Perfecting the Cooking Techniques

When it comes to oxtails, cooking techniques are essential to bring out the best flavors.

A good example is browning the oxtails before cooking them. It brings out the natural, earthy flavors of the meat, which combines well with the seasoning salt, Herbs de Provence, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Another technique is to marinate oxtails before cooking. I suggest generously coating your oxtails and wrapping them to allow the flavors to meld and intensify before cooking.

Avoiding Over- or Under-Seasoning

Avoiding over- or under-seasoning your oxtails is crucial for a well-balanced dish. Make sure to sprinkle the oxtail seasoning over the oxtails and into the sauce you’re using, to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does oxtail seasoning have in it?

Oxtail seasoning typically includes a variety of spices depending on the specific recipe or blend. 

Sometimes, I find store-bought oxtail seasonings to have ingredients like salt, red pepper, paprika, turmeric, garlic, onion powder, and even celery seeds. Other times, I come across homemade seasoning blends which may have a unique touch or regional influence.

What should I marinate my oxtails in?

If you’re like me and prefer a homemade marinade, an oxtail seasoning blend can be used along with some liquid ingredients such as soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of vegetable oil. 

You can then let your oxtails marinate in this mixture, allowing the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.

What seasonings are in Jamaican oxtail?

Jamaican oxtail seasoning typically includes a combination of curry powder, thyme, ginger, paprika, garlic, onion, soy sauce, habanero pepper, and black pepper.

To achieve authentic Jamaican flavors, I recommend finding a recipe that specifies the right proportions of these spices, so you can create the perfect blend.

What can I use instead of oxtail seasoning?

In case I don’t have oxtail seasoning on hand, I try to use alternatives that capture similar flavor profiles. 

Good substitutes can include a blend of basic spices like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper, or you may even substitute with a pre-made seasoning blend tailored for different meats like beef or pork.

What makes oxtail taste good?

I find that the key to making delicious oxtail dishes is to use a combination of flavorful seasonings and cooking techniques that result in tender, succulent meat. 

Some of these ingredients include seasoning salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. 

Also, slow cooking or braising the oxtails can help release their natural flavors and richness, enhancing the overall taste.

How many hours does it take to cook oxtail?

Cooking time for oxtail can vary depending on the method used. 

In my experience, when using a slow cooker, it usually takes around 6 to 8 hours on low heat, or 4 to 6 hours on high heat. 

On the stovetop, oxtails might take around 3 to 4 hours of simmering to become tender and fully cooked.

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If you try any one of these easy oxtail seasonings, please drop a comment below! I’d LOVE to know what you think and which ones are your favorites!

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