Ingredients and Materials:
- Oxtails
- Black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Cooking oil
- Red wine
- Beef broth or stock
- Onions
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, bay leaves)
- Optional: additional seasonings and spices to taste
- Heavy-bottomed pot or braiser
- Paper towels
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Lid
- Strainer (optional)
- Serving platter or plates
Detailed Steps:
1. Preparation:
- Rinse and clean the oxtails, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- Pre-season the oxtails generously with black pepper and kosher salt on both sides. Ensure the seasoning adheres to the meat.
2. Searing the Oxtails:
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over high heat and add some oil.
- Once the pot is hot, add the oxtails in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the oxtails until they develop a nice dark brown color on all sides, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Braising:
- Remove the seared oxtails from the pot and set them aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs to the pot for flavor.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Return the seared oxtails to the pot and add beef broth or stock until partially submerged.
4. Cooking:
- Bring the liquid to a simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and let the oxtails braise over low heat for 2-3 hours or until tender.
- Check occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
5. Finishing Touches:
- Remove the cooked oxtails from the pot.
- Optionally strain the cooking liquid and reduce it to make a flavorful sauce.
- Serve the oxtails with the reduced sauce, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy!