Foodland Oxtail Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of savoring a warm, hearty bowl of oxtail soup, you know exactly why this dish is beloved around the world. Rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, oxtail soup is a comfort food like no other. Its savory depth, tender meat, and perfectly seasoned broth make it a go-to for those chilly nights or whenever you crave something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

The Foodland Oxtail Soup Recipe is a standout. Simple to prepare yet bursting with complex flavors, this recipe uses an array of ingredients that work harmoniously to bring out the best in the oxtail, allowing the natural richness of the meat to shine. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking for an adventurous dish to try, this soup is sure to be a hit.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfection, and even some fun variations you can experiment with. So, grab your apron and let’s get started on this mouthwatering culinary journey!

This recipe isn’t just about tossing ingredients into a pot. It’s about coaxing flavors to come together, creating a soul-warming broth that’s just as nourishing for the spirit as it is for the body. The key to this Foodland Oxtail Soup is patience and a little bit of love. The slow simmering process extracts all that deep flavor from the oxtail, resulting in a soup that’s as indulgent as it is comforting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours (don’t rush this step!)
Serves: 6-8 people (perfect for family meals or leftovers)

Ingredients Needed

Before you start cooking, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. While this recipe keeps things simple, each item plays a crucial role in building that hearty, rich flavor profile.

Oxtail (about 3 pounds) – This is the star of the show! Oxtail is known for its rich, beefy flavor and tender meat that becomes fall-off-the-bone soft after slow cooking.
Onion (1 medium) – For a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor in the broth.
Carrots (2 medium) – Adds a slight sweetness and a bit of color to the soup.
Celery (2 stalks) – A classic aromatics base for soups and broths, celery lends a fresh, slightly earthy note.
Garlic (4 cloves) – A must for any savory dish, garlic enhances the flavor profile with its deep, umami-rich taste.
Fresh Thyme (3 sprigs) – Adds a fragrant, earthy element that complements the richness of the oxtail.
Bay Leaves (2 leaves) – These aromatic leaves infuse the broth with a subtle, herby flavor that ties everything together.
Ginger (1-inch piece) – A bit of fresh ginger can add a slight zing and warmth to the broth.
Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons) – Adds a deep, rich umami flavor that builds the base of the soup.
Beef Broth (4-5 cups) – The liquid that makes up the bulk of the soup. It creates a rich, beefy foundation and ensures all the flavors meld together.
Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Seasoning is essential for making sure all the ingredients sing harmoniously.
Potatoes (2 medium) – While optional, adding potatoes brings an extra layer of heartiness to the dish. They soak up the broth, becoming wonderfully tender.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering oxtail soup. Don’t be intimidated by the lengthy cook time – this recipe is mostly hands-off, so feel free to take your time and enjoy the process.

Prepare The Oxtail

Start by rinsing the oxtail pieces under cold water to remove any residual bone fragments. Pat them dry with paper towels. This will help ensure a clean, clear broth.
Sear The Oxtail

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and sear the oxtail in batches until they’re browned on all sides. This step is crucial for building a deep, rich flavor. Once seared, set the oxtail aside.
Cook The Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become aromatic.
Add Garlic And Ginger

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Incorporate The Tomato Paste

Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir it in. Let it cook for about 3 minutes to deepen the flavor. This will give your broth a rich, savory base.
Add The Broth And Oxtail

Pour in the beef broth and return the seared oxtail to the pot. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer Slowly

Bring everything to a simmer, then lower the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 3-4 hours, or until the oxtail is tender and the meat is falling off the bone. Be patient; the slow simmering process is what transforms this dish into something extraordinary.
Add Potatoes (Optional)

About 30 minutes before the soup is done, add the peeled and cubed potatoes. Let them cook until soft and fully incorporated into the broth.
Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a bit of extra thyme or a splash of vinegar for brightness, if desired.
Serve

Once the oxtail is tender and the flavors have melded together, serve the soup hot. Ladle into bowls and enjoy the deliciously rich, hearty broth with tender pieces of oxtail.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe has a specific role in elevating the final flavor of the soup.

Oxtail: The meat’s high collagen content makes it ideal for slow cooking. As it breaks down, it creates a rich, gelatinous broth that gives the soup its signature texture.
Aromatics (onions, carrots, celery): These vegetables form the base of any great soup. The mix of sweetness from the carrots, earthiness from the celery, and savory notes from the onion provides a well-rounded foundation.
Garlic & Ginger: Both garlic and ginger offer warmth and depth. The garlic infuses the soup with that comforting umami flavor, while ginger adds a hint of spiciness and brightness.
Tomato Paste: This is the secret ingredient that intensifies the broth’s flavor and gives it a velvety texture.
Beef Broth: The broth is the heart of the soup. Opt for high-quality beef broth for the best result, or make your own if you have the time!
Thyme & Bay Leaves: These herbs offer subtle aromatic flavors that balance the richness of the oxtail.

Expert Tips

Sear the Oxtail Well: Don’t rush the searing step. A good brown crust on the meat adds a ton of flavor to the broth.
Use a Dutch Oven: For even heat distribution and better flavor development, a Dutch oven or heavy pot is your best bet.
Low and Slow: The longer you simmer the soup, the better the flavors will develop. If you’re in a rush, don’t attempt to speed up the cooking time. The low and slow method is crucial for achieving that deep, comforting broth.
Skim the Broth: Occasionally skim the top of the broth to remove any impurities or foam that rise during cooking. This will result in a clearer, more refined broth.
Make it Ahead: Like most soups, this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Recipe Variations

Add Greens: For a lighter variation, you can add leafy greens like spinach or kale in the last 15 minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt down and absorb the flavor of the broth.
Spicy Oxtail Soup: If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a sliced jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to the broth. This adds a layer of spice that complements the richness of the soup.
Different Root Vegetables: Swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes, parsnips, or rutabaga for a different twist on the texture and flavor of the soup.
Add Beans: For a more filling version, you could throw in some white beans or lentils in the last hour of cooking. They’ll absorb the broth’s flavor and add extra heartiness.

Final Words

This Foodland Oxtail Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey into comfort, flavor, and nourishment. The slow-cooked oxtail provides a deep, rich base that’s perfectly balanced by the sweet vegetables and savory seasonings. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying it on a quiet evening, this soup is guaranteed to impress.

Foodland Oxtail Soup Recipe