Oxtail Soup
Rich and hearty oxtail soup with earthy flavors, tender meat, peanuts, and spices, perfect for comforting meals and those who enjoy bold, savory dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the oxtails and place in a large pot.
- Fill with water to cover the oxtails and add all ingredients except potatoes, carrots, and whiskey.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or more, until peanuts are tender and meat nearly falls off the bone.
- Optional: cool and refrigerate overnight before serving.
- Add potatoes, carrots, and whiskey as desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of hot sauce. If you don't have raw peanuts, roasted peanuts can work in a pinch but may alter the texture. Adjust the heat by modifying the amount of dried chili peppers. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oxtail soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a light salad, such as a Three Vegetable Salad, to balance the richness of the soup. For a complete meal, consider offering a dessert like Angels Balls(Christmas Cookie) afterward.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oxtail Soup contains roughly 1741 calories, with 45g protein, 350g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (335% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (271% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2115mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of oxtail?
Yes, you can substitute oxtail with other cuts of beef like shank or stew meat, though the cooking time may vary. Oxtail is favored for its rich flavor and gelatinous texture, which enhances the soup's mouthfeel. Adjust the simmering time based on the cut you choose.
How can I make this soup less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, simply decrease the number of dried chili peppers used or omit them entirely. You can also add more potatoes and carrots to help balance the heat. Additionally, serving the soup with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt can help mellow the spice.
Is there a way to make this soup ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. In fact, cooling and refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply reheat and add the potatoes, carrots, and whiskey just before serving for optimal freshness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).