How Long to Boil Oxtail

Oxtail, a common cut of beef, is popular in cuisine all over the world. It’s typically cooked by boiling or stewing (with the bone in) over low heat until it’s tender and easy to eat. This mini-guide will teach you about oxtail, an easy way to cook it and how long to boil it for various dishes.

What is Oxtail?

Oxtail is the tail bone and muscle of a cow or ox, located right next to the rump. It’s high in collagen, rendering the meat more gelatinous than other cuts. It typically contains bone with marrow in the center and varies in size and shape, depending on how far down the tail the cut was taken.

How Long Does It Take to Boil Oxtails?

Oxtail is typically cooked low and slow, either boiled over a lower flame or simmered for hours to render the meat incredibly soft and juicy. The amount of time it actually takes to boil the oxtail depends on the type of dish you’re making with it.

How to Boil Oxtail

1. Start by rinsing the oxtail with fresh running water and trim excess fat from the meat.
2. Add the oxtail to a large pot of salted water and soak for up to two hours. Drain the water.
3. Refill the pot with fresh water (or broth) and bring to a boil.
4. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to allow it to simmer.
5. Allow the oxtail to simmer over low heat for several hours–check the tables below for more information. About halfway through, skim fat and impurities from the surface of the water.
6. Turn off the heat and carefully remove the oxtails from the pot using tongs or a mesh sieve.

How Long to Boil Oxtail by Temperature

How Long to Boil Fresh Oxtail

Fresh, room-temperature oxtail that’s come straight from the butcher or has been thawed should be boiled for 3-5 hours.

How Long to Boil Refrigerated Oxtail

Chilled or refrigerated oxtail can be cooked for the same amount of time as fresh oxtail, around 3-5 hours, until it’s cooked through and tender.

How Long to Boil Frozen Oxtail

You can boil frozen oxtail for 4-5 hours, as the temperature doesn’t really affect the time because the meat thaws quickly in boiling water.

Table: How Long to Boil Oxtail by Temperature

Temperature of the Oxtail	How Long to Boil (in hours)
Fresh oxtail (room temperature)	3-5 hours
Refrigerated or chilled oxtail	3-5 hours
Frozen oxtail	4-5 hours

How Long to Boil Oxtail by Dish

How Long to Boil Oxtail for Soup

If you’re making a variation of oxtail soup, boil the oxtail for at least 3 ½ hours.

How Long to Boil Oxtail for Oxtail Stew

To make a Caribbean-style oxtail stew, boil the oxtail for 2 ½-3 hours.

How Long to Boil Oxtail for Kare-kare

Kare-kare is a traditional type of oxtail stew from the Philippines with a rich, peanut-based sauce. Boil oxtail for 2 ½ hours to make Kare-kare.

How Long to Boil Oxtail for Smothered Oxtail

Smothered oxtail is a southern dish, known for fall-off-the-bone tender meat coated in a hearty gravy. To make it, boil the oxtail on low heat (simmer) for 5-8 hours.

Table: How Long to Boil Oxtail by Dish

Type of Dish	How Long to Boil (in hours)
Oxtail soup	3 ½+ hours
Oxtail stew	2 ½-3 hours
Kare-kare	2 ½ hours
Smothered Oxtail	5-8 hours