Hearty Puerto Rican Oxtail Recipe – A Comforting Island Classic

Puerto Rican Oxtail Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 3 hrs
Total Time 3 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 180  F
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: 3
Calories: 480
Best Season: Winter, Fall
Description

A traditional Puerto Rican stew featuring slow-braised oxtail, aromatic sofrito, and tender vegetables. Rich in flavor, this hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings and comforting meals.

Ingredients
  • 2.5 to 3 lbs oxtail, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup sofrito (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sazón with achiote
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 3 cups beef broth or water
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for deeper flavor)
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 large potato, cubed
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. 1
    In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season oxtails with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides. This step locks in flavor. Remove and set aside.
  2. 2
    In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add onions, peppers, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in sofrito, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
  3. 3
    Add the browned oxtail back into the pot. Sprinkle in adobo, sazón, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to coat the meat in the seasoning mix.
  4. 4
    Pour in vinegar, beef broth (or water), and red wine if using. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the oxtail is fork-tender.
  5. 5
    In the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in carrots and potatoes. Simmer until the vegetables are cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  6. 6
    Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in chopped cilantro before serving. Pair with white rice, tostones, or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 480kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%
Sodium 620mg26%
Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 4g
Protein 38g76%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.