Korean Oxtail Stew, is a very flavorful and filling dish. This dish is a great way to get friends and family around the table and is also a feast for the senses.
For anybody interested in delving deeper into Korean culinary traditions, this recipe is a must-try since it combines delicate oxtail with aromatic veggies and a rich, savory broth. Korean food is renowned for its hearty meals, vivid colors, and strong flavors.
Now let’s get into the specifics of making this mouthwatering stew.
Korean Oxtail Stew Ingredients
To prepare Korean Oxtail Stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Oxtail: Approximately 2-3 pounds, cut into chunks
Water: About 10 cups
Onion: 1 large, quartered
Garlic: 6-8 cloves, crushed
Ginger: A 2-inch piece, sliced
Carrots: 2 medium, cut into chunks
Daikon radish: 1 medium, cut into chunks
Green onions: 4-5 stalks, chopped
Soy sauce: 1/2 cup
Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
Salt: To taste
Black pepper: To taste
Red pepper flakes (gochugaru): Optional, for heat
Cooked rice: For serving
Korean Oxtail Stew Recipe
First, get the oxtail ready. Rinse the parts in cold water to get rid of any contaminants. This is the critical stage in producing a clear broth. Once the oxtail has been cleaned, put it in a big pot and add water to cover it. Heat it up to a boil on high power. After it reaches a boil, lower the heat and simmer it for ten minutes or so. This first boiling aids in removing contaminants and extra fat.
Once simmered, remove the oxtail and give it another thorough rinse with cold water. This will guarantee that there is no extra grease in your stew and that it has a rich, clean flavor.
Creating the Flavor Base
Heat the sesame oil in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced ginger, crushed garlic, and quartered onion. These aromatics should be sautéed for around 5 minutes, or until they are fragrant and start to caramelize. This process creates a strong taste foundation for your stew.
When the aromatics are ready, return the oxtail and ten cups of fresh water to the pot. Once more, bring this mixture to a boil. Skim off any froth that rises to the surface as it boils up; this will keep your broth clean.
Including Vegetables
When boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the daikon radish and carrots. These veggies contribute to the dish’s heartiness as well as taste. Daikon radish holds special significance in Korean cuisine as its subtle sweetness melds well with the oxtail’s richness.
For roughly two hours, boil the mixture slowly while covered. Tender, fall-off-the-bone meat is produced by breaking down the collagen in the oxtail during low and slow cooking.
Adding Seasoning to the Stew
Once the stew has simmered for two hours, season it. Once you’ve added the soy sauce, taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Soy sauce enhances the color of your broth and gives it depth and umami.
You can now add red pepper flakes if you want your food a little spicy. Gochugaru, or Korean red pepper flakes, may give your stew a gorgeous color in addition to spice.
Simmer the oxtail for a further hour or until it reaches fork-tender consistency. Your broth will get more flavorful the longer it cooks.
Last Words
When the stew is almost done, finely cut the fresh green onions and reserve them for garnish. They will give your stew a crisp newness that perfectly balances its hearty characteristics.
Taste again to see if the seasoning needs to be adjusted once everything is cooked through and soft. To taste, you might wish to add a bit extra salt or soy sauce.
See also: Oven baked chicken curry
Serving Suggestions
Korean Oxtail Stew is traditionally served over a bowl of steamed rice or alongside it. In addition to absorbing some of that mouthwatering soup, the rice perfectly counterbalances the richness of the oxtail.
Spoon large amounts of stew into dishes; garnish with finely chopped green onions for a pop of freshness. For a true Korean experience, you can also serve the kimchi separately.
Drinks to Go with Oxtail Stew
Consider these traditional cocktails to go with Korean Oxtail Stew, as they enhance its complex flavors:
Soju is a well-liked distilled alcohol from Korea that tastes good either undiluted or combined with fruit liquids.
Makgeolli is a classic Korean rice wine that pairs nicely with salty foods due to its somewhat sweet flavor.
Beer: To go with this meaty stew, a light lager or pale ale can be refreshing.
Success Advice
To further improve your Korean Oxtail Stew:
Marinate: Before cooking, let your oxtail sit overnight in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
Option for Slow Cooker: After sautéing your aromatics, you may move everything into a slow cooker if you’d rather not to get too involved. Cook for four hours on high or eight hours on low.
Storage: You may freeze leftover stew for up to three months or keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days when kept in an airtight container.
Garnishes: For added taste and presentation, think about adding extra garnishes like sliced chile peppers or sesame seeds.
Korean Oxtail Soup Benefits
Korean Oxtail Soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides several nutritional benefits:
Protein-Rich: Oxtails are an excellent source of protein which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Collagen Boost: The collagen released during cooking supports skin health and joint function.
Vitamins from Vegetables: Carrots and daikon radish are packed with vitamins A and C while contributing fiber to your diet.
Cultural Importance
In Korea, stews such as gukbap are frequently savored on special occasions or with family. They are a great dish to share with loved ones on chilly winter nights or during festive seasons since they represent coziness and warmth. Every bowl is distinct in its own right because so many families have their own variations that have been passed down through the generations.
In summary
With each taste, Korean Oxtail Stew transforms from a dish into an experience that is hearty and comforting. Tender meat, savory broth, and filling veggies come together to create a memorable dish that’s ideal to enjoy with loved ones.
About 30 minutes are needed for preparation, and three hours are needed for cooking (including simmering). Savor this delicious dish that perfectly captures the spirit of comfort food from Korea!
