cooking under pressure: hearty oxtail stock

17 Pinches 19 Photos
Wichita, KS
Updated on Sep 5, 2019

As I write this, September has just ushered itself onto the world’s stage, and the temps seem unable to pin themselves down to a certain number… Some days are warm; while others are cool. But, heed my words, Autumn is on the way, and with it, shorter days and cooler temperatures are not a possibility, but an absolute certainty. Time to drag out those heavy pots, and make hardy, comforting stocks for all those great casseroles, soups, and stews you are going to be crafting. FYI That photo is my Hungarian Goulash, made with this recipe. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

prep time 10 Min
cook time 4 Hr
method Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot
yield Several

Ingredients

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • 3 pounds oxtail bones
  • 3 quarts filtered water
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 3 stalks celery, cut into diagonal slices
  • 1 large carrots, peeled, and cut into diagonal slices
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, rough chop
  • 1 large leek, rough chop, just the white parts
  • 1 tablespoon toasted fennel seeds
  • 1/2 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt, kosher variety

How To Make cooking under pressure: hearty oxtail stock

  • Step 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • Step 2
    For this recipe, you will need a pressure cooker, or an Instant Pot.
  • Step 3
    Why Oxtails? Oxtail bones are rich in collagen, and that is what is needed to make this recipe. We are not looking for meat, we want collagen-rich bones. Remember, meat is for broth, bones are for stock. In truth, you could use other beef bones for this recipe, but oxtail bones give the stock a richer depth of flavor.
  • Step 4
    FYI: Most “oxtails” are not actually oxtails. They are simply cow’s tails. But, over the years of using real oxtails, the name stuck. And, now you know the rest of the story.
  • Step 5
    Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
  • Step 6
    Place a rack in the upper position and preheat the oven to 400f (205c).
  • Step 7
    Rinse the bones, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Step 8
    Place in the preheated oven until they are nice and browned, about 40 - 50 minutes.
  • Step 9
    While they are baking, add three quarts of filtered water, and the vinegar, to the bowl of your pressure cooker, and use your device settings to bring the water up to a boil.
  • Step 10
    Chef’s Note: If your pressure cooker cannot do this then add the water and vinegar to a large pot, put it on the stovetop, and bring to the boil.
  • Step 11
    When the oxtails are finished, add them to the boiling water, and bring down to a simmer.
  • Step 12
    Skim for floating scum that rises to the top, until the surface is clear, about 20 – 30 minutes.
  • Step 13
    If you are using a separate pot, transfer the contents; including the liquid, to the pressure cooker, and continue to the next step.
  • Step 14
    Lock down the top, set the pressure cooker to high, and cook for 90 minutes.
  • Step 15
    Make sure the pressure is released, open the lid, and add all the remaining ingredients.
  • Step 16
    Lock down the lid, set the pressure cooker to high, and cook for an additional 90 minutes.
  • Step 17
    After 90 minutes, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 40 minutes.
  • Step 18
    Pour the liquid though a fine mesh strainer; discarding the solids.
  • Step 19
    Allow to cool, and then store in the fridge, using tightly sealed containers, until ready for use.
  • Step 20
    Chef’s Tip: This stock can also be frozen.
  • Step 21
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • So yummy
    Step 22
    Use it in soups, stews, casseroles, anywhere you need a good hardy stock. Like my super yummy Hungarian Goulash. Enjoy.
  • Stud Muffin
    Step 23
    Keep the faith and keep cooking.

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