Oxtail is a staple in Southern cuisine, known for its rich and flavorful meat that falls right off the bone. This delicious cut of beef is often overlooked, but it's actually one of the most versatile and delicious meats you can cook with. Whether you're looking for a hearty, comforting meal or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, this Southern oxtail recipe is sure to please. So let's dive in and learn how to cook this delectable dish.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
One of the most essential dishes in Southern cuisine is cornbread, and this recipe for Southern skillet cornbread is sure to be a hit. Made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, this cornbread is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. It's the perfect side dish for any meal, especially when served with a generous slathering of butter. Plus, this recipe is made in a cast iron skillet, giving it that classic Southern touch.
This classic Southern dish is all about the layers of flavor. Tender chicken is smothered in a savory gravy made from onions, garlic, and spices. This dish is typically served over rice, but it's also delicious served with mashed potatoes or over a bed of buttery biscuits. It's a hearty and comforting dish that will soon become a family favorite.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine and for good reason. These hearty greens are packed with nutrients and have a satisfying and slightly bitter flavor. In this recipe, they are cooked with bacon, onions, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a delicious and flavorful side dish. Serve them alongside your favorite Southern main dishes for a well-rounded meal.
Cornbread dressing is a must-have side dish for any Southern holiday meal. This recipe combines traditional Southern cornbread with onions, celery, and herbs to create a flavorful and moist dressing. It's the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham. Plus, it's so delicious, you'll want to make it year-round.
Oxtails may not be the most common cut of meat, but they are a Southern delicacy. In this recipe, the oxtails are slow cooked with onions, garlic, and spices until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with rice or mashed potatoes. It may take some time to cook, but the end result is well worth the wait.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of warm and flaky biscuits. This recipe uses a combination of butter and shortening to create biscuits that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. They are perfect for slathering with butter and jam or using to mop up the juices from your main dish.
Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and this Southern version takes it to the next level. Made with a combination of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, this mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy. It's the perfect side dish for any Southern meal, and it's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
For a slightly different take on classic mac and cheese, try this Southern baked mac and cheese recipe. This version is made with a creamy and tangy cheese sauce that is then baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping. The result is a decadent and delicious mac and cheese that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
No Southern dessert table is complete without a pecan pie, and these bars are a great twist on the classic. The buttery shortbread crust is topped with a rich and gooey pecan filling that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, they are much easier to make than a traditional pie, making them perfect for entertaining or a quick treat.
Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is perfect for showcasing fresh, juicy peaches. In this recipe, the peaches are baked with a buttery biscuit topping, creating a warm and comforting dessert. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and this classic recipe is a great way to enjoy them. The greens are cooked with bacon, onions, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a slightly tangy and flavorful dish. Serve them as a side or add some protein, like smoked ham or sausage, to make it a hearty main dish.
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread that is perfect for snacking or adding to sandwiches. Made with a combination of cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos, this spread is creamy, tangy, and oh-so-delicious. Serve it with crackers, veggies, or spread it on a sandwich for a taste of the South.
Cabbage may not be the most glamorous vegetable, but when cooked Southern-style, it becomes a flavorful and comforting side dish. In this recipe, the cabbage is cooked with bacon, onions, and seasonings, giving it a hearty and savory flavor. It's a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meals and is a perfect side for any Southern main dish.
Simple but delicious, Southern cornbread is a staple in any Southern household. This recipe uses a combination of cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk to create a slightly sweet and crumbly cornbread. Serve it with a bowl of chili or a hearty soup for the ultimate Southern comfort food.
Sausage gravy is a Southern breakfast favorite, and this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Made with a rich and creamy gravy and chunks of savory sausage, this dish is perfect for serving over warm biscuits. It's a hearty and satisfying way to start your day.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that is perfect for serving with fried fish or seafood. These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are easy to make and always a hit with both kids and adults.
Squash casserole is a quintessential Southern side dish that is perfect for using up all those summer squash from your garden. This recipe combines yellow squash with onions, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping for a dish that is both creamy and crunchy. It's a great way to add some veggies to your meal in a delicious and satisfying way.
Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish, but this Southern fried corn takes it to the next level. In this recipe, the corn is cut off the cob and sautéed with onions, bacon, and seasonings for a flavorful and savory dish. It's a great way to switch up your usual corn on the cob routine.
Shrimp and grits are a classic Southern dish that is perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. In this recipe, the grits are cooked with butter and cheddar cheese, and then topped with plump and juicy shrimp cooked with bacon, onions, and spices. It's a dish that is full of flavor and is sure to impress.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and this Southern-style version is a must-try. Made with a creamy and cheesy sauce, this dish is baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping for a delicious and indulgent side dish. It's perfect for serving at potlucks, holidays, or any time you're craving some good old-fashioned comfort food.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Southern Cornbread is a classic dish that is a staple in Southern cooking. Made with cornmeal, buttermilk, and eggs, this recipe creates a deliciously moist and fluffy cornbread that pairs perfectly with any meal. But for a twist on this classic dish, try making Southern Skillet Cornbread. Cooking the cornbread in a cast iron skillet gives it a crispy exterior and a soft, buttery middle. It's the perfect side dish for any meal, especially when served with some smothered chicken.
Southern Smothered Chicken is a comfort food favorite. This dish consists of tender chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. The key to making this dish stand out is to season the chicken with a blend of spices and brown it in a cast iron skillet before smothering it in the gravy. This adds a delicious depth of flavor to the dish and makes it a true Southern classic.
Cornbread dressing is a must-have dish at any Southern holiday gathering. This savory dish is made with crumbled cornbread, herbs, and spices, and can be customized with your choice of meat and veggies. For a traditional Southern twist, try adding some smoked sausage to your dressing. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the cornbread and adds a delicious depth to the dish.
Collard greens are a Southern staple, and for good reason. These leafy greens are packed with nutrients and are full of flavor. For a traditional Southern preparation, try cooking your collard greens with some ham hocks and apple cider vinegar. The ham hocks add a delicious smoky flavor, while the vinegar helps to cut through the richness of the greens. Serve with some cornbread for the ultimate Southern meal.
Oxtails are a lesser-known cut of meat that is popular in Southern cooking. These meaty and flavorful tails are often braised or slow-cooked to create tender and delicious dishes. For a classic Southern preparation, try making Southern Smothered Oxtails. This dish consists of oxtails cooked in a rich gravy until they are falling off the bone. Serve with some flaky Southern biscuits for a hearty and comforting meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
Biscuits are a staple in Southern cuisine and are a must-have at any meal. These flaky and buttery biscuits are made with a combination of flour, butter, and buttermilk, and are baked until they are golden brown. For an extra special touch, try adding some grated cheddar cheese to your dough. This adds a delicious cheesy flavor and makes these biscuits even more irresistible.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. But for a Southern twist on this dish, try making Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This recipe uses a blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese for a creamy and flavorful dish. Top it off with some crumbled bacon for a salty and crispy addition that takes this dish to the next level.
Another variation of the classic mac and cheese dish is Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. This recipe uses a creamy and cheesy sauce made with a blend of colby and Monterey Jack cheese. The dish is then topped with a crispy breadcrumb and butter topping for added texture and flavor. It's the perfect side dish for any meal and will leave your taste buds satisfied.
Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert that is a must-have at any gathering. But instead of making a whole pie, try making Southern Pecan Pie Bars. These bars have all the delicious flavors of a pecan pie but in a handheld form. The crust is made with a blend of flour and chopped pecans, and the filling is a rich and gooey mixture of eggs, corn syrup, and brown sugar. They are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is perfect for summertime. Made with fresh peaches and a flaky crust, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. For a delicious twist, try adding some cinnamon and nutmeg to your filling. These warm spices add a delicious depth of flavor and make this dessert even more irresistible.
Collard greens are a classic side dish in Southern cuisine and are often served alongside other traditional dishes. To make them extra special, try cooking them with some smoked turkey legs and apple cider vinegar. The smoky flavor from the turkey legs pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the vinegar, making these collard greens a standout dish.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern spread that is perfect for snacking or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. To make it extra special, try making your own pimento peppers to use in the recipe. These homemade peppers have a delicious smoky flavor that takes this cheese spread to the next level. Serve with some crackers or vegetables for a tasty and easy appetizer.
Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that is often used in Southern cooking. To make it extra special, try cooking it with some bacon and onions. The bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor, while the onions add a touch of sweetness. This dish pairs perfectly with any Southern meal and is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet.
Sausage gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish that is perfect for a lazy weekend morning. Made with breakfast sausage, flour, and milk, this dish is rich and creamy and is typically served over warm biscuits. For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some ground black pepper and cayenne pepper to your gravy.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a delicious snack. For a classic Southern cornbread recipe, try using a cast iron skillet to achieve a crispy and golden crust. Serve with some honey butter for a sweet and savory treat.
Hush puppies are a popular Southern side dish that is often served with seafood. These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. For a delicious twist, try adding some finely chopped jalapenos to your batter. The spicy kick adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the cornmeal.
Fried corn is a delicious and easy side dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Made with canned or frozen corn, butter, and seasonings, this dish is a tasty way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. For a healthier option, try using olive oil instead of butter to cook your corn. Either way, it's a delicious and versatile side dish.
Squash casserole is a popular Southern dish that is often served at potlucks and family gatherings. Made with yellow squash, onions, and cheese, this casserole is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. For a delicious twist, try adding some crumbled Ritz crackers on top for an extra crunch.
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that is often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. Made with stone-ground grits, shrimp, and a rich and flavorful gravy, this dish is a true comfort food. For an extra special touch, try using some andouille sausage in your gravy for a spicy kick.
Mac and cheese is a beloved dish in Southern cuisine, and it's not hard to see why. This creamy and cheesy dish is the ultimate comfort food. For a delicious twist, try using three different types of cheese in your mac and cheese. A combination of sharp cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan creates a delicious and unique flavor profile that will have your taste buds singing.
The Secret to Perfect Southern Oxtail
Choosing the Right Oxtail
When it comes to cooking any dish, the quality of your ingredients is crucial. For the best results, it's important to choose high-quality oxtail from a reputable source. Look for cuts that are evenly sized, with a good amount of meat on the bone. This will ensure that your oxtail is tender and full of flavor.
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
One of the keys to a delicious Southern oxtail recipe is marinating the meat beforehand. This helps to infuse the oxtail with flavor and tenderize the meat. For this recipe, we recommend marinating the oxtail in a mixture of red wine, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better.
Cooking Low and Slow
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, it's important to cook the oxtail low and slow. This means cooking it at a low temperature for a longer period of time. This allows the meat to become tender and fall off the bone, while also allowing the flavors to fully develop. We recommend cooking your oxtail for at least 3 hours, but longer if possible.
Thickening the Sauce
The sauce in this Southern oxtail recipe is what ties everything together. It's rich, flavorful, and the perfect consistency to coat the meat. To achieve this, we recommend adding a roux to the sauce towards the end of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce and give it a velvety texture.
The Perfect Accompaniments
Now that you have your perfectly cooked oxtail, it's time to think about what to serve it with. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, but we recommend keeping it simple and Southern. Some great options include creamy mashed potatoes, collard greens, and cornbread. These sides will not only complement the flavors of the oxtail, but they also add a touch of comfort to the meal.
Ready to Try This Southern Oxtail Recipe?
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for cooking the perfect Southern oxtail, it's time to get in the kitchen and try it out for yourself. This dish is sure to become a staple in your Southern cooking repertoire and will impress anyone lucky enough to try it. So grab your ingredients, turn on some good music, and get cooking!