Oxtail Soup
How to Make Nourishing Oxtail Soup with Pasture-Raised Oxtail from Rancher's Daughter's Reserve
Growing up, my mom always had a big pot of soup or stew simmering on the stove. The rich, nourishing aroma of slow-cooked bones filled our home, creating an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. One of my dad’s favorites was oxtail soup, especially during the cooler months. This recipe brings those same flavors of my childhood to your kitchen, with the added bonus of using 100% pasture-raised oxtail from Rancher's Daughter's Reserve, infusing the dish with a special touch of Kaua’i ranch life and culture.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This oxtail soup combines rich, savory flavors with the subtle fragrance of star anise and ginger, creating a deeply satisfying broth. The slow-cooked oxtail becomes tender and succulent, while the optional peanuts add a delightful nutty flavor. The soup is perfect for the cooler seasons, warming you from the inside out. Fresh kai choy and optional vegetables add a healthy balance to this hearty dish. Whether you’re familiar with oxtail or new to it, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients:
2 lbs. pasture-raised oxtail from Rancher's Daughter's Reserve
8 cups water or beef bone broth
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, thinly sliced
2 star anise
1 tbsp Hawaiian salt or sea salt (or to taste)
1 whole kai choy (Chinese mustard greens), chopped
1/2 cup shelled raw peanuts (optional)
3 carrots, chopped (optional)
3 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped (optional)
1 orange peel (optional)
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
2-3 green onions, chopped for garnish
Long rice (optional)
Hot rice (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the oxtail: Wash your oxtail thoroughly under running water. For a cleaner broth, parboil the oxtail by boiling in water for about 30 minutes, then drain the pot and rinse the oxtail with fresh water.
Start the broth: Clean the pot, return the oxtail, and cover with water or beef bone broth until it reaches about an inch above the bones (approximately 8 cups). Add the ginger, star anise, salt, and orange peel (optional). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer for one hour.
Add the peanuts: After one hour of simmering, add the shelled raw peanuts (if using) to infuse the broth with a subtle, nutty flavor. Cover and simmer for another 2-3 hours, until the oxtail is tender and falling off the bone.
Add vegetables: After 2-3 hours, add the harder vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes (if using). Let them cook until tender. Then, add the kai choy and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Finish and serve: Once everything is tender and flavorful, remove from heat and serve the oxtail soup in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, and, if desired, long rice. Serve with a side of hot rice for an even more comforting meal.
Substitutions You Can Try
Oxtail Substitute: If oxtail isn't available, beef shank, short ribs, or lamb shank work as alternative cuts.
Peanuts Substitute: Omit the peanuts, or use cooked barley if you prefer a different texture.
Kai Choy Substitute: Try bok choy, kale, or spinach as leafy green options.
Orange Peel Substitute: Lemon peel can offer a similar citrusy note if you don’t have orange peel on hand.
The Benefits of Using 100% Pasture-Raised, Grass-Fed Beef
Our oxtail comes from 100% pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle raised on open Kaua’i pastures. Grass-fed beef is higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals compared to grain-fed alternatives. The slow cooking of oxtail releases gelatin and collagen from the bones, which are excellent for gut health, joint mobility, and skin. The beef from Rancher's Daughter's Reserve is antibiotic- and hormone-free, offering a healthier and more sustainable option for your table.
Why Supporting Local Matters
By choosing to buy local, you not only support small businesses but also reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy fresher, higher-quality food. At Rancher's Daughter's Reserve, we take pride in sustainable ranching methods passed down through generations. Every purchase helps sustain these traditions, supports the local economy, and nurtures the land in responsible ways. It’s a full-circle experience that brings the best of Kaua’i to your table, while benefiting both the environment and our community.
There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting down to a warm, homemade oxtail soup made with fresh, pasture-raised ingredients. Stop by Minnie’s Mercantile, our little ranch market, to pick up your oxtail today, or you can Reserve your Oxtail here and pick up at Minnie’s. We are open Thursday and Friday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy a dish that nourishes both your body and soul.