One of the reasons I love blogging is that I learn so many things from my readers. And the questions I receive always challenge me to create better and easier recipes. A while ago I received a request to develop an easier oxtail soup recipe. I had published my mom’s oxtail soup recipe a long time ago. I read the recipe again when I received the request. Oh my, the cooking process for that dish does look super complicated in retrospect.
Cooking notes
(1) Easy prepping and cooking
That’s why I decided to improve the recipe immediately and make a simplified version. This version has quite a few benefits:
It doesn’t require you to brown or par-boil the oxtails before braising. It doesn’t require you to transfer the soup to another pot. Cooking time is shortened. You don’t need to monitor the cooking. Simply set it and forget it.
I’m sure you’re wondering about the results. I guarantee it tastes just as great as the original version.
(2) Benefits of a pressure cooker
When I make braised meat or stew on the stovetop, I usually brown the meat to seal in the juices and make the meat taste richer. This is not the case when using the pressure cooker. The pressure cooker raises the boiling point of the water in the pot. The extra-high heat not only speeds up the cooking process, but also promotes caramelization and browning in a different way. Yes! Your beef will be caramelized in the liquid and it will result in a deep and complex flavor without browning the meat.
(4) Semi-quick release
You can use the natural release method for this recipe. But if you’re in a hurry, you can use the semi-quick release method. Simply wait for 10 minutes to let the pressure to release naturally for a bit, then switch to quick release.
(5) Add veggies later
I always add the veggies after cooking the meat to get the perfect texture. Since oxtails take a long time to cook, the veggies will melt into the soup if you add them at the beginning. That’s it! This recipe is really simple and hassle-free. I wouldn’t mind cooking it on a busy weekday evening. The oxtails will come out buttery-tender and rich and the soup very hearty. Serve it with a bowl of steamed rice or some toasted bread and dinner will be ready in no time.
More pressure cooker (Instant Pot) recipes
Pressure Cooker Curry Beef Stew Instant Pot Eggs (Perfect Hard-Boiled & Soft-Boiled Eggs) Asian-Style Instant Pot Pulled Pork Instant Pot Congee Asian Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
If you give this recipe a try, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it (once you’ve tried it), and take a picture and tag it @omnivorescookbook on Instagram! I’d love to see what you come up with.
