Ingredients
– 3 pounds beef oxtails
– 1 ½ pounds beef shank
– 20 cups water
– 3 tablespoons salt
– 6 garlic cloves
– 1 large onion
– 4 carrots
– 4 small red potatoes
– 4 celery stalks
– ½ large green cabbage
– 3 corn on the cob
– 2 Roma tomatoes
– 2 zucchinis
– 2 teaspoons ground coriander
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 2 teaspoons saffron
– Handful of fresh cilantro or parsley
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons black pepper
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 to 1.5 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
Instructions
First Step: Prepare the Meat: Pat dry the beef oxtail and beef shank pieces. Season with 2 tablespoons of salt and freshly ground black pepper. If desired, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large heavy stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the meat on all sides for 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the browned meat and set aside.
Second Step: Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onions, diced garlic, and sliced celery. Cook over medium heat for 9-10 minutes until softened and fragrant. If using tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, stir them in and cook briefly to integrate flavors.
Third Step: Deglaze and Add Liquids: Add beef broth or water to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor. Return oxtail, beef shank, and any bones to the pot. Add remaining water to ensure ingredients are submerged (totaling about 20 cups). Add optional bay leaf, thyme, and saffron if using.
Fourth Step: Simmer Slowly: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover loosely. Simmer gently for 2 ½ to 3 hours. Occasionally skim foam and excess fat from the surface for a clear broth. The meat should become tender and gelatinous.
Fifth Step: Add Vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, celery, cabbage, corn, tomatoes, and zucchinis. Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes until vegetables are tender but still hold shape.
Final Step: Season and Finish: Stir in ground coriander, additional salt to taste, freshly ground pepper, and fresh cilantro or parsley. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes to meld flavors. Optionally, remove meat from bones, shred, and return to the pot for easier serving. Serve hot with lime wedges or optional garnishes like salsa casera or bone marrow spread on warmed corn tortillas.
Last Step:
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🆙 Browning oxtails and beef shank prior to simmering deepens flavor and enhances broth color.
♨️ Slow cooking at low heat is essential for tender meat and the release of natural gelatin, producing a velvety broth.
🌿 Skimming foam and fat during cooking and after chilling improves clarity and reduces greasiness; refrigerate overnight so the fat solidifies on top and can be removed easily.
- Prep Time: 15 to 35 minutes
- Chilling Time: Overnight (optional)
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 511 - 843 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1079 - 2458 mg
- Fat: 20 - 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 - 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 - 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 - 28 g
- Fiber: 4 - 5 g
- Protein: 55 - 78 g
- Cholesterol: 166 - 230 mg
