Instant Pot Oxtail Soup – A Flavorful Comfort Food

Oxtail soup is one of those comforting, hearty dishes that fills your home with warmth and savory aromas. Traditionally slow-cooked for hours, it’s now made easier with the Instant Pot, delivering tender oxtail meat, rich broth, and a depth of flavors in a fraction of the time. 🍲

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting soup that’s packed with flavor, this Instant Pot Oxtail Soup is the perfect recipe to try. With tender oxtail, aromatic vegetables, and a satisfying broth, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds! 🥄

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious oxtail soup in the Instant Pot. ⏲️

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Oxtail Soup

✅ Tender, Fall-off-the-Bone Oxtail – The Instant Pot makes it easier than ever to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
✅ Rich, Flavorful Broth – A hearty, savory broth that’s perfect for dipping or sipping.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a cold winter day, a family dinner, or meal prepping, oxtail soup fits the bill.
✅ Quick & Easy with the Instant Pot – Get all the goodness of slow-cooked soup in a fraction of the time! ⏳

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

To make this flavorful oxtail soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Soup:

🥩 2-3 lbs of oxtail – The star of the show!
🧅 1 large onion, chopped – Adds a sweet, aromatic base.
🧄 4 garlic cloves, minced – For that rich garlic flavor.
🥕 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped – Adds a slight sweetness and color.
🥔 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed – To make the soup more filling and hearty.
🍅 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz) – For added depth and acidity.
🌿 2 bay leaves – Adds fragrance and flavor.
🌶️ 1 tablespoon of allspice – Brings warmth to the broth.
🌱 1 tablespoon thyme – A fresh, herbal note that compliments the oxtail.
🧂 Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning the soup.
💧 6 cups of beef broth – The base of your soup’s delicious, savory broth.
🍋 Juice of 1 lime (optional) – Adds a zesty brightness.

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💡 Substitutions & Variations

✔️ Beef short ribs – If you can’t find oxtail, beef short ribs work just as well and provide a similar rich flavor.
✔️ Vegetable broth – You can use vegetable broth if you’re aiming for a lighter soup or a vegetarian-friendly option.
✔️ Spices – Experiment with different spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
✔️ Add greens – Feel free to add spinach, kale, or collard greens for extra nutrients and color.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Sear the Oxtail

1️⃣ Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode.
2️⃣ Add a little oil to the pot and let it heat up.
3️⃣ Season the oxtail with salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Sear the oxtail in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned.
5️⃣ Once done, remove the oxtail and set it aside. This step locks in flavor! 😋

💡 Pro Tip: Searing the oxtail first creates a caramelized surface that deepens the flavor of the soup. Don’t skip this step!

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🥕 Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1️⃣ Add the chopped onions and garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
2️⃣ Toss in the carrots and potatoes, and sauté for another 2 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

💡 Pro Tip: Sautéing the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.

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🍅 Step 3: Add Liquids & Seasonings

1️⃣ Add the oxtail back to the pot along with the diced tomatoes.
2️⃣ Pour in the beef broth and give everything a quick stir.
3️⃣ Add the bay leaves, thyme, allspice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Stir everything together to ensure the flavors are well distributed.

💡 Pro Tip: Adding the broth last prevents splattering and ensures that your Instant Pot cooks everything evenly.

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⏲️ Step 4: Pressure Cook the Soup

1️⃣ Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing.
2️⃣ Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode and set the timer for 45 minutes on high pressure.
3️⃣ Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10–15 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure manually.

💡 Pro Tip: The natural release helps the oxtail continue cooking in the broth and makes the meat even more tender.

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🍲 Step 5: Final Touches

1️⃣ Once the pressure has fully released, open the Instant Pot and stir the soup.
2️⃣ Check the tenderness of the oxtail. If it’s not quite tender, you can pressure cook for an additional 10 minutes.
3️⃣ Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices.
4️⃣ Stir in the lime juice (optional) for a burst of freshness.

💡 Pro Tip: Oxtail is typically very fatty, so you can skim off any excess fat from the broth for a cleaner, leaner soup.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Oxtail Soup is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas for serving:

🍞 Serve with crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich, savory broth.
🥗 Pair with a fresh salad – A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.
🌶️ Top with hot sauce – Add a bit of spice if you love a kick.
🍚 Serve over rice – The soup pairs beautifully with a serving of white rice for a more filling meal.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

❄️ Fridge: Store the leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
🍲 Freezer: You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

🥄 Stovetop: Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
🥣 Microwave: Reheat in microwave-safe bowls, heating in 1–2 minute intervals.
🍲 Instant Pot: Reheat using the “Sauté” function on low heat, stirring occasionally.

💡 Pro Tip: The soup actually gets better with time, as the flavors have more time to meld together!

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make Oxtail Soup Without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make oxtail soup on the stove. Simply simmer the soup on low for 3–4 hours until the meat is tender. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker, which takes about 6–8 hours on low heat.

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2️⃣ Can I Use Frozen Oxtail?

Yes, you can use frozen oxtail in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it before cooking to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption. If you’re in a rush, you can cook from frozen, but the pressure cooking time may need to be extended by 10–15 minutes.

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3️⃣ Can I Add More Vegetables to the Soup?

Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, parsnips, or bell peppers for more variety and flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times to ensure everything is tender.

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4️⃣ What is the Best Way to Remove the Oxtail Meat?

Once the oxtail is cooked, the meat should fall off the bone easily. Use tongs or a fork to remove the meat from the bones, then shred or chop it before adding it back to the soup.

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🍲 Conclusion – Comfort in Every Bite

This Instant Pot Oxtail Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavors, tender meat, and a savory broth. 🍖 With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this hearty dish in less time, without sacrificing any of the traditional slow-cooked goodness.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to satisfy. Try it today, and let me know what you think! 😍🍲