What To Serve With Oxtails (24+ BEST Sides!)

Are you looking for ideas for what to serve with oxtails? 

Welcome, you’ve come to the right place! 

Traditionally, oxtail was considered a staple of working-class diets, especially during the winter months.

It made its way into hearty stews and soups, providing a rich, meaty flavour.

In the UK, this tradition can be traced back to the popularity of oxtail soup in the London taverns of the 17th century.

Its use has since spread globally, influenced by a variety of culinary cultures, each adapting it to their unique flavour profiles.

But if you’re making it today, what side dishes work best? 

Here’s the short answer… 

The best choices for what to serve with oxtails include jasmine and basmati rice, mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, dumplings, steamed greens, roasted veggies, crisp garden salad, crusty bread, cornbread, stewed beans, and chickpea salad. 

Let’s take a look at some more ideas and serving suggestions… 

Starchy Side Dishes

Starchy side dishes provide a lovely balance to the rich flavour of oxtails, absorbing the sauce and complementing its hearty nature.

You’ll find these options offer a satisfying counterpoint to your main dish, from rice to potatoes and dumplings.

Rice Varieties

When it comes to rice, you have a plethora of delightful choices.

For instance, jasmine rice offers a subtly sweet aroma, while basmati rice brings a nutty essence and long, slender grains.

Also consider using:

• Brown rice: It’s a whole grain option that is healthier due to more fibre.
• Wild rice: It gives a rustic and earthy tone that pairs well with oxtails.

Potato Dishes

Potatoes are incredibly versatile and serve as an excellent starchy side.

You can enjoy them in the form of:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and smooth, ideal for soaking up the oxtail gravy.
• Roasted potatoes: With a crispy exterior and fluffy inside, they’re a textural delight.

Try seasoning your potatoes with herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance their flavour.

Dumplings

Dumplings are a comforting addition to oxtail and can be enjoyed in a variety of styles.

Traditional options include:

• Caribbean dumplings: They are often boiled and served alongside the stew.
• European-style dumplings: Such as German knödel or Polish kluski, which can be boiled and sometimes pan-fried for extra texture.

Vegetable Accompaniments

Choosing the right vegetable sides can enhance the rich flavours of oxtails.

Opting for a balance of textures and colours makes your plate more appealing, so it’s a great avenue to explore when it comes to what to serve with oxtails. 

Steamed Greens

Steam a selection of greens such as kale, spring greens, or cabbage to add a vibrant touch to your dish.

These greens offer a gentle bitterness that complements the savoury oxtail.

For added flavour, toss them with a bit of butter and a pinch of salt.

Roasted Vegetables

• Carrots: Season with thyme; roast until tender.
• Parsnips: Slice and roast with honey glaze.
• Butternut Squash: Cube and roast with a sprinkling of nutmeg.

Roasting these vegetables caramelises their natural sugars, bringing a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the hearty oxtails.

Garden Salads

A garden salad is a great light choice for what to serve with oxtails.

Use ingredients like:

• Mixed leaves such as rocket, spinach, or watercress
• Add-ins like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion

Dress your salad lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to keep things fresh and not overpower the main dish.

Breads and Grains

Choosing the right breads and grains to accompany your oxtails can enhance your dining experience.

These options provide a delightful texture contrast and a way to soak up the rich sauce.

Crusty Bread

You’ll find crusty bread to be a superb choice for scooping up the succulent oxtail gravy.

A French baguette or a crusty sourdough loaf, sliced, lets you fully appreciate the deep flavours in your oxtail dish.

Cornbread

A slice of warm, buttery cornbread serves as a comforting side.

Its slight sweetness balances the savoury depth of the oxtails.

You could serve it as is or perhaps add a touch of honey for a sweet twist.

Quinoa and Couscous

For a lighter but equally satisfying alternative, consider quinoa or couscous.

• Quinoa offers a nutritious boost, rich in protein and with a pleasing, slightly nutty taste.
  

  Quinoa Type	Cooking Time	Note
  White	~15 mins	Fluffy texture, mild flavour
  Red	~15-20 mins	Crunchier texture, more pronounced taste

• Couscous is a fine choice for soaking up gravy and is especially quick to prepare.
  1. Boil water or broth.
  2. Add couscous and cover.
  3. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Beans and Legumes

Pairing oxtails with beans and legumes offers a comforting and hearty complement to the rich flavours of the meat.

These high-fibre sides can absorb the oxtail’s succulent gravy, enhancing the overall taste profile of your meal.

Stewed Beans

For a traditional pairing, you can’t go wrong with stewed beans.

Butter beans or kidney beans are particularly good choices.

Simmer them slowly with aromatic herbs like thyme, garlic, and a bay leaf to infuse the beans with depth of flavour that complements oxtail’s robustness.

Lentil Dishes

Lentils, with their earthy taste, balance the savoury intensity of oxtails exquisitely.

You might want to try green or Puy lentils, which keep their shape and texture after cooking — ideal for adding structure to your plate.

• How to Serve:
  1. Cook lentils in a mixture of stock and red wine.
  2. Stir through some diced carrots and celery for added crunch.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of balsamic vinegar before serving.

Chickpea Salads

A refreshing chickpea salad can lighten your oxtail meal.

Use crunchy vegetables like cucumbers and peppers, and dress the salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

This coolness provides a pleasing contrast to the warm and tender oxtail.

Sauces and Gravies

When enjoying oxtails, enriching your dish with the right sauce or gravy can elevate the meal to new heights.

The slow-cooked richness of oxtails pairs wonderfully with a variety of sauces and gravies that complement the meat’s robust flavour.

Red Wine Gravy:
To add a touch of sophistication, prepare a red wine gravy.

• Begin by sautéing shallots in butter until translucent.
• Then, stir in a tablespoon of plain flour to create a roux.
• Gradually pour in a generous splash of red wine and beef stock, whisking until the gravy thickens.
• Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Classic Brown Gravy:
A classic brown gravy is a failsafe option.

• Start with the pan drippings from your oxtails.
• Blend in plain flour to the drippings to form a base.
• Whisk in beef stock and cook until the gravy reaches a silky consistency.
• For added depth, mix in a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

Spicy Tomato Sauce:
For a zesty kick, consider a spicy tomato sauce.

• Heat oil in a pan and add minced garlic and chopped onions until softened.
• Stir through chopped tomatoes, a bit of chilli powder, and a touch of cumin.
• Let simmer until it reduces down to a rich, thick sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Remember to keep your sauce and gravy warm until ready to serve, ensuring the perfect complement to your tender, flavourful oxtails.

Beverage Pairings

Choosing the right beverage can greatly enhance your enjoyment of oxtails.

The rich and hearty flavours pair well with a variety of drinks.

Red Wine Selections

• Bold Reds:
  • Tempranillo
  • Cabernet Sauvignon

These wines complement the robust taste of oxtails with their full-bodied nature and tannic structure.

Rich Stouts and Ales

• Dark Beer:
  • Stout
  • Porter

These beers, with their deep and malty profiles, match the intensity of the oxtail dish, providing a pleasing contrast.

Non-Alcoholic Options

• Decadent Choices:
  • Sparkling Grape Juice
  • Ginger Beer

These alcohol-free beverages offer a refreshing balance to the rich, savoury flavours on your plate.

What’s your favourite choice for what to serve with oxtails?

Share your ideas in the comments section below.  

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