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rabo encendido with white rice.
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5 from 15 votes

Rabo Encendido (Cuban Oxtail)

This rabo encendido is loaded with beef oxtails, potatoes, carrots, and spices. A hearty Cuban classic dish that is comforting and packed with flavor.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time3 hours 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cuban
Servings: 4
Calories: 1189kcal

Equipment

  • Heavy Bottom Pot

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs Beef Oxtails trimmed
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 potatoes peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp sofrito
  • 6 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp vino seco dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp sazon
  • 1/4 cup olives pitted (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • oil

Instructions

  • Trim off any excess fat off the beef oxtails and season them generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
  • Add oil to a large heavy bottom pot and heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the oxtails for 4 minutes on each side. Don't overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if needed.
  • Remove the oxtails from the pot and set them aside and reduce the heat to medium-low.
  • Add the onions, sofrito, and peppers and cook until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 10 seconds. Add the tomato paste and cook for 20 seconds.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce, vino seco, cumin, olives, oregano, chili powder, bay leaf, and sazon.
  • Place the beef oxtails back in the pot and cover with chicken stock. Increase the heat to high and let it come to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, cover and cook for 1 hour. Uncover and gently stir the oxtails so they don't stick to the bottom of the pot. Cover and cook for an additional 1 1/2 hours. Add 2-3 cups of water if needed, potatoes, and carrots.
  • Cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the carrots and potatoes are fork tender. Discard any excell oil. Check for seasoning and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 1189kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 142g | Fat: 62g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 29g | Cholesterol: 499mg | Sodium: 1457mg | Potassium: 457mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5598IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 20mg