Description

This Smoked Oxtail recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tenderness with bold smoky flavor and rich spices. Smoked low and slow, the oxtail becomes luxuriously juicy and deeply satisfying—a soulful BBQ dish perfect for weekend feasts, family dinners, or entertaining. Whether cooked on a pellet grill or electric smoker, this recipe guarantees unforgettable flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Oxtails:

3 to 4 lbs oxtail pieces, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)

Optional Basting Sauce:

1/2 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Season the Oxtails: Rub oxtail pieces with olive oil and coat generously with spice mix. Marinate overnight if desired.
Preheat Smoker: Set smoker to 250°F (120°C) using hickory, oak, or cherry wood.
Smoke Uncovered: Place oxtails on smoker grates or a rack over a pan. Smoke uncovered for 3 hours.
Wrap and Braise: Transfer oxtails to a foil pan, add basting sauce, cover tightly, and return to smoker. Cook 2–3 hours more until fork-tender (internal temp ~200°F).
Rest and Serve: Let rest 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy with sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, or collard greens.

Notes

Choose meaty oxtail cuts with less exposed bone for best results.
Trim excess fat but keep some for moisture and flavor.
Wrapping oxtails in foil with liquid ensures tenderness.
Cook low and slow—patience is key for collagen breakdown.
Try regional twists: Caribbean with Scotch bonnet, Tex-Mex with lime and cilantro, or glazed with BBQ sauce in the last 30 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Smoked
Cuisine: Soul Food / BBQ

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 510
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 790mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Smoked Oxtail, BBQ Oxtail Recipe, Soul Food Oxtails, Pellet Grill Oxtail, Smoker Oxtail Recipe