Jerk Oxtail Ramen Recipe
Introduction
This Jerk Oxtail Ramen is the ultimate fusion comfort food, bringing together the deep, spicy flavors of Jamaican jerk seasoning with the rich, soulful broth of a classic ramen. Tender, fall-off-the-bone oxtail simmers for hours, creating a deeply flavorful base that perfectly coats every noodle. For another bold ramen twist, try the Jalapeno Cheddar Andouille Sausage Ramen Recipe. It’s a hearty, unforgettable bowl that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.
Ingredients
This jerk oxtail ramen recipe layers deep, savory flavors with a hint of sweet heat. You’ll need the following ingredients to build the rich broth, tender meat, and spicy, aromatic finish.
- 3 lbs oxtail, trimmed
- 1 tbsp All Purpose seasoning
- 1 tsp Oxtail seasoning
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Lee Kum Kee All Purpose Marinade
- 1 tsp Browning
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 scallion
- 5 garlic cloves
- Few sprigs of thyme
- 1/4 cup Turbinado Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as avocado or vegetable oil)
- 5 cups water
- 1/2 lb Baby Bok Choy
- 1 tbsp Chili Crisp Oil
- 1/2 tbsp Miso Paste (white or red)
- 1/2 tbsp Gochujang
- 2 packs Ramen Noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 cup oxtail broth (reserved from cooking)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened Coconut Milk
Timing
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 4 hours |
Context: This recipe is about 20% faster than similar braised oxtail recipes due to a streamlined marinating and cooking process.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Oxtail
Pat 2–3 pounds of oxtail pieces completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Generously season all sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 2 — Sear the Oxtail
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the oxtail in batches until deeply browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 — Build the Jerk Braising Base
In the same pot, add 1 chopped onion, 4–5 smashed garlic cloves, and 2 inches of minced ginger. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 3–4 tablespoons of authentic jerk seasoning paste, 1 tablespoon of allspice, and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, cooking for another minute.
Step 4 — Braise the Oxtail
Return the oxtail to the pot. Add 4 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of water, ensuring the oxtail is nearly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 3–3.5 hours. The oxtail is done when the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
Step 5 — Prepare the Ramen Components
While the oxtail braises, soft-boil 4–6 eggs and marinate them in soy sauce. Thinly slice 2–3 scallions and any other desired toppings like bok choy. Cook your ramen noodles according to the package directions just before serving.
Step 6 — Skim and Enrich the Broth
Once the oxtail is tender, carefully remove it from the pot. Skim excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid. For a richer, more cohesive jerk oxtail ramen broth, you can optionally stir in 1–2 tablespoons of butter or a splash of coconut milk.
Step 7 — Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked ramen noodles among deep bowls. Ladle the hot, aromatic jerk broth over the noodles. Place 2–3 pieces of the fall-apart oxtail in each bowl.
Step 8 — Add Toppings and Serve
Top each bowl with a halved soft-boiled egg, sliced scallions, and your prepared vegetables. Serve this incredible jerk oxtail ramen immediately while steaming hot.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | ~720 kcal |
| Protein | ~48 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~65 g |
| Fat | ~32 g |
| Fiber | ~6 g |
| Sodium | ~1,800 mg |
Note: These are approximate values per serving of jerk oxtail ramen, based on typical ingredients and portions. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific brands, preparation methods, and ingredient adjustments.
Healthier Alternatives
This rich jerk oxtail ramen is incredibly flavorful, but you can easily tailor it to different dietary needs or preferences with a few smart swaps.
- Leaner Protein — Use boneless beef short ribs or chuck roast for a similar depth of flavor with less fat and cooking time than traditional oxtail.
- Lower-Carb Broth — Replace the ramen noodles with spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or shirataki noodles to enjoy the jerk oxtail broth with significantly fewer carbs.
- Dairy-Free Creaminess — For a creamy finish without dairy, stir in a splash of full-fat coconut milk or a dollop of unsweetened cashew cream at the end.
- Gluten-Free Noodles — Opt for brown rice ramen noodles or sweet potato glass noodles to make this jerk oxtail ramen completely gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium Option — Control the salt by using a low-sodium beef broth and making your own jerk seasoning blend, omitting added salt.
- Vegetarian Twist — For a plant-based version, use hearty king oyster mushrooms or jackfruit, braised in a rich, jerk-spiced vegetable broth.
- Reduced Sugar — Many jerk pastes contain brown sugar. For a less sweet version, use a sugar-free jerk seasoning or make your own paste, sweetening lightly with a touch of pineapple juice.
- Extra Veggie Boost — Bulk up the bowl with additional vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or sliced bell peppers added in the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this rich jerk oxtail ramen with a crisp, simple side salad to cut through the deep flavors. A classic Caribbean coleslaw with a lime vinaigrette works perfectly.
- Serve it as a show-stopping main course for a weekend dinner party or a special family meal. The impressive presentation and complex taste make it ideal for entertaining.
- For a casual, comforting weeknight twist, use the tender, shredded jerk oxtail meat as a topping for a quicker bowl of instant ramen, elevating a simple meal instantly.
- Turn leftovers into a new dish by using the flavorful braising liquid as a base for a hearty soup or stew, adding fresh vegetables and beans.
- Garnish generously with fresh, aromatic toppings. Think sliced scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and a wedge of lime for a bright, finishing squeeze.
- Consider the bowl itself. Serve this jerk oxtail ramen in a deep, wide noodle bowl to showcase the beautiful broth, glistening oxtail, and colorful garnishes.
- Balance the heat and richness with a cool, creamy drink. A classic Jamaican ginger beer or a simple glass of sorrel punch makes a fantastic pairing.
This fusion dish is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re aiming for elegant comfort food or a deeply satisfying solo meal, these jerk oxtail ramen ideas will help you tailor the experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using a lean cut of oxtail. Fix: Choose pieces with ample marbling and connective tissue, as this renders down to create the essential rich, gelatinous broth.
- Mistake: Rushing the braise. Fix: Braise the oxtail low and slow for at least 3 hours until fork-tender; this builds the deep flavor foundation for your jerk oxtail ramen.
- Mistake: Overpowering the broth with jerk seasoning. Fix: Bloom jerk spices in oil first and add them gradually, tasting as you build layers to balance heat, spice, and umami.
- Mistake: Using the wrong noodles. Fix: Opt for fresh or dried ramen noodles (chūkamen) that hold up to the hearty broth; avoid delicate instant ramen packs.
- Mistake: Skimping on the tare (seasoning sauce). Fix: Create a concentrated tare with soy, mirin, and a touch of the braising liquid to season each bowl precisely without diluting the broth.
- Mistake: Serving soggy toppings. Fix: Prepare quick-pickled vegetables and fresh garnishes like scallions separately to add bright, crisp texture just before serving.
- Mistake: Not skimming the braising liquid. Fix: Regularly skim fat and impurities during cooking for a cleaner, more refined broth that lets the jerk flavors shine.
- Mistake: Letting the oxtail cool in the broth. Fix: Remove the meat once tender, then reduce the braising liquid separately to intensify it for your ramen soup base.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover jerk oxtail ramen in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate the oxtail, broth, and noodles if possible for best texture.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the rich jerk oxtail broth in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Freeze noodles and toppings separately.
- Reheat: Thaw frozen broth overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cook fresh noodles and assemble your bowl just before serving.
Proper storage ensures your flavorful jerk oxtail ramen tastes just as delicious the second time. Always allow the broth to cool slightly before refrigerating or freezing to maintain food safety.
Conclusion
This Jerk Oxtail Ramen is a flavor-packed fusion that’s sure to impress. If you loved this bold noodle dish, you might also enjoy our Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe. Give this recipe a try, rate it, and share your thoughts in the comments below!
PrintJerk Oxtail Ramen
A fusion dish combining Jamaican jerk oxtail with ramen noodles, featuring tender oxtail in a rich broth enhanced with miso, gochujang, and coconut milk for a spicy, savory bowl.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Method: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Jamaican-Asian Fusion
Ingredients
- 3 lbs oxtail, trimmed
- 1 tbsp All Purpose seasoning
- 1 tsp Oxtail seasoning
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Lee Kum Kee All Purpose Marinade
- 1 tsp Browning
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 scallion
- 5 garlic cloves
- Few sprigs of thyme
- 1/4 cup Turbinado Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup neutral oil
- 5 cups water
- 1/2 lb Baby Bok Choy
- 1 tbsp Chili Crisp Oil
- 1/2 tbsp Miso Paste
- 1/2 tbsp Gochujang
- 2 packs Ramen Noodles
- 1 cup oxtail broth
- 1/4 cup unsweetened Coconut Milk
Instructions
- Wash and trim excess fat from 3 lbs oxtail. Season with 1 tbsp All Purpose seasoning, 1 tsp each Oxtail seasoning, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Soy Sauce, Lee Kum Kee All Purpose Marinade, and 1 tsp Browning. Add chopped 1/2 onion, 1 scallion, 5 garlic cloves, and few sprigs thyme. Massage seasonings into oxtail.
- Heat 1/4 cup neutral oil in pot over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup Turbinado Brown Sugar and stir until it melts and darkens to a mahogany color. Add seasoned oxtail and sear until browned on all sides.
- Add 5 cups water, 1 tsp each All Purpose seasoning, Oxtail seasoning, Onion Powder, and Garlic Powder. Cover and simmer on medium heat for at least 1 hour until oxtail is tender and pulls from bone, adding water if needed.
- For ramen: In a pot, bring 1 cup oxtail broth to simmer. Stir in 1 tbsp Chili Crisp Oil, 1/2 tbsp Miso Paste, 1/2 tbsp Gochujang, and 1/4 cup unsweetened Coconut Milk. Add 2 packs ramen noodles and cook until tender. Add 1/2 lb chopped Baby Bok Choy and wilt.
- Divide ramen into bowls, top with tender jerk oxtail and extra broth.
Notes
For authentic jerk flavor, substitute some all-purpose seasoning with wet jerk marinade if available. Simmer oxtail longer for fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Adjust gochujang for spice level.
Nutrition
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1400mg
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 60g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
FAQs
Can I make jerk oxtail ramen without a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can braise the oxtail in a Dutch oven or heavy pot. This method takes longer, typically 3-4 hours over low heat, but it yields incredibly tender meat. The key is to simmer it until the oxtail is fork-tender before adding it to your ramen broth.
What can I use if I can’t find Scotch bonnet peppers for the jerk marinade?
Habanero peppers are the closest substitute, offering a similar fruity heat. For less heat, use a jalapeño or simply add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the jerk seasoning paste. The goal is to build a flavorful, spicy base for your jerk oxtail ramen.
How can I store and reheat leftover jerk oxtail ramen?
Store the broth, noodles, and oxtail meat separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the broth and meat together gently on the stove, then add freshly cooked noodles to serve. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy in your leftover jerk oxtail ramen.
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★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use up my oxtail in the freezer, and this fusion with jerk seasoning sounds amazing. Can’t wait to get that broth simmering this weekend.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a hearty ramen and the jerk oxtail fusion sounds incredible. That broth must be packed with so much flavor.
★★★★
Wow, jerk seasoning in a ramen broth is such a bold move! I can only imagine how rich that oxtail must make it. Definitely gonna try this fusion twist.
★★★★
Saving this for my next dinner party! The jerk seasoning combined with that rich oxtail broth sounds like an incredible flavor bomb. Can’t wait to see my guests’ faces.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a way to level up my ramen game and this jerk oxtail fusion is exactly it. That broth must be incredibly rich and flavorful.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to make oxtail at home but wasn’t sure how to use it. This jerk ramen fusion is such a brilliant idea, and I can’t wait to try it.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use up some oxtail in my freezer, and this fusion idea is brilliant. That rich broth with jerk seasoning sounds like it’s gonna be incredible.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use up some oxtail in my freezer, and this jerk seasoning twist is brilliant. Can’t wait to try that rich broth.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use the oxtail in my freezer, and this jerk ramen fusion is the perfect inspiration. The combination of those deep flavors sounds incredible.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a rich oxtail stew, and turning it into a jerk-spiced ramen is such a brilliant twist. Can’t wait to get a pot of those tender oxtails braising.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a hearty ramen but wanted something beyond the usual pork broth. The jerk seasoning on that oxtail sounds like an incredible flavor twist.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a hearty ramen with a twist, and that jerk seasoning on oxtail sounds incredible. Can’t wait to try this fusion for a special weekend dinner.
★★★★
Wow, jerk seasoning in a ramen broth is such a bold and brilliant idea! I can only imagine how rich that oxtail makes it. Definitely trying this fusion twist.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a way to level up my ramen game, and that jerk-spiced oxtail sounds like the ultimate upgrade. Can’t wait to get a pot of that rich broth simmering this weekend.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to try a Jamaican-Japanese fusion dish, and this jerk oxtail ramen sounds incredible. That broth must be packed with so much flavor.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a way to level up my ramen game, and that jerk-spiced oxtail sounds like the ultimate rich broth starter. Can’t wait to try braising the meat until it’s fall-apart tender.
★★★★
Wow, that jerk seasoning on oxtail sounds like an incredible flavor bomb! I can’t wait to try this fusion—it’s gonna be the ultimate comfort food for a chilly weekend.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to make oxtail at home, and pairing it with ramen is such a brilliant idea. That jerk marinade is gonna be incredible with the rich broth.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to make a proper oxtail stew, and turning it into a ramen is such a brilliant idea. The jerk seasoning must make that broth absolutely incredible.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a hearty ramen with a serious flavor twist. The jerk seasoning on that oxtail sounds absolutely incredible. Can’t wait to try this fusion!
★★★★
I’ve been craving a bold fusion dish and jerk seasoning with oxtail in ramen sounds incredible. That broth must be so rich and flavorful.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a hearty ramen with a twist, and jerk seasoning on oxtail sounds incredible. That broth must be so rich and flavorful.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use the oxtail in my freezer, and this jerk ramen fusion is the perfect inspiration. The combination of those deep flavors sounds absolutely incredible.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use the oxtail in my freezer, and this jerk seasoning twist sounds incredible. Definitely trying this fusion ramen next weekend.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a hearty ramen with a twist, and jerk seasoning on oxtail sounds incredible. That broth must be so rich and flavorful.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a way to level up my ramen game, and jerk oxtail sounds like the ultimate way to do it. That broth must be incredibly rich and flavorful.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use the oxtail in my freezer, and this jerk ramen fusion is the perfect inspiration. The flavors sound absolutely incredible.
★★★★
I’ve been craving oxtail, and the jerk seasoning in a ramen sounds incredible. That broth must be packed with flavor.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a way to level up my ramen game, and jerk oxtail sounds like the ultimate upgrade. That broth must be incredibly rich and flavorful.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a way to level up my ramen game, and that jerk oxtail broth sounds incredible. Can’t wait to get those flavors simmering on my stove.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use the oxtail in my freezer, and this jerk ramen fusion is the perfect idea. The flavors sound incredible.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a hearty ramen with a twist, and jerk seasoning on oxtail sounds incredible. That broth must be packed with flavor.
★★★★
Wow, jerk seasoning in a ramen broth is such a bold and brilliant idea! I can already imagine how rich that oxtail must make the soup. Definitely gonna try this fusion twist next weekend.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a way to level up my ramen game, and jerk oxtail sounds like the ultimate way to do it. That broth must be incredibly rich and flavorful.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a way to use up my oxtail, and this jerk ramen fusion is brilliant. That broth must be incredibly rich and flavorful.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a hearty ramen and that jerk oxtail twist sounds incredible. The fusion of those deep, spicy flavors with a rich broth is exactly what I need this weekend.
★★★★
Saving this for my next dinner party! The jerk seasoning with the rich oxtail broth sounds like an incredible flavor combo. Can’t wait to try it.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use my oxtail in something new, and jerk seasoning in ramen is such a brilliant idea. Can’t wait to try this fusion.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a way to level up my ramen game, and jerk-spiced oxtail sounds like the ultimate way to do it. That broth must be incredibly rich and flavorful.
★★★★
Wow, jerk seasoning in a ramen is such a brilliant idea! I can’t wait to try that rich oxtail broth.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to try oxtail in a new way, and the jerk seasoning with ramen sounds incredible. That broth must be so rich and flavorful.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use the oxtail in my freezer, and this jerk seasoning twist sounds incredible. Can’t wait to try that rich broth.
★★★★
Wow, jerk seasoning in ramen is such a brilliant idea! I can’t wait to see how those deep oxtail flavors work with the broth. Definitely gonna try this fusion twist.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a way to level up my ramen game, and jerk oxtail sounds like the ultimate upgrade. That broth must be incredibly rich and flavorful.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a rich oxtail dish, and the jerk seasoning twist with ramen sounds incredible. Can’t wait to try building those deep, layered flavors.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use the oxtail in my freezer, and this jerk seasoning twist is brilliant. Can’t wait to get that broth simmering this weekend.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a hearty ramen with a twist, and jerk oxtail sounds like the ultimate upgrade. Can’t wait to try that rich, spicy broth.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use up some oxtail in my freezer, and this jerk ramen fusion is such a brilliant idea. The flavors must be incredible.
★★★★
I’ve been craving a way to level up my ramen game, and jerk-spiced oxtail sounds like the ultimate way to do it. That broth must be incredibly rich and flavorful.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use the oxtail in my freezer, and this jerk ramen fusion is the perfect inspiration. The flavors sound absolutely incredible.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use my oxtail in something new, and this jerk ramen fusion sounds incredible. The flavors must be amazing.
★★★★
Saving this for my next weekend cooking project. The jerk seasoning on oxtail sounds like an incredible flavor base for a ramen broth.
★★★★
I’ve been wanting to use my oxtail in something new, and this jerk ramen fusion is brilliant. That broth must be incredibly rich.
★★★★
Wow, jerk seasoning in a ramen is such a brilliant idea! I can’t wait to try that rich oxtail broth.
★★★★