What to Serve with Oxtail – 15+ Yummy Side Dishes

very true that oxtails are delicious and hearty meat that deserves the perfect sides to round out the meal. But the question is: What sides go with oxtails?

If you’re like me, you know how important that question is. After all, oxtails are a bit of a specialty dish. They’re not your everyday meat, so you want to make sure that everything else is just as special.

I’ve struggled a lot with what to serve as sides for oxtails. I scoured the internet and asked around, but it seemed like no one could give me a straight answer. So, I decided to figure it out for myself.

After trying different combinations, I’ve found some excellent side dishes that go with oxtails. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned so you can choose the perfect sides for your next oxtail meal.

So, what are the best side dishes for oxtails? Keep reading to find out!

Oxtail Side Dishes:

1. Polenta with Roasted Vegetables
2. Yellow Rice
3. French Baguette
4. Steamed Broccoli
5. Cucumber Tomato Salad
6. Green Beans with Garlic
7. Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
8. Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage
9. Steamed White Rice
10. Boereboontjies
11. Buttered Noodles with Herbs
12. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
13. Chakalaka
14. Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Butter
15. Mashed Cauliflower

Polenta with Roasted Vegetables

This is my go-to side dish when I’m making oxtails. It’s simple to make and can be easily customized to your liking. Plus, the roasted vegetables add a nice touch of flavor to the dish.

You won’t believe how good this side dish is! The polenta is creamy and delicious, and the roasted vegetables are the perfect addition. I highly recommend giving this one a try.

Yellow Rice

This is a dish that I grew up eating. My mom would make it often when we had oxtails for dinner. It’s a simple dish that’s full of flavor.

One of the things that make it so special is the use of saffron. Saffron is a spice that’s often used in Spanish and Indian cuisine. It has a unique flavor that pairs well with oxtails.

So, I’m pretty certain that you’ll enjoy this dish if you give it a try.

French Baguette

From what I’ve seen, oxtails are often served with a side of bread. And what better bread to serve than a crusty French baguette?

A baguette is a perfect vessel for sopping up all the delicious juices from the oxtails. Plus, it’s a great way to add some carbs to the meal.

If you want to take it a step further, you can slice the baguette and toast it. Then, top it with some butter or garlic. Yum!

Steamed Broccoli

If you’re looking for a healthy side dish to go with your oxtails, then look no further than steamed broccoli. This dish is packed with nutrients and goes well with just about anything.

Plus, it’s super easy to make. You can either steam the broccoli in a steamer basket or in the microwave. I prefer the steamer basket because it gives the broccoli a nice crunch.

Additionally, you can season the broccoli with some lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Or, you could top it with some cheese or sauce.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

This is a light and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summertime. The cucumbers and tomatoes are cool and crisp, while the herbs add a nice touch of flavor.

You don’t need to use a lot of ingredients to make this salad. In fact, all you need is some cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh herbs (I like to use basil or oregano), and a dressing of your choice.

I prefer to use a vinaigrette, but you could also use a creamier dressing like ranch or blue cheese.

Green Beans with Garlic

This is another simple side dish that’s full of flavor. The green beans are cooked until they’re tender, while the garlic adds a nice touch of pungency.

When making this dish, don’t forget to trim the ends off the green beans and discard them. Then, wash the green beans and set them aside.

Next, you’ll need to peel and chop the garlic. You can either use fresh or jarred garlic for this dish. If using fresh garlic, make sure to mince it.

I just don’t have the time to peel and chop garlic cloves, so I usually use the jarred stuff. It’s just as good and a lot less work.

Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

 

I certainly think that Brussels sprouts get a bad rap. I mean, they’re not everyone’s favorite vegetable. But, when they’re cooked right, they can be absolutely delicious.

Take these cheesy bacon Brussels sprouts, for example. They’re roasted in the oven until they’re crispy and then tossed with some bacon and cheese. How can you go wrong with that?

If you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts, I urge you to give this dish a try. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage

I found this recipe years ago, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s the perfect dish for fall, with butternut squash and sage.

Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that’s sweet and creamy. When paired with the savory sage, it makes for a delicious risotto.

If you’ve never made risotto before, don’t be intimidated. It’s actually quite easy. Just make sure to follow the recipe closely, and you’ll be fine.

Steamed White Rice

You can’t overstate the importance of good steamed white rice. It’s the perfect side dish for so many different meals.

And it’s so easy to make! All you need is some white rice and water. That’s it.

I like to use basmati rice, but you can use whatever type of white rice you have on hand. Just make sure to rinse it before cooking.

Boereboontjies

As the name suggests, boereboontjies are a traditional Afrikaans dish. They’re made with green beans and are usually served as a side dish.

Boereboontjies are super easy to make and only require a few ingredients. All you need is some green beans, onion, garlic, and tomato sauce.

I like to add a little bit of spice to my boereboontjies, so I usually add some chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes. But, you can leave that out if you want.

Buttered Noodles with Herbs

To me, this dish is a star in its simplicity. It’s just some buttered noodles with some fresh herbs. That’s it.

But, don’t let the simplicity fool you. This dish is absolutely delicious and perfect for when you want something light and comforting.

I like to use egg noodles for this dish, but you can really use any type of noodle you have on hand. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions.

As for the herbs, I usually use parsley or chives. But, really, you can use any type of fresh herb you have on hand. Don’t feel pressured to use what I use.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

There is nothing better than a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. They’re the perfect comfort food and go with just about anything.

When making mashed potatoes, I like to use Yukon gold potatoes. They have a nice buttery flavor that really comes through in the dish.

I also add some cream cheese to my mashed potatoes. It gives them a nice creaminess that takes them over the top.

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish, look no further than these creamy mashed potatoes. I guarantee you’ll love them.

Chakalaka

The first thing I love about this dish is the name. I know, it’s a weird thing to love. But, I just think it’s so fun to say.

Chakalaka is a traditional South African dish that’s typically made with beans and vegetables. It’s usually served as a side dish, but can also be eaten on its own.

This dish is really easy to make and only requires a few ingredients, which can vary from region to region. I usually use beans, tomatoes, onion, and maybe some spices in my chakalaka. And that’s all you really need.

I like to add a little bit of spice to my chakalaka, so I usually add some chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes. Some people also add corn or carrots. But, you can leave that out if you want.

Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Butter

Again, we have steamed broccoli, but this time with lemon butter. And, let me tell you, it is delicious.

The key to this dish is to get the broccoli nice and crispy. I like to steam mine for just a few minutes so that it’s still slightly crunchy.

To make the lemon butter, all you need is some butter, lemon juice, and zest. That’s it. I prefer to add garlic to my lemon butter. But, if you don’t want to add anything, that’s fine too.

Mashed Cauliflower with Cheese

Mashed potatoes are delicious, but they’re not exactly healthy. That’s where mashed cauliflower comes in. It’s a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes that still tastes great.

To make this dish, you’ll need some cauliflower, cheese, and milk. I also like to add some garlic for extra flavor.

To get the mashed cauliflower nice and smooth, you’ll need to use a food processor. I like to add the cheese in at the end so that it doesn’t get over-processed.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes, give this dish a try. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you rinse oxtails before cooking?

Yes, you should rinse oxtails before cooking them. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface of the meat.

How do you tenderize oxtails?

Oxtails are a tough cut of meat, so they need to be cooked slowly in order to tenderize them. The best way to do this is by braising them. Braising is a method of cooking where you cook the meat in liquid (usually water or stock) at a low temperature for an extended period of time. This will help break down the tough connective tissue in the meat and make it more tender.

What is oxtail on a menu?

Oxtail is a type of meat that comes from the tail of a cow. It’s a popular ingredient in many different cuisines, including Jamaican, Chinese, and Italian.

Conclusion

On a final note, I want to say that oxtails are a delicious and versatile ingredient. They can be cooked in many different ways and paired with a variety of side dishes.

If you are still unsure about what to serve with your oxtails, I suggest trying one of the recipes I’ve listed above.

If not, you may also try beetroot and orange salad or creamy polenta with gorgonzola. Whichever side dish you choose, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Thanks for reading!