Have you ever heard of cow’s tail, better known as oxtail? It’s high in saturated fat and cholesterol. But vegan oxtail is a must-try option that’s a game changer when used in mouthwatering soups, Jamaican stews, and hearty main course dishes.
The vegan stars of these recipes are loaded with healthy nutrients, without the “bad stuff” found in cow’s tail. Jackfruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants; tofu is packed with protein; and mushrooms are full of dietary fiber.
Cows are sentient individuals who have families and friends. They communicate with their tails, wag them if they’re irritated, use them to swat away flies, and put them between their legs if they’re cold, sick, or frightened. Like all animals, cows value their lives and don’t want to die.
The Cultural Significance of Vegan Oxtail
Oxtail is an important ingredient in many African diaspora communities, especially in the Caribbean and the U.S. Plant-based cuisine, which existed for centuries before vegan eating became mainstream, also has deep roots in Black American culture and has evolved throughout much of the 20th century and beyond. Black Americans are nearly three times more likely to eat vegan than any other group, and many of them see living vegan as a way to decolonize their bodies by embracing their culture’s foods without supporting the animal agriculture industry, which exploits animals and harms humans.
Instead of chomping on a cow’s tail, try one (or all) of these delicious vegan recipes. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or looking to expand your culinary horizons, these recipes will warm your heart and palate.
Plant-Based Jamaican Oxtail
Jackfruit, which has a pull-apart, melt-in-your-mouth texture, is the perfect ingredient for vegan oxtail. This recipe from Orchids & Sweet Tea combines a flavorful blend of vegetables—including bell peppers, butter beans, carrots, red onions, scallions, and Scotch bonnet peppers (which add a kick of heat)—with a rich blend of fragrant seasonings, including ginger and thyme. This warm, hearty dish is sure to please.
Moxtail Stew
Tofu absorbs the flavor of the ingredients you cook it with, so this nourishing recipe from Kosher Everyday delivers on taste. Chickpeas add extra protein, and ripe tomatoes provide color and freshness. Use an electric pressure cooker, which will help marry the flavors of the stew and make cooking it quick and easy.
Voxtail Plant-Based Oxtail
You can order Voxtail (aka “vegan oxtail”) online to use in your recipes. You can even get gravy to go with it!
How to Make Vegan Oxtail at Home
This recipe from The Mindful Plate, with inspiration from Sisterwoman Vegan, uses oyster mushrooms and black-eyed peas to achieve a texture and shape similar to that of oxtail for an indulgent, flavorful, and satisfying vegan option. Make this recipe your own by experimenting with different spices and techniques.
With these recipes, you can make Jamaican oxtail stew using vegan ingredients that leave cows in peace.
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