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Disclosure: While I am a Brand Ambassador for Riceland Foods, this is not a sponsored post. I use Riceland products because I prefer them and  I sure don’t mind sharing that I do!

Hubby is a gumbo lover to the inth (is that a word?) degree. Gary’s Favorite Chicken Gumbo is pretty famous around our parts, but my Seafood Gumbo is probably the queen of the dish. We’ve come to really enjoy this oxtail version as well. It’s a hearty dish well suited for chilly winter evenings.

Gumbo is the official cuisine of our neighbor to the south, Louisiana. The dish was most likely derived from several cultures, including French, Choctaw, West African and more which probably accounts for its hundreds of variations. The ingredients of a gumbo are as varied as they can be. Some people like it with okra; others rebel at the thought. Okra is often included as a thickener, but we just like it in our gumbo as an added taste. There are those who use file instead. Some only use a roux. Me? I want a roux AND okra.

If you’ve never cooked with oxtails before, you may be in for a little surprise. They’re actually not ox at all but rather pieces cut from beef tail. There’s not a whole lot of meat on an oxtail, but there is a ton of flavor. And it’s that flavor you are after in this gumbo. Next to this gumbo, Hubby loves oxtails in my Oxtail Vegetable Soup and counts it among his favorites.

While you might be tempted to go ahead and add in some shrimp to this gumbo, I prefer not to do so. The deep, rich flavors from the pork and beef seem to overpower the delicate flavor of the shrimp in my opinion.

Typically, this gumbo is a two-day affair for me. I prefer to cook the oxtails the day before serving. By doing that, I can refrigerate the broth so it can be more easily skimmed of its fat the next day. Using the pressure cooker is a quick way to cook and tenderize the meats, but it is not absolutely necessary. Simmering on the stovetop, braising in the oven or slow cooking them also work well. Adapt it to fit you needs.

Oxtail Gumbo with Cornbread Sticks

For me, I’d rather not stand over a pot for hours. There’s “stuff” to do, y’all.

Always.

If you’re needing an idea for Christmas Eve dinner, give this full-bodied, flavorful oxtail gumbo a try and let me know what you think. Pair it with your favorite crusty garlic bread or cornbread sticks. Delicious!

Oxtail Gumbo