Hawaii's Famous Oxtail Soup
Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds oxtails
- 1 whole onion
peeled
- 3 slices ginger
smashed
- 6 bay leaves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole star anise
- 3 dried tangerine peels
chen pi
- 12-16 cups of water and/or chicken broth
- 3 carrots or daikon
cut into 1-inch pieces, optional
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
nuoc nam
- to tasteHawaiian sea salt
- 1 bunch Chinese parsley
- 1 bunch green onions
- 1 2-inch knob of ginger
julienned
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
Directions
- 1
Prepare the oxtail. Trim excess fat off each oxtail. Throw away the fat and set the oxtails aside.
- 2
Parboil the oxtail. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and then add all the oxtail in. Bring it back up to a boil. Cook for one more minute, letting all the scum float up to the top. Set a colander in the sink and pour out all the water.
- 3
Let the oxtail cool for a minute (until you can pick it up with your hands). Quickly rinse/clean each oxtail under running water and set aside.
- 4
Return the oxtails to the the same large pot and add the water and/or chicken broth. Add enough liquid to cover 1-inch above the oxtails. (This is usually about 16 cups of liquid depending on the size of your pot and weight of oxtails. Add more or less liquid as needed.)
- 5
Add the onion, bay leaf, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and dried tangerine peels.
- 6
Bring to a boil and then cook on low heat for 1 hour, until the oxtails are tender (you should be able to poke a fork through the meat easily). Scoop off as much oil as you can off the top.
- 7
Add the carrots (optional), and cook for another 30 minutes. Season the soup with fish sauce and Hawaiian sea salt. Taste and serve!
- 8
To serve: spoon out the soup and 3-5 pieces of oxtail per person. Top with lots of Chinese parsley and green onions. Serve with a bowl of rice and small side dish of julienned ginger and soy sauce (for dipping the oxtails). Enjoy ^_^
Hawaii's Famous Oxtail Soup
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About this Recipe
Searching for a taste of the islands that warms you from the inside out? Our recipe for Hawaii's Famous Oxtail Soup delivers that deeply comforting, authentic local flavor right to your home kitchen, promising a nourishing and truly soothing experience.
What makes this particular oxtail soup so special is the intentional slow cooking process, which coaxes incredibly tender, succulent meat from the oxtails. This extended simmer allows the savory broth to become deeply infused with a complex array of aromatics—from the bold notes of star anise and bay leaves to the warming embrace of fresh ginger and the unique essence of dried tangerine peels (chen pi). This thoughtful combination of spices creates an incredibly rich, well-balanced flavor that sets this classic dish apart.
With every spoonful, you'll discover a rich, aromatic broth, subtly sweet and savory, perfectly balanced by the umami depth from a hint of fish sauce. The oxtails themselves will be fork-tender, practically melting off the bone after their slow, patient cook. Optional carrots or daikon add a gentle sweetness and texture, while the fresh garnishes of Chinese parsley, green onions, and vibrant julienned ginger offer a bright, herbaceous lift that cuts through the richness. It’s a hearty, satisfying bowl that truly embodies the spirit of Hawaiian comfort food.
This versatile soup is delicious as written, but you can easily tailor it to your preferences. Consider swapping out carrots for daikon radish if you prefer its milder, slightly peppery flavor. While dried tangerine peels add a distinct note, the soup will still be wonderfully aromatic if you omit them. Remember to adjust the Hawaiian sea salt and fish sauce to achieve your perfect balance of savory goodness.
Hawaii's Famous Oxtail Soup is the ultimate comfort food, ideal for a cozy dinner or a special family meal. It’s traditionally served alongside a generous bowl of steamed white rice, allowing you to soak up every last drop of that incredible broth. And don't forget the essential dipping sauce of julienned ginger and soy sauce—it’s a simple addition that truly completes the authentic Hawaiian experience.