Instant Pot Cuban Rabo Encendido

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Rabo encendido is one of my favorite Cuban comfort foods. A dish that is equally rich in history as it is in flavor. Instead of waiting hours and hours for this amazing dish, I decided to make it in the Instant Pot. Making it in the Instant Pot delivers the same tender fall off the bone consistency in a fraction of the time.

My dad’s rabo encendido recipe is a dish that I grew up enjoying on special occasions. My dad was a chef in Cuba and his recipe was one he perfected over decades. Once the recipe was passed down to me, I adapted the recipe for the modern kitchen using an Instant Pot. This recipe is the most flavorful Cuban oxtail stew and it’s cooked in a fraction of the time.

Why you'll love this Cuban Oxtail Recipe

So easy to make, this is a set it and forget it type of dish.
Great for meal-prepping.
Great for serving a large crowd.

Cuban Oxtail Recipe Ingredients

Oxtails
Red bell pepper
Green bell pepper
Yellow Onion
Garlic cloves
Tomato sauce
Cooking wine
Red wine
Sazon completa (complete seasoning)
Sazon con azafran (sazon seasoning)
Salt
Pimento stuffed green olives
Golden raisins
Bay leaves

How to make Oxtail Stew (Instant Pot)

Begin by trimming as much excess fat from the oxtails as possible.
Sprinkle the complete seasoning and ½ a tablespoon of salt all over the oxtails and give the oxtails a good rub to ensure all sides of the oxtails are covered by the seasoning. Place in an airtight container and allow to marinade in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight.
In your Instant Pot place first your onions followed by your oxtails. This ensures that the meat won’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Add all of the remaining ingredients to the pot.

4. Set your Instant Pot to Meat/Stew for 1 hour and 30 minutes at low pressure. Allow for natural release before opening.
5. Serve with white rice and enjoy!

Cuban Oxtail Recipe Variations

Want to add a little spice to your oxtails? Add some red pepper or hot sauce before cooking.
Don't have tomato sauce? Opt for 2 tablespoons of tomato paste instead.
Don't have an Instant Pot? You can use a pressure cooker or slow cooker instead. For a slow cooker, I recommend cooking cooking low and slow for 6 hours or even overnight to achieve fork tender consistency.

What is this rabo encendido served with?

This dish is typically served with white rice. It can also be served with congri and fried sweet plantains or tostones as an additional side dish.

Rabo Encendido Storage

I don't know what it is, but these ox tails are even more flavorful the next day.

Place your left over oxtail stew in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up-to 4 days. If you'd like to freeze your left over oxtails, place in an airtight container and freeze for upto 1 month.

Oxtail Soup Instant Pot FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat for oxtail soup?

While oxtail is traditional, you can substitute with other cuts like beef shank or chuck roast. However, the cooking time might vary.

Can I make oxtail soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make oxtail soup in a slow cooker. The cooking time will be longer, but it will result in a tender and flavorful soup.

Can I use different spices in oxtail soup?

Absolutely! Experiment with different spices like cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika to add complexity to the soup.

How can I thicken oxtail soup?

To thicken the soup, you can use a cornstarch slurry or a roux. Alternatively, you can puree a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.

Do you have to brown oxtails before cooking?

Typically, browning the oxtails in a hot skillet creates a rich, flavorful crust through a process called caramelization. This caramelization adds depth and complexity to the soup. However, with this Instant Pot recipe you do no need to brown the meat prior to cook.

Why did my oxtails come out tough?

Tough oxtails are often a result of improper cooking. Here are some common reasons:
- Undercooked: Oxtails require a long, slow cooking process to break down the connective tissue and become tender.
- High Heat: Cooking oxtails over high heat can toughen the meat.
- Cut of Meat: The quality and cut of the oxtails can affect their tenderness.

Why do my oxtails taste bitter?

There are a few potential reasons why your oxtails might taste bitter:
1. Overcooking: Oxtails require long, slow cooking to become tender. Overcooking can result in a bitter taste.
2. Bone Marrow: If the bone marrow wasn't properly removed from the oxtails before cooking, it can impart a bitter flavor.
3. Excessive Browning: Over-browning the oxtails can lead to a burnt taste, which can be perceived as bitter.
4. Incorrect Ingredients: Using the wrong ingredients or too much of a particular spice can affect the overall flavor.
5. Oxtail Quality: The quality of the oxtails can impact the taste. Older oxtails may have a stronger, gamier flavor.

To prevent bitterness:
- Cook the oxtails slowly and carefully, monitoring their tenderness.
- Ensure all bone marrow is removed before cooking.
- Brown the oxtails without burning them.
- Taste the soup frequently and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Use fresh ingredients and high-quality oxtails.