What is Oxtail Pizza?
Oxtail pizza is a type of pizza that uses shredded oxtail meat as a topping, along with cheese, sauce, and herbs. Oxtail is the tail of a cow, which is usually slow-cooked until the meat falls off the bone. It has a rich and beefy flavor, and a gelatinous texture that makes it moist and tender.
Oxtail pizza is a great way to use up leftover oxtail meat from other dishes, such as stews, soups, or braises. You can also make oxtail pizza from scratch by cooking the oxtail in a pressure cooker or slow cooker, and then shredding the meat.
Oxtail pizza is not a very common dish, but it is popular in some regions of the world, such as South Africa, Jamaica, and the Philippines. It is also a specialty of some restaurants and food trucks that offer creative and fusion pizzas.
Why Should You Try Oxtail Pizza?
Oxtail pizza has many benefits that make it worth trying. Here are some of them:
- It is delicious and satisfying. Oxtail pizza has a rich and savory flavor that pairs well with cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs. The oxtail meat adds a lot of protein and texture to the pizza, making it filling and satisfying.
- It is easy and economical. Oxtail pizza is a simple and quick way to use up leftover oxtail meat that you might otherwise throw away. You can also make oxtail pizza from scratch using inexpensive ingredients, such as pizza dough, cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs.
- It is versatile and customizable. Oxtail pizza can be adapted to your preferences and tastes. You can use different types of cheese, sauce, and herbs to create different flavors. You can also add other toppings, such as vegetables, mushrooms, bacon, or olives, to make it more interesting.
How to Make Oxtail Pizza From Scratch
If you want to make oxtail pizza from scratch, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of oxtail
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 4 cups of water
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 pound of pizza dough
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
Here are the steps to make oxtail pizza from scratch:
- Season the oxtail with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear the oxtail on all sides until browned, about 15 minutes. Transfer the oxtail to a pressure cooker or slow cooker.
- Add the water, bay leaf, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and barbecue sauce to the pressure cooker or slow cooker. Cover and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes or on low heat for 8 hours, until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
- Remove the oxtail from the cooker and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat with two forks and discard the bones and fat. Set aside about 2 cups of shredded oxtail for the pizza. You can use the remaining oxtail for another dish or freeze it for later use.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet. Stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a thin circle and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to make the sauce. Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5-cm) border around the edge.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the sauce. Top with the shredded oxtail meat, distributing it evenly over the cheese.
- Bake the pizza for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden and crisp.
- Cut into slices and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Making Oxtail Pizza
Here are some tips and tricks to make your oxtail pizza even better:
- You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own from scratch. You can also use flatbread, naan bread, or pita bread as the base for your oxtail pizza.
- You can use your favorite barbecue sauce or make your own from scratch. You can also use tomato sauce, ketchup, or salsa as the base for your oxtail pizza.
- You can use any type of cheese you like for your oxtail pizza. You can also mix different types of cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, provolone, or feta, to create different flavors.
- You can add other herbs and spices to your oxtail pizza, such as cilantro, mint, cumin, curry, or chili flakes, to create different flavors.
- You can serve your oxtail pizza with a green salad, coleslaw, or pickles on the side for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Oxtail pizza is a delicious and unique way to enjoy leftovers. It is easy and economical to make, and it can be customized to your preferences and tastes. Oxtail pizza has a rich and savory flavor that pairs well with cheese, sauce, and herbs. It is also filling and satisfying, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
If you are looking for a creative and tasty way to use up leftover oxtail meat, try making oxtail pizza from scratch with our step-by-step recipe. You will be amazed by how good it tastes!
