Indonesian Oxtail Soup with Ginger and Star Anise Broth

Name: Indonesian Oxtail Soup with Ginger and Star Anise Broth
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: Oxtail; Salt; Black pepper; Vegetable oil; Ginger; Garlic; Onion; Star anise pods; Cinnamon sticks; Lemongrass; Water; Soy sauce; Salt; Black pepper; Carrots; Potatoes; Cabbage; Green onions; Fresh cilantro leaves

A traditional Indonesian delight with warming spices

This Oxtail Soup, known as 'Sop Buntut,' is a comforting and aromatic dish that embodies the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

3 h 20 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Oxtail

Oxtail

2 lbs, trimmed of excess fat

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

freshly ground, to taste

For the Broth

Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons

Ginger

5 cm, sliced

Garlic

4 cloves, minced

Onion

1 large, sliced

Star anise pods

Cinnamon sticks

Lemongrass

2 stalks, bruised

Water

3 liters

Soy sauce

2 tablespoons

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

freshly ground, to taste

For the Vegetables

Carrots

2, sliced into rounds

Potatoes

2, peeled and cubed

Cabbage

1 small, shredded

For the Garnish

Green onions

3, thinly sliced

Fresh cilantro leaves

Preparation

Marinating the Oxtail

Season the oxtail

Season the oxtail pieces generously with salt and black pepper.

Rest the oxtail

Allow the oxtail to rest for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Optional roasting

Optionally, roast the oxtail at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes for a deeper taste.

For deeper flavor, roast before adding to the broth.

Preparing the Broth

Heat the oil

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté aromatics

Add ginger, garlic, and onion; sauté until fragrant.

Add spices

Stir in star anise, cinnamon, and lemongrass; sauté for another minute.

Do not over-roast the spices as they may turn bitter. Pro Tip: Bruise lemongrass with the back of a knife to release its natural oils.

Cooking Process

Simmering the Broth

Add the oxtail and water to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Timing: Broth Preparation: 30 minutes. Simmering: 2 hours 30 minutes. Heat Guide: Initial boiling on high heat; long simmer on low heat.

Flavoring the Soup

Skim the surface occasionally, add soy sauce, and continue simmering for 2 hours.

Adding Vegetables

Add carrots, potatoes, and cabbage; cook until tender.

Plating & Serving