Hark! Gather ye ‘round, for I present to thee a recipe most wondrous—a feast that doth require but a humble slow cooker and the fortitude to wait. This Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder Recipe, though simple, shall bring forth the most tender of meats, rich with flavor and worthy of kings. With naught but a few ingredients and a passage of time, thou shalt witness the magic of slow cooking. Verily, this dish doth promise joy, be it for thy family’s supper or a grand banquet with guests most esteemed.
Ingredients for Thy Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder Recipe
Now, dear reader, let us consider the sacred list of ingredients that shall transform thy humble ox shoulder into a feast of kings. ‘Tis a list both simple and divine, requiring but a few common treasures, yet bringing forth a mighty flavor upon thy table.
Main Ingredients:
- Ox Shoulder (3-4 lbs): Lo, the ox shoulder, the heart of this dish, rich in marrow and collagen, and to thee it shall yield its tenderness in time most slow.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): A liquid of noble depth, it doth enrich the meat, making it moist and succulent.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For searing, a golden elixir of the earth, bestowing upon thy meat a crisp, fair exterior.
- Onions (2 medium, chopped): Sweet and fair, these onions lend both fragrance and complexity to the broth.
- Carrots (2 large, chopped): A root of the earth, humble yet rich with sweetness, they complement the ox in perfect harmony.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped): A vegetable of quiet grace, bringing balance to the dish.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): A pungent herb, lending strength and savory depth.
- Rosemary (2 sprigs): Aromatic, like a sprig of nature’s breath, it imparts a woodsy fragrance to the dish.
- Thyme (1 sprig): A modest herb, but full of noble essence.
- Bay Leaves (2): To bring forth layers of flavor, much like the many chapters in a great epic tale.
- Salt and Pepper: Season with care, for they are the simplest of elements, yet essential to the masterpiece.
Optional Add-ins and Variations:
- Red Wine (1/2 cup): A potion of dark richness, imparting both acidity and depth to thy sauce.
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): A red elixir, sweet and tangy, which doth enhance the flavor of thy broth.
- Root Vegetables (Potatoes, Parsnips, or Turnips): Add these as thou would to an artist’s palette; they bring texture and flavor to thy creation.
Substitutes for Ox Shoulder:
Should thou find no ox shoulder, fear not! Other noble cuts may serve as the worthy replacements. A Chuck Roast, Brisket, or Pork Shoulder shall lend themselves well to this humble craft.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Thy Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder Recipe
Now, dear friend, I bid thee attend closely, for I shall guide thee through the steps to prepare this dish, that thy ox shoulder may rise to glory.
1. Preparing the Ox Shoulder:
First, thou must trim away the fat—discard the excess, yet leave enough for tenderness. Then, with thy hand, season the ox shoulder with salt and pepper, to make ready for the slow cook.
2. Seasoning and Searing (Optional):
If thou wishest to impart a deeper flavor, thou mayst sear the ox shoulder in hot oil. In a skillet set upon flame, allow the meat to meet the heat, turning it upon each side until it is golden brown, and its essence is sealed within.
3. Layering Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Now, take thy slow cooker and place the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic at the base, forming a sweet foundation upon which the meat shall rest. Upon this, place the ox shoulder, that it may cook in its own juices and those of its companions.
4. Adding Liquid and Ox Shoulder:
Now, pour in the beef broth, the elixir of life for thy dish. It need not fully submerge the ox shoulder—nay, it need only rise halfway. With it, thou mayst add red wine, if thou desirest, and a spoonful of tomato paste for richness.
5. Slow Cooking the Ox Shoulder:
Set thy slow cooker to low and leave it undisturbed for 6 to 8 hours. If thy schedule is pressed, thou mayst cook it on high for 4 to 5 hours, though the texture may not be as tender. In the slow passage of time, the meat shall soften, the broth shall deepen in flavor, and all shall be as it should.
6. Resting the Ox Shoulder and Serving:
When the meat is tender, and the time has come to serve, remove the ox shoulder from the slow cooker and let it rest. Ten minutes it shall rest, that its juices may return to the heart of the meat. Then, with care, slice or shred the tender meat, and serve with the vegetables and the rich broth.
Notes and Additional Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder
How to Ensure Tenderness:
For tenderness fit for a king, thou must cook thy ox shoulder slowly, with patience. The slow passage of time—such is the key to turning tough meat into a feast most divine. The collagen shall break down, and the meat shall fall apart with ease.
Flavor Enhancements for Thy Ox Shoulder:
Shouldst thou wish to elevate the flavors, add balsamic vinegar for acidity, Worcestershire sauce for depth, or soy sauce for an umami note that doth linger on the tongue. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano may also join the dish in a quiet celebration of flavor.
How to Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
Shouldst thou desire a thicker sauce, remove the ox shoulder and vegetables, then set the cooking liquid upon the fire. Simmer it low until it reaches the consistency of thy desire. Alternatively, thou mayst mix cornstarch with water, and thicken the broth as one would an artist’s masterpiece.
Make-Ahead Tips for Thy Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder Recipe:
This recipe is a blessing for those who plan ahead. Season and sear the meat the night before, store it in thy cool chamber, and then on the morrow, place it in the slow cooker. Come evening, a hearty meal will await thee.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Leftover ox shoulder, like any fine dish, may be stored. Seal it in an airtight container, and it shall last for up to four days in thy cold chamber. When thou wishest to partake once more, warm it upon the stove, adding a bit of the cooking liquid to restore it to its former glory.
Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder Recipe
Calories and Macros:
- Calories: 350-400 per serving (based on 4 servings)
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
Health Benefits of Ox Shoulder:
Rich in protein, this dish aids in the repair and growth of thy muscles. The collagen within the meat supports joint health and provides benefits to thy skin. And lo, it also boasts iron, the noble element which doth boost energy and strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder Recipe
1. Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Indeed, thou mayst substitute with chuck roast, brisket, or pork shoulder—each of these shall perform nobly in the place of ox shoulder.
2. How Long Should I Cook Ox Shoulder in the Slow Cooker?
To ensure a tender outcome, cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours. On high, 4 to 5 hours shall suffice, though it may not reach the same level of tenderness.
3. What Side Dishes Pair Well with Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder?
Ox shoulder doth pair best with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a simple green salad. A hearty bread, fresh from the oven, may also be thy companion to sop up the flavorful sauce.
4. Can I Freeze Leftover Ox Shoulder?
Aye! Leftovers may be stored in thy cold chamber for up to three months. Be sure to cool the meat thoroughly before sealing it in a container.
5. Can I Cook This Recipe on High Heat?
Though thou mayst cook it on high for a quicker result, know that cooking on low will yield the most tender and flavorful meat. Patience is the true secret.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Effortless Meal for Any Occasion
Thus, dear reader, thou hast learned the art of the Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder Recipe, a meal that doth blend simplicity with grandeur. The next time thou seekest a hearty, flavorful dish, let this recipe be thy guide.
Ingredients List for Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder Recipe
- Ox Shoulder, Beef Broth, Olive Oil, Onions, Carrots, Celery, Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme, Bay Leaves, Salt, and Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder Recipe
- Prepare the Ox Shoulder, Season and Sear (Optional), Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker, Add Liquid and Ox Shoulder, Slow Cook, Rest and Serve
Notes and Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder Recipe
- Ensuring Tenderness, Flavor Enhancements, Thickening the Sauce, Make-Ahead Tips, Storage and Reheating
Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder Recipe
- 350-400 Calories, 35g Protein, 18g Fat, 15g Carbohydrates
Leave a Comment or Ask a Question about Your Slow Cooker Ox Shoulder Recipe
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