Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup

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Warm, comforting, and deeply flavorful, Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup is the kind of dish that tastes like it’s been simmering with love for generations. It brings together tender oxtail, soothing broth, and vibrant toppings like peanuts, ginger, and green onions. With roots in Chinese-Hawaiian cuisine, this hearty soup is more than just a meal—it’s a full-on island experience served in a bowl.

Whether you’re homesick for Oahu or just love diving into cozy soups with complex flavor, this recipe checks every box. The aroma alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. Serve it with a bowl of white rice, and you’ve got a dish that hits the spot on rainy days, quiet Sundays, or whenever comfort is calling.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup

This soup is a masterclass in texture and flavor. The oxtail becomes fall-apart tender after a long simmer, while the broth picks up richness from bones, aromatics, and toasted peanuts. Ginger and star anise give it a bright, slightly spiced depth that tastes like no other.

Plus, it’s incredibly customizable. Love garlic? Add more. Want to go traditional? Don’t forget the fresh cilantro, green onions, and optional chili oil drizzle. The hands-on time is low, and the rewards are sky-high.

Do I Have to Parboil the Oxtail?

Absolutely, yes. Parboiling is a quick but crucial step that keeps the broth clear and free from excess fat or scum. Simply bring the oxtails to a boil in water, then discard that water, rinse the meat, and start fresh with new water for your actual soup base. This makes all the difference between a cloudy, greasy broth and the beautifully clean one this soup is known for.

Ingredients for the Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup

Each ingredient in this dish has its purpose, building the deep and nourishing flavor Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup is known for.

• Oxtail
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic cloves
• Star anise
• Peanuts (raw or roasted, unsalted)
• Chopped green onions
• Cilantro
• Salt and soy sauce
• Water
• Optional: fish sauce, sesame oil, chili oil for garnish

How To Make the Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup

Step 1: Parboil the Oxtails

Start by placing the oxtails in a large pot and covering them with water. Bring to a rolling boil for 10 minutes. Drain the water and rinse the oxtails under cold water. This removes impurities and helps ensure a clean broth.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Return the cleaned oxtails to the pot. Add sliced ginger, smashed garlic, star anise, and peanuts. Pour in fresh water to cover everything by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for at least 3 hours, until the oxtails are fall-off-the-bone tender.

Step 3: Season the Soup

Add soy sauce and salt to taste. A dash of fish sauce or sesame oil at this point adds a beautiful depth. Adjust seasoning as needed. If the broth reduces too much, just add a bit more water.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Ladle soup into bowls. Top with green onions, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of chili oil if you like heat. Serve with a bowl of rice or noodles on the side to soak up the broth.

Serving and Storing Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup

This soup is perfect for serving family-style and comfortably feeds 4 to 6 people. Set out small bowls of toppings so everyone can dress their own bowl just how they like it.

Leftovers are even better the next day. Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just be sure to leave room in the container for expansion.

Reheat gently on the stovetop until the broth is steaming and the oxtail is warm through. You might want to skim any fat that rises to the top when reheating.

What to Serve With Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup?

Steamed White Rice

A classic pairing that helps soak up all that rich broth.

Pickled Vegetables

Something tangy like pickled daikon or kimchi cuts through the soup’s richness.

Soy Sauce Eggs

Marinated soft-boiled eggs bring a creamy texture and savory flavor.

Garlic Green Beans

Quickly sautéed green beans with garlic are crisp and refreshing.

Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

A sweet, fluffy bite to balance the savory depth of the soup.

Cucumber Salad

Cool and crunchy, with a light sesame vinaigrette.

Chili Crisp or Chili Oil

Let people add their own level of heat.

Want More Soup Ideas with Bold Flavors?

If you love Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup, you’ll want to keep the comfort food train going with these reader favorites:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can revisit it any time you’re craving island-style comfort.

Let me know in the comments how your oxtail soup turned out. Did you add bok choy or more chili? Did you try it with noodles instead of rice?

I love hearing your tips and tweaks. Cooking is always better when shared.

Explore more heartwarming dishes and daily kitchen inspiration at Mia Recipes on Pinterest.

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