Have you ever thought of trying a more exotic version of oxtail soup? I am referring to the Malaysian oxtail soup.

Imagine adding cumin, coriander, cinnamon stick, and cardamom to the soup, no more bay leaves, thyme, and parsley!

If you wish to put your spin on the traditional oxtail soup recipe, try this unorthodox way of preparing the soup. you will certainly be amazed by the rich flavor of this unique oxtail soup, the original recipe from Malaysia.

Oxtail soup can elevate to become an exotic wonder dish with an adventurous twist of Asian flavor.

This Malaysian oxtail soup is earthy, meaty, warm, and comforting, with a bursting flavor from myriad local spices. When the soup is served bubbling hot, one mouthful will melt your heart and change the way you appreciate soup forever.

Whenever I of for traditional Malaysian food, I still like the quintessential all-time favorite Malaysian-style oxtail soup. It is reminiscent of what I typically enjoyed at the street vendor in my hometown, which I have not tasted for a long time.

Oxtail soup is called sup ekor in Malaysia and sup buntut in Indonesia. They refer to the same oxtail soup, and the cooking style is identical. It is prepared by simmering the oxtail until it becomes tender with various local herbs and spices. The coriander leaves and deep-fried onion perfectly complement the gamey flavor of the soup. This hearty meal was once only available at roadside hawker stores but has become part of the buffet repertoire of many large restaurants and five-star hotels.

How to make the authentic Malaysian oxtail soup

Making Malaysian-style oxtail soup is quite straightforward. Here is all the detail you need to make an authentic Sup Ekor with an unforgettable taste.

The oxtail:

Sear the oxtail until both sides turn slightly brown with vegetable oil in a skillet. Browning adds flavor to the oxtail. Some cooks take the shortcut by skipping this step but indeed is not the best option. Once you have done this, place the oxtail in the stock pot with cold water.

You can replace the oxtail with mutton, chicken, or beef for this recipe. Sup Ayam (chicken soup) is prepared similarly by substituting the oxtail with chicken pieces. Short ribs are also a good alternative to oxtail.

The Aromatics

Onions, ginger, and garlic are the aromatics for this soup. Saute until the onion is caramelized, then add to the oxtail in the stock pot. Simmer over low heat to extract the flavor of the oxtail.

The herb and spices

The herbs and spices are an integral part of the soup. Each cook has its secret formula for the spice combination. I am using the most common mix of herbs and spices that appeal to most of the local people in this recipe. If this is the first time you have prepared this soup, I suggest you adhere to this recipe and make the customization later.

The whole herbs ( the coriander seeds, cloves, cardamoms, star anise, and star anise) is best to toast lightly on a pan and then place in a piece of cloth and tie to form a bouquet garni. Leave it in the pot and let it simmer to extract the flavor.

Add the ground herbs and spices directly into the pot and simmer.

The vegetables

Let the soup boils for two hours or until the flavor of the oxtail is fully extracted. Add the carrots, tomatoes, and potatoes and simmer for another twenty minutes before serving. You can use tomato paste as a substitute for fresh tomatoes.

8 Tips to prepare oxtail soup (sup ekor)

• You can prepare the beef broth a day before. When it is cooled, keep it in a plastic container in the refrigerator. The extra fat will coagulate on top. You can scoop or pick it up like a piece of butter and discard it before reheating it.
• Simmer the oxtail over low heat until it is tender. The tender meat will fall off the bone when you use the fork to tear it apart at this point.
• Use fresh spices whenever possible. The herbs and spices play a major role in imparting flavor to this recipe.
• The amount of water stated in this recipe depends on your pot’s shape and the stove’s heat. Ensure the water volume is sufficient to cover all the oxtail to extract the flavor efficiently.
• You may want to change the quantities of herbs and spices based on your preference. However, I suggest you follow this recipe if you cook it for the first time. The amount required depends on the herbs’ freshness and size. For example, some cardamoms are twice the size of another species. The best practice is to taste it and add more if necessary.
• Prepare the deep-fried shallot in advance and keep it in an airtight container. The shallots taste best when it is crispy.
• If you want to serve the soup as a one-pot meal, the best way is to complement it with butter rolls or white rice.
• As an alternative, prepare mutton, chicken, or beef soup the same way as oxtail soup. Just cook by following the recipe by substituting the oxtail with the meat you want.

Steps to prepare the delicious oxtail soup:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oxtail pieces, single layer, and sear them until both sides turn slightly brown.
2. Add the onion, ginger, and garlic and saute for a minute.
3. Transfer to a large pot or a large Dutch oven and adds sufficient water to cover all the ingredients.
4. Put the coriander seeds, cloves, cardamoms, and star anise in a piece of cloth and tie it to form a bouquet garni.
5. Add the coriander leaves, ground cumin, cinnamon stick, the bouquet garni, and bird’s eye chilies.
6. Start boiling over high heat until it boils, and then continue over medium heat for 2-3 hours until the oxtail is tender. Skim off any impurity, scum, and fat occasionally accumulating at the top.
7. Add the tomato, potato, and other root vegetables, such as carrots. Simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar.
9. When it is ready to serve, squeeze the lime juice into the soup.
10. Ladle the oxtail soup into a large bowl, and garnish with crispy deep-fried shallots and coriander leaves. This comforting soup has a rich broth and is perfect for the whole family, served with steamed rice.

Note: You can use an instant pot or pressure cooker to simplify your work.

The hearty oxtail soup recipe