Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup is a beloved dish that embodies the rich culinary traditions of Hawaii. This comforting soup features tender oxtails simmered with aromatic ingredients like ginger and star anise, creating a broth that is both flavorful and soothing. Each bowl serves as a warm embrace, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that brings the taste of the islands to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup
This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience. Here are some reasons to love Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup:
- Rich and aromatic flavors that transport you straight to Hawaii.
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, making it a true Hawaiian comfort food.
- Packed with nutrients from fresh ingredients.
- Easy to customize with traditional Hawaiian flavors.
- Great for meal prep, allowing for easy reheating without losing flavor.
- Offers a unique twist on a classic oxtail soup recipe.
- Suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Using fresh ingredients enhances the authentic taste.

Ingredients for Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup
Gather these items:
- 2 pounds oxtails
- 1 strip dried orange peel (zest only, avoid the pith)
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ cup shelled and skinned raw peanuts (or roasted unsalted peanuts)
- ⅛ teaspoon chili pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 2 cups loosely packed coarsely chopped fresh mustard greens
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Green onions (white and green parts) (sliced diagonally)
- Freshly grated ginger
How to Make Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Fill a large 5-quart pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Add the oxtails and parboil for 30 minutes to remove impurities. Drain, then rinse the oxtails under cool water. Trim away any excess fat before proceeding.
- Step 2: Return the cleaned oxtails to the pot and add enough water to cover them by about 1 inch. Incorporate the orange peel, star anise, ginger, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to begin developing.
- Step 3: Stir in the peanuts and continue to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 hours, or until the oxtails are tender and the meat is nearly falling off the bone. Periodically skim any foam or fat that rises to the surface to maintain a clear broth.
- Step 4: Once the oxtails are fully tender, skim off excess fat. For a cleaner flavor, the soup may be cooled and refrigerated overnight. When chilled, the solidified fat will be easy to remove from the surface. Resting overnight also allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
- Step 5: Reheat the soup over medium heat. Add the chili pepper flakes and mustard greens, simmering for about 5 minutes or until the greens are tender but still vibrant.
- Step 6: Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a small amount of freshly grated ginger. Serve hot, accompanied by steamed white rice and soy sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup
Keep these in mind:
- Always parboil the oxtails to remove impurities for a clearer broth.
- Let the soup cool overnight to enhance the flavors.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more chili flakes.
- Using fresh ingredients like ginger and mustard greens will elevate the taste.
- Cook on low heat to ensure the oxtails become tender and flavorful.
Best Ways to Serve Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup
Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with steamed white rice on the side for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions for an extra flavor burst.
- Pair with a light salad or tropical fruits for a refreshing contrast.
How to Store and Reheat Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup
To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little water if needed to loosen the broth. This soup is also perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup
What’s the secret to perfect Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup?
The secret lies in the long simmering time, which allows the flavors to develop fully and the oxtails to become tender. Using quality ingredients, such as fresh ginger and peanuts, also enhances the overall taste.
Can I make Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply make it ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat before serving.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you properly parboil the oxtails to remove impurities. Also, don’t rush the simmering process; it’s crucial for developing depth in flavor.
Variations of Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup You Can Try
Here are some delicious variations:
- Add tropical ingredients like pineapple or coconut milk for a fruity twist.
- Incorporate other veggies such as carrots or bok choy for added nutrition.
- Experiment with different spices like lemongrass or kaffir lime leaves for a unique flavor.
- Try adding noodles for a heartier version of the soup.
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers for a delightful twist on dinner. If you’re looking for a comforting soup, Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp is another great option!
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Hawaii Style Oxtail Soup: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 3 hours 53 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and comforting Hawaii-Style Oxtail Soup simmered with tender oxtails, ginger, orange peel, star anise, and peanuts for a flavorful, island-inspired broth that’s deeply aromatic and soothing.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds oxtails
- 1 strip dried orange peel (zest only, avoid the pith)
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ cup shelled and skinned raw peanuts (or roasted unsalted peanuts)
- ⅛ teaspoon chili pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 2 cups loosely packed coarsely chopped fresh mustard greens
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Green onions (white and green parts) (sliced diagonally)
- Freshly grated ginger
Instructions
- Fill a large 5-quart pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Add the oxtails and parboil for 30 minutes to remove impurities. Drain, then rinse the oxtails under cool water. Trim away any excess fat before proceeding.
- Return the cleaned oxtails to the pot and add enough water to cover them by about 1 inch. Incorporate the orange peel, star anise, ginger, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to begin developing.
- Stir in the peanuts and continue to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 hours, or until the oxtails are tender and the meat is nearly falling off the bone. Periodically skim any foam or fat that rises to the surface to maintain a clear broth.
- Once the oxtails are fully tender, skim off excess fat. For a cleaner flavor, the soup may be cooled and refrigerated overnight. When chilled, the solidified fat will be easy to remove from the surface. Resting overnight also allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
- Reheat the soup over medium heat. Add the chili pepper flakes and mustard greens, simmering for about 5 minutes or until the greens are tender but still vibrant.
- Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a small amount of freshly grated ginger. Serve hot, accompanied by steamed white rice and soy sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg










