Oxtail Cabbage Soup Simple Cambodian Recipe

A bowl of Cambodian oxtail cabbage soup with tender oxtail, soft cabbage, and fresh green onion and cilantro. — Oxtail and cabbage simmer into a simple, savory broth.

5.0 from 1 vote

Some soups ask for a long list of spices. This one doesn’t. Oxtail and cabbage go into a pot with water and a little patience, and what comes out is a clean, deeply savory broth. The oxtail gives it body, while the cabbage turns soft and sweet in the liquid. It is the kind of soup that fits a quiet weeknight at home, especially when you want something warm without a lot of fuss.

If you have never cooked oxtail before, this is a forgiving place to start. The method is mostly hands-off: bring it to a boil, then let it simmer until the meat is tender. A few seasonings at the end are all it needs.

What You Need

The ingredient list is short and familiar. Oxtail is the main event, and cabbage makes up the bulk of the vegetables. A yellow onion goes into the pot early to build a mild sweetness in the broth. Fish sauce does most of the seasoning, with a little salt, sugar, and black pepper to round it out. Fresh green onion and cilantro go on top at the end, so keep them ready before you serve.

If you enjoy oxtail in soup, you might also like our Oxtail Basil Stew for a different, herb-forward take on the same cut. And if you like beef-based soups with vegetables, our Easy Vegetables Beef Soup is another simple one-pot meal.

Equipment

Soup pot: To simmer the oxtail, onion, and water until the meat becomes tender.
Chef’s knife: To chop the onion, cut the cabbage into bite-size pieces, and chop the green onion and cilantro.
Cutting board: To prepare the onion, cabbage, and fresh herbs safely.
Measuring cups: To measure the water accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the fish sauce, salt, sugar, and black pepper.
Cooking spoon: To stir the soup, especially after adding the cabbage and seasonings.
Ladle: To transfer the finished soup and broth into serving bowls.

How to Make Oxtail Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Start the broth.
Put the oxtail, chopped yellow onion, and 8 cups of water into a large soup pot. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil.

Step 2: Simmer until the oxtail is tender.
Once the water is boiling, cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook until the oxtail is tender, which takes about 2 hours. Keep the lid on and let the pot do the work.

Step 3: Add the cabbage.
Remove the lid and add the cabbage pieces. Give it a stir. Increase the heat to high and cook until the soup comes back to a bubbling boil and the cabbage is cooked through.

Step 4: Season the soup.
Stir in the fish sauce, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Taste the broth and adjust if needed, keeping in mind that fish sauce is salty.

Step 5: Finish with fresh herbs.
Turn off the heat. Top the soup with the chopped green onion and cilantro just before serving.

Cooking Tips

Keep the pot covered during the long simmer. This helps the liquid reduce too much and keeps the oxtail moist.
The cabbage cooks quickly once the soup is bubbling. If you prefer it softer, let it go a few extra minutes.
Add the fish sauce a little at a time and taste as you go. Different brands vary in saltiness.
For safe food handling, always cook beef until it reaches a safe internal temperature. You can check the official safe minimum internal temperature chart for guidance.

How to Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets some oxtail and cabbage. Spoon the hot broth over the top. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice on the side, or on its own if you want a lighter meal. A few extra slices of green onion or a sprinkle of black pepper can go on top right before eating.

If you are looking for more soups like this one, browse our Cambodian soups and stews collection. For a slightly different beef soup with a gentle curry note, our Curry Beef Tripe Soup is another comforting option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does oxtail cabbage soup taste like?

The broth tastes clean and beefy, with a mild sweetness from the onion and cabbage. Fish sauce adds a savory, salty depth. It is not spicy or heavy.

How long does it take to cook oxtail until tender?

In this recipe, the oxtail simmers for about 2 hours. The exact time can vary depending on the size of the oxtail pieces and your stove, so check that the meat is tender before adding the cabbage.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes. The soup can be cooled and stored in the refrigerator. The flavor often deepens the next day. Reheat it gently on the stove, and add fresh herbs after reheating.

Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses fish sauce, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Fish sauce is generally gluten-free, but brands can vary. Check the label on your fish sauce if you need a confirmed gluten-free result.

Final Thoughts

Oxtail Cabbage Soup is proof that a short ingredient list can still make a broth with real depth. The oxtail does the heavy lifting, and the cabbage soaks up everything around it. It is a good recipe to keep in rotation when you want a pot of something warm that does not demand much attention. Serve it with rice, or eat it slowly on its own.