Kapiolani Coffee Shop, a beloved and historic spot in Hawaii, is known for its delicious and comforting dishes that bring a taste of the islands to life. Among the standout items on the menu is their famous oxtail soup-rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes nostalgia, warmth, and the essence of Hawaiian comfort food. Whether you’ve been lucky enough to visit this iconic eatery or you’re simply eager to bring a taste of Kapiolani Coffee Shop to your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat. This recipe will help you recreate the mouthwatering oxtail soup that has captured the hearts of so many.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into how to make Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s oxtail soup at home, giving you all the details, tips, and tricks to create a dish that is as hearty and satisfying as the one served at the restaurant. From the ingredients you’ll need to expert tips on how to perfect your broth, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started on this delicious culinary journey!
Kapiolani Coffee Shop Oxtail Soup Recipe
Here’s your step-by-step guide to making Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s signature oxtail soup in your own kitchen. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of trying this dish in Hawaii, you’ll know that it’s an absolute must-try-robust and comforting, with the perfect balance of rich flavors and savory undertones.
Ingredients Needed
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients that will bring this dish to life. While the list might seem long, don’t be intimidated! Most of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store or Asian market.
- Oxtail (2-3 lbs): This is the star of the soup. The oxtail should be cut into pieces about 2-3 inches in length. When cooked properly, the meat becomes tender and juicy, while the bones impart a rich, deep flavor to the broth.
- Beef shank (optional, 1 lb): For an extra layer of depth and richness, adding beef shank is a nice touch, though it’s optional.
- Ginger (2-3 inches, sliced): Fresh ginger adds a warm, aromatic kick to the broth and balances out the richness of the oxtail.
- Garlic (4-5 cloves, smashed): Garlic gives the soup its savory depth and earthy flavor.
- Yellow onions (2 medium, quartered): The onions add sweetness to the broth as they simmer, enriching the overall flavor profile.
- Green onions (3-4 stalks, chopped): These are added at the end for freshness and color.
- Daikon radish (1 medium, peeled and cut into large chunks): Daikon adds a subtle peppery flavor and texture to the soup.
- Carrots (2, peeled and cut into large chunks): Carrots contribute sweetness and balance to the savory broth.
- Soy sauce (3-4 tbsp): This brings saltiness and umami to the soup.
- Hawaiian salt (1-2 tbsp): Traditional Hawaiian salt provides an extra depth of flavor. If unavailable, use kosher salt.
- Star anise (2-3 pods): Star anise infuses the broth with a mild licorice-like note that gives the soup its distinct taste.
- Black peppercorns (1 tsp): Adds a bit of heat and complements the other spices.
- Fish sauce (1 tbsp): A little bit of fish sauce gives the soup a complex savory flavor and rounds out the umami profile.
- Water (10-12 cups): The base of your broth-essential to creating a clear, flavorful liquid.
Cooking Instructions
Making this soup is a slow, rewarding process that requires patience. The key to achieving that rich, tender flavor lies in allowing the broth to simmer for hours, letting all the ingredients meld together.
- Prepare the Oxtail: Start by rinsing the oxtail under cold water. This helps remove any impurities and blood. Place the oxtail into a large pot, cover with water, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step is known as blanching, and it helps to remove scum and impurities.
- Drain and Rinse: After blanching, drain the oxtail and rinse the pieces under cold water. This ensures that your broth remains clear and not cloudy.
- Start the Broth: In a large stockpot, add the rinsed oxtail, garlic, ginger, onions, and enough water to cover the meat (about 10-12 cups). Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
- Seasoning and Aromatics: Add the soy sauce, Hawaiian salt, star anise, fish sauce, and black peppercorns to the pot. Stir well, then cover and let the soup simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful and tender the oxtail will become.
- Add Vegetables: After 2 hours, add the daikon and carrots to the pot. Continue simmering for another 45 minutes to an hour until the vegetables are tender and the meat has fallen off the bone.
- Finishing Touches: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. If it needs more salt, add a little extra soy sauce or Hawaiian salt. Once everything is perfectly seasoned, remove the pot from heat.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to get a nice portion of oxtail and vegetables in each serving. Top with chopped green onions and serve with a side of steamed white rice or your favorite crusty bread.
Ingredient Insights
- Oxtail: The oxtail provides both rich, savory meat and flavorful bones that give the broth a gelatinous, rich texture. It’s the heart and soul of the dish.
- Daikon: This Japanese radish is not just a filler; it adds a delicate peppery crunch and is fantastic at absorbing the broth’s flavors.
- Ginger: A key ingredient in many Asian dishes, ginger lends warmth and a zesty bite to the soup while cutting through the richness of the beef.
- Star Anise: This spice is a little unexpected but is an essential part of the authentic taste of the soup, providing that distinct fragrance and flavor that makes it stand out from other beef soups.
- Hawaiian Salt: Hawaiian salt adds a mineral flavor that complements the meat and vegetables, giving the soup a truly authentic taste.
Expert Tips
- Low and Slow: Don’t rush the simmering process! The longer you cook the oxtail, the more tender the meat becomes, and the broth becomes rich with flavor. Aim for at least 3 hours of simmering to really get the depth you want.
- Blanch the Meat: Always blanch the oxtail before making the broth. This will help remove impurities and ensure a clearer soup.
- Skim the Broth: As the soup simmers, you’ll notice some foam or scum rising to the surface. Skim this off with a ladle to keep your broth clear and clean tasting.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste the broth halfway through the cooking process and adjust the seasoning if needed. Every palate is different, so feel free to add a little extra salt, soy sauce, or fish sauce to get it just right.
- Serve with Rice: A bowl of steamed white rice is the perfect accompaniment. The rice absorbs the flavorful broth and adds a comforting element to the dish.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Oxtail Soup: If you like a little heat, add a couple of sliced chili peppers to the broth. They’ll infuse the soup with a nice kick without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Curry Oxtail Soup: For a fusion twist, try adding a tablespoon of curry powder to the broth. The warmth of the curry adds a whole new dimension to the soup.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the oxtail for mushrooms like shiitake or portobello, and use vegetable broth instead of water. While it won’t have the same richness, it can still offer a deeply flavorful experience.
- Short Rib Option: If oxtail is hard to find, short ribs are a great alternative. They offer a similar richness and tenderness when slow-cooked.
Final Words
Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s oxtail soup is more than just a dish-it’s a Hawaiian tradition that brings families together and offers comfort in every spoonful. The deep flavors, tender meat, and perfectly seasoned broth make it a standout. By following the steps and tips outlined here, you can recreate this Hawaiian classic right in your own kitchen, bringing a piece of the islands to your table.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients In Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s Oxtail Soup?
The main ingredients in Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s oxtail soup typically include oxtails, beef bones, ginger, garlic, onions, Hawaiian sea salt, soy sauce, and sometimes Chinese mushrooms. It is also traditionally served with a side of rice and sometimes garnished with green onions and chili pepper water.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s Oxtail Soup?
The oxtail soup requires a long cooking time to tenderize the oxtail and extract all the flavors from the bones. Typically, it will take about 3 to 4 hours of simmering on low heat.
Can I Make Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s Oxtail Soup At Home?
Yes, you can make Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s oxtail soup at home. While the exact recipe might be proprietary, you can recreate a similar version by using common ingredients like oxtail, beef bones, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, with slow cooking to extract the rich flavors.
What Makes Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s Oxtail Soup Unique?
Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s oxtail soup is known for its rich, clear broth, which is achieved through slow cooking. The unique blend of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, along with the natural flavors of the oxtail, gives the soup its distinctive taste.
Is Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s Oxtail Soup Spicy?
No, the oxtail soup from Kapiolani Coffee Shop is not inherently spicy. However, it is often served with a side of chili pepper water, which allows customers to add a spicy kick to the soup according to their preference.
Can I Substitute Oxtail With Another Cut Of Beef In The Soup Recipe?
While oxtail is traditionally used for its rich flavor and tender texture when slow-cooked, you can substitute it with other cuts of beef, such as short ribs or brisket. However, the flavor and texture of the soup will be different.
How Do I Prepare The Oxtail For The Soup?
To prepare the oxtail for the soup, first rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. Then, brown the oxtail in a hot pot to develop a deeper flavor before simmering it with other ingredients like ginger, garlic, and beef bones.
What Type Of Rice Is Typically Served With Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s Oxtail Soup?
The oxtail soup is typically served with steamed white rice. Some people also prefer jasmine rice, which has a slightly fragrant aroma that complements the soup’s rich broth.
Can I Make A Vegetarian Version Of Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s Oxtail Soup?
A vegetarian version of Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s oxtail soup is not traditional, but you can try using vegetable broth and a combination of mushrooms to mimic the deep umami flavor. The result will be a very different soup, but still flavorful.
What Is The Best Way To Store Leftovers Of Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s Oxtail Soup?
Leftover oxtail soup should be cooled down to room temperature and then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, the soup can be gently simmered on the stove.