Don’t be intimidated by this unique cut of meat! Ox heart is incredibly lean, packed with flavor, and surprisingly tender when cooked correctly. This Instant Pot recipe transforms it into a rich, savory stew that tastes like it simmered for hours, but it’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a deeply satisfying, budget-friendly meal perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
• 2 lbs / 900g ox heart, trimmed of fat and sinew, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup / 240ml dry red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2 cups / 480ml beef broth
• 1 tbsp Herbes de Provence
• 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function on high. Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the cubed ox heart and sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Return the seared ox heart to the pot. Add the carrots, beef broth, Herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
6. Secure the lid, set the steam valve to ‘Sealing,’ and select the ‘Stew/Meat’ setting. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
7. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Per Serving
• Calories: 630
• Total Fats: 36g
• Net Carbs: 8g
• Protein: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
Pro Tips
• Do not skip searing the meat; this step builds a deep, savory flavor base for the entire stew.
• For a thicker stew, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it in after pressure cooking while the pot is on ‘Sauté’ mode.
• Serve this hearty stew over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Allow the stew to rest for 5-10 minutes after opening the pot. This helps the flavors meld and settle before serving.
FAQ
Q: What does ox heart taste like
A: Ox heart is a very lean cut of meat that is packed with a rich, savory flavor similar to a classic beef stew. When cooked correctly using this Instant Pot method, it becomes surprisingly tender.
Q: How long does it take to cook ox heart in an Instant Pot
A: This recipe cooks the ox heart at high pressure for 20 minutes. After the cooking cycle, it requires a 10-minute natural pressure release, making the total pressure cooking and release time about 30 minutes.
Q: How can I make this ox heart stew thicker
A: To thicken the stew, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. After pressure cooking, set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and stir in the slurry until the broth reaches your desired consistency.
Q: What should I serve with this stew
A: This hearty ox heart stew pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious, savory broth.
