Pig tails stew is a classic comfort food dish cooked on the stovetop with just one pot. This easy recipe is made with tender pigs' tails and chopped veggies, plus a handful of simple pantry staples and fresh jalapeno for a bit of a spicy kick. Together they create a complete all-in-one meal that is deliciously savory and satisfying!

Traditional pig tails stew is a Caribbean-influenced dish that often features meaty pork tails cooked with a variety of veggies and bold aromatics.

There are many different recipe versions, but traditionally all recipes are made in one large pot and include simmering the ingredients low and slow.

Slow cooking ensures a fork-tender and incredibly flavorful stew, so it is definitely worth the time! If you want to use an actual slow cooker than try my other popular pig feet recipe, made in a crock pot and melt in your mouth delicious!

This one-pot pig tails stew recipe uses fresh garlic and jalapeno for an extra bold and delicious broth. It also includes chopped celery, onion, and pork bouillon to give a nice depth of flavor.

And the stew can not be any easier to prepare! Simply combine everything at the same time in one pot and simmer on the stovetop on low heat for 2 hours, until the pig tails are perfectly tender. Enjoy warm by the bowlful as a complete meal!

Are pig tails good to eat

Yes, indeed they are! Not only are pig tails an inexpensive meat to purchase, they are very easy to cook and tasty to eat.

You can grill, roast, and fry pig tails - but using as the base for a stew is one of the best (and practically foolproof!) ways to cook pigtails with barely any effort.

Recipe ingredients

Pig tails. Leave any remaining fat on the tail for the most flavor. Clean well under cold running water. Pat dry.

Onion. White onion tends to be sharper with a more pungent taste. Yellow onions are sweeter and on the mild side. Choose whichever you prefer.

Celery. A classic stew ingredient to bring out deep savory flavors.

Garlic cloves. Bold and delicious, garlic elevates nearly any recipe.

Diced jalapenos. Remove the seeds before dicing for less heat. Omit entirely for a non-spicy stew.

Bouillon. Pork bouillon is best to compliment the flavors of the pig tails in the stew. However, feel free to use your choice of vegetable, beef, or chicken bouillon.

Spices. Garlic powder, cracked black pepper, and salt.

How to make pig tails stew step by step

This is definitely one of the easiest recipe on my blog. Start with defrosting pork tails. You can do that in the fridge overnight or just on the counter for a few hours.

Chop celery and onions and place them in the pot. Add jalapenos, chopped garlic and seasonings.

Add clean pig tails. Make sure that there is no hair or any other dirt sticking out. Cover all the ingredients with water and bring to boil.

Once it boils, lower the heat to simmer and cover with the lid. Cook for 2 hours, until tails are very tender and falling of the bone.

Serve with chopped green onions on top and rice or mashed potatoes as a side dish. Scroll for more side dish suggestions.

What do they taste like

While pork is often referred to as a "white meat," the tail of a pig tastes more similar to dark meat chicken leg or chicken thigh meat... It is deliciously rich and fatty, but without being too greasy or heavy.

The tails have a thick cartilage and series of vertebrae surrounded by soft and tender flesh. And the texture of the cooked tails is similar to a pork or beef neck bone, or a chicken thigh. So the pig tails in this stew are super meaty and flavorful!

Where to buy

You can purchase pigtails fresh or frozen from a local butcher. Or you might check to see if they are available at a chain grocery store nearby.

They are also easy to buy frozen from online retailers, but shipped tails tend to be a bit more expensive because of shipping costs.

Slow cooker pig tails

You can make this recipe in your slow cooker! Its very convenient if you start it in the morning and will have a delicious dinner later in the day.

Just place all the ingredients in the crock pot, add water to cover and cook for 8 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH. Yummy!

Frequently asked questions

Side dishes

I like to make this pig tails recipe and serve it over mashed potatoes or white rice. You can easily enjoy tails by themself, just add a bit of hot sauce and chop fresh vegetables with it. At least that's how i would like to eat it.

You can also make roasted vegetables or grill come corn on the cob. Or make scalloped potatoes or a sweet potato casserole.

Leftovers

Store pig tails stew leftovers in the fridge for up to 6 days. Ideally you should keep it in the air tight container but if you don't have one or simply don't want to wash extra dishes, you can totally store it in the original pot. Just cover it with the lid and keep in the fridge.

Reheat in the pot on the stove until nice and hot or in the container for couple minutes in the microwave without the lid on.

You may also like...

• Pig feet stew
• Baked pork neck bones
• Pork liver recipe
• Ninja foodi pork tenderloin
• Bologna stew
• Lamb heart stew
• Rabbit stew with potatoes
• Slow cooker turkey necks