Beef Stew Cuts - Short Ribs vs Ox Tail
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Beef short ribs and oxtail are both hearty cuts of beef that are perfect for slow cooking, top favourite for a Christmas Stew. However, they have some distinct differences in terms of price, texture, and taste. Let us go into closer detail.
Cut
- Short ribs are cut from the lower rib cage
- Oxtail is cut from the tail of the cow.

Price
- Beef short ribs are generally more affordable than oxtail. This is because they are a more common cut.
- Oxtail is considered a delicacy in many cultures and can be more expensive than beef short ribs.
Texture
- Beef short ribs have a meaty texture and marbled with fat that adds flavor and richness. They become extremely tender when cooked slowly.
- Oxtail has a gelatinous texture that melts away during slow cooking, resulting in a rich and flavourful sauce and is extremely tender.
Taste
- Beef short ribs have a rich, beefy flavour that is often enhanced by marinades or slow cooking.
- Oxtail has a deep, earthy flavor that is often described as savory and slightly sweet.
Ultimately, the best choice between beef short ribs and oxtail depends on your personal preferences and budget. Both cuts are delicious and can be used in a variety of dishes. Try it today!


Shop the cuts in this guide
- Beef short rib (slow-cook collection)
- Beef shin shank cube
- Beef brisket cube
- Full slow-cook beef collection
Related reading
- Best Cuts of Beef for Stew: Shin vs Chuck vs Brisket
- Best Secondary Beef Cuts: Flavour Without the Premium
- Slow Cooker vs Oven: Which Makes Better Braised Meat
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for stew, short ribs or oxtail?
Both are excellent slow-cooked. Short ribs give meaty, marbled richness; oxtail gives the most gelatinous, full-bodied broth of any cut. For a stew where the sauce matters most, oxtail wins; for meat you can eat in chunks, short ribs.
How long do oxtail and short ribs need to cook?
Both need long, low, moist heat — typically 2.5 to 4 hours of braising — until the connective tissue turns to gelatine and the meat pulls from the bone.