Is oxtail calories? The definitive nutritional breakdown

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a 100-gram portion of cooked oxtail contains approximately 257 calories, comprised of both protein and fat. The seemingly simple question, 'is oxtail calories?', leads to a much more detailed exploration of this flavorful cut of meat and how its preparation can significantly impact its overall caloric value.

Quick Summary

Oxtail is a calorie-dense cut of meat due to its high fat and protein content, and it is a rich source of collagen, iron, and zinc. Caloric totals vary heavily depending on cooking methods and added ingredients.

Key Points

Not a Low-Calorie Food: Cooked oxtail contains a moderate to high number of calories, primarily from its fat and protein content.
Rich in Collagen: The connective tissue in oxtail breaks down into gelatin during cooking, which supports joint health, skin elasticity, and gut function.
Protein Powerhouse: It is a significant source of high-quality protein, which is vital for building and repairing muscle tissue.
Cooking Method is Key: The final calorie count is heavily dependent on the cooking method and whether excess fat is trimmed or skimmed during preparation.
Packed with Micronutrients: Oxtail is rich in important vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B12.
Health Requires Moderation: Due to its saturated fat content, oxtail should be consumed in moderation, especially if you are managing heart health.

A Closer Look at the Nutritional Profile of Oxtail

Oxtail, a cut of beef from the tail of a cow, is prized for its rich flavor and tender texture that develops through slow cooking. Its nutritional makeup is a combination of lean meat, bone, connective tissue, and fat, all of which contribute to its caloric density. While the exact calorie count can fluctuate, a standard reference for a 100-gram serving of cooked oxtail provides a solid baseline for understanding its place in a balanced diet.

Core Nutritional Facts (per 100g cooked):

Calories: 251–257 kcal
Protein: 25.9–30.8 grams
Fat: 13.19–16.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Sodium: ~357 mg

The Health Benefits Beyond Calories

Beyond just its caloric value, oxtail offers several notable health benefits, primarily derived from its high protein and collagen content. These are released into the cooking broth during the slow braising process.

The power of protein and collagen

Oxtail is a fantastic source of protein, an essential macronutrient for muscle growth, tissue repair, and satiety. However, its most unique and celebrated nutritional attribute is its abundance of collagen. When slow-cooked, this connective tissue breaks down into gelatin, which has been linked to numerous health benefits:

Joint health: Collagen is a primary component of cartilage, and increased intake may help support joint function and reduce discomfort.
Skin elasticity: It plays a vital role in maintaining skin's structure and elasticity, promoting a more youthful appearance.
Gut health: The gelatin can help soothe and repair the lining of the digestive tract, which is beneficial for gut health.

Rich in essential minerals

This cut of beef is also packed with important minerals that support overall bodily function:

Iron: Crucial for producing red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body, helping to prevent anemia.
Zinc: An important mineral for immune function and wound healing.
Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function and energy production.

How Preparation Affects Oxtail Calories

The way oxtail is prepared has a profound impact on its final calorie and fat content. A simple braise will be far different nutritionally from a rich, creamy stew.

Methods to reduce fat and calories

Trimming excess fat: Before cooking, you can trim off a significant portion of the visible fat from the oxtail pieces to reduce the overall fat content.
Skimming the fat: After cooking and chilling the stew, the fat will solidify on the surface. You can easily skim and remove this layer before reheating, drastically cutting the fat and calorie count.
Choosing your broth wisely: Using a low-sodium beef broth instead of a higher-sodium, oil-laden version can lower both the sodium and fat content.
Controlling portion sizes: Serving oxtail as part of a larger, vegetable-heavy meal rather than as the main bulk can help manage calorie intake effectively.

Calorie Comparison: Oxtail vs. Other Beef Cuts

To put oxtail's caloric density into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other popular beef cuts. Note that these are approximations and can vary based on the specific cut and preparation.


Beef Cut (per 100g, cooked)	Approx. Calories	Approx. Fat	Approx. Protein
Oxtail	~257 kcal	~16.5 g	~25.9 g
Short Ribs	~293 kcal	~18.0 g	~30.5 g
Chuck Roast	~226 kcal	~13.0 g	~25.8 g
Sirloin Steak (lean)	~180 kcal	~7.0 g	~26.0 g

Conclusion: Enjoying Oxtail in Moderation

While is oxtail calories is a straightforward question with a clear answer—yes, it has calories—the true nutritional story is far more complex. It is a nutrient-dense food, rich in protein, iron, and collagen, which offer significant health benefits for joints, skin, and overall vitality. However, its relatively high fat content means that moderation and smart preparation are crucial, especially for those monitoring their heart health or weight. By trimming excess fat and skimming the cooking liquid, you can enjoy the rich flavor and health benefits of oxtail without overdoing the calories. Paired with a generous portion of vegetables, oxtail can be a delicious and nourishing addition to a balanced diet.

For more detailed nutritional information on other foods, visit USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, oxtail is considered a calorie-dense cut of meat. A standard 100-gram serving of cooked oxtail contains approximately 251-257 calories, though this can vary with specific preparation methods.

Yes, oxtail is an excellent source of high-quality protein. A 100-gram serving can provide over 25 grams of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and repair.

Yes, oxtail is relatively high in fat, particularly saturated fat. This contributes to its rich flavor and caloric density, but also means it should be eaten in moderation.

Yes, you can reduce the calories by trimming excess visible fat from the pieces before cooking and by skimming the solidified fat from the broth after cooking and chilling.

Oxtail's health benefits come from its high concentration of collagen, which is great for joint and skin health, and its abundance of essential minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

The calorie count for oxtail and short ribs is comparable, with both being richer cuts of beef. For example, some data shows 100g of cooked oxtail at around 257 kcal, while cooked short ribs can be slightly higher at around 293 kcal, depending on preparation.

The calorie content of oxtail broth varies. Simple broths made by slow cooking the bone and some meat can be less caloric than a finished stew. Skimming the fat will also greatly reduce calories.