Recipe

Homemade Spiced Biltong

Savory South African Delight: Homemade Spiced Biltong

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of South African cuisine with this homemade spiced biltong recipe. Biltong is a traditional South African dried meat snack that is seasoned with aromatic spices and enjoyed as a flavorful and protein-packed treat.

Snack› Biltong

African cuisine› Southern African cuisine› South African cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

0 minutes (air-drying)

Total time

3-5 days (depending on desired dryness)

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

High-protein diet, Paleo diet, Low-carb diet, Keto diet, Gluten-free diet

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Vegetarian diet, Vegan diet, Dairy-free diet, Egg-free diet, Nut-free diet

Ingredients

2 pounds (900g) beef, preferably top round or silverside 2 pounds (900g) beef, preferably top round or silverside
1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (30ml) coarse sea salt 2 tablespoons (30ml) coarse sea salt
2 tablespoons (30ml) ground coriander 2 tablespoons (30ml) ground coriander
1 tablespoon (15ml) ground black pepper 1 tablespoon (15ml) ground black pepper
1 tablespoon (15ml) paprika 1 tablespoon (15ml) paprika
1 teaspoon (5ml) brown sugar 1 teaspoon (5ml) brown sugar
1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
Fat: 6g (2g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 2g (0g sugars)
Protein: 30g
Fiber: 0g
Salt: 2g

Preparation

1.
Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick.
2.
In a bowl, combine the red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Add the beef strips and toss to coat evenly.
3.
In a separate bowl, mix together the sea salt, ground coriander, black pepper, paprika, brown sugar, and garlic powder.
4.
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the beef strips, ensuring each strip is well coated.
5.
Place the seasoned beef strips in a single layer on a wire rack or hang them using hooks in a well-ventilated area.
6.
Allow the biltong to air-dry for 3-5 days, depending on your desired level of dryness. The meat should be firm and slightly chewy.
7.
Once dried, slice the biltong into thin strips and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Beef — Choose lean cuts of beef, such as top round or silverside, for the best results. Trim off any excess fat before slicing.
Red wine vinegar — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar.
Worcestershire sauce — Look for a gluten-free variety if following a gluten-free diet.
Sea salt — Coarse sea salt works best for this recipe, as it adds texture and enhances the flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add more black pepper for a spicier kick or reduce the amount of salt if you prefer a milder flavor.
For a smokier flavor, you can add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the marinade.
Make sure the beef strips are evenly coated with the spice mixture to ensure a consistent flavor throughout the biltong.
To speed up the drying process, you can use a food dehydrator set to a low temperature.

Serving advice

Serve the homemade spiced biltong as a snack on its own or pair it with cheese, crackers, or sliced vegetables for a delicious appetizer. It also makes a great addition to charcuterie boards or as a protein-packed topping for salads.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced biltong on a wooden cutting board or a rustic platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color. Serve alongside the suggested side dishes and drinks for a complete South African culinary experience.