Discover the secrets to making authentic Biltong, a beloved dried and cured meat popular in South Africa. This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through the process of preparing Biltong using beef or game meat like kudu. Perfect for snacks, party treats, or a unique gift, our recipe ensures you achieve that perfect blend of spices and flavors that define this traditional delicacy. Learn how to cure, dry, and enjoy homemade Biltong with our comprehensive guide.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg beef (preferably top round or silverside) or game meat like kudu

- 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt

- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, crushed

- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, toasted and crushed

- 2 teaspoons brown sugar

- 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or apple cider)

- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

- 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for texture)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat:

  - Trim any excess fat from the meat and slice it into long strips, about 2-3 cm thick.

Season the Meat:

  - In a bowl, mix the sea salt, crushed black peppercorns, crushed coriander seeds, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and baking powder.

  - Rub the spice mixture evenly over the meat strips.

Marinate the Meat:

  - In a separate bowl, combine the vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the meat and ensure all pieces are coated.

  - Cover and refrigerate for 24-48 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and the meat to cure.

Dry the Meat:

  - Preheat your oven to its lowest setting or use a food dehydrator. If using an oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  - Arrange the meat strips on a wire rack set over the baking sheet or in the dehydrator trays. Ensure there is space between each strip for airflow.

  - Dry the meat in the oven or dehydrator for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is dry but still slightly pliable.

Cool and Store:

  - Once dried, let the Biltong cool completely before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

  - Store in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag. Biltong can be kept for several weeks at room temperature, or longer if refrigerated.

Enjoy your homemade Biltong as a tasty snack, or incorporate it into dishes for a savory boost of flavor!

Nutritional values

Beef (1 kg, preferably top round or silverside)

  - Per 100g: Approximately

   - 250 calories

   - 26g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 17g fat

Benefits:

   - High in protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.

   - Provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Coarse Sea Salt (2 tablespoons)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 0 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Enhances flavor and helps in preserving the meat.

   - Regulates fluid balance in the body.

Black Peppercorns (1 tablespoon, crushed)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 16 calories

   - 0.5g protein

   - 4g carbohydrates

   - 0.2g fat

Benefits:

   - Contains piperine: May improve digestion and have antioxidant properties.

Coriander Seeds (1 tablespoon, toasted and crushed)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 15 calories

   - 0.5g protein

   - 3g carbohydrates

   - 0.7g fat

Benefits:

   - May aid in digestion and have antioxidant properties.

Brown Sugar (2 teaspoons)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 17 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 4g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds sweetness and balances flavors.

Vinegar (2 tablespoons, white or apple cider)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 3 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

   - May aid in digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.

Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 13 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 3g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds umami flavor and can enhance overall taste.

Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 5 calories

   - 0.3g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Contains allicin: May boost the immune system and have antibacterial properties.

Paprika (1 teaspoon)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 6 calories

   - 0.3g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0.3g fat

Benefits:

   - Contains vitamin A and capsaicin: May help with metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Cayenne Pepper (1 teaspoon, optional)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 6 calories

   - 0.3g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0.3g fat

Benefits:

   - Contains capsaicin: May boost metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Baking Powder (1 teaspoon, optional)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 6 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Can aid in the texture of the meat if used in the preparation.