Discover how to make Biltong, a traditional South African dried meat snack that’s similar to jerky but with a unique blend of spices. Our easy-to-follow recipe guides you through the process of curing and drying beef to create delicious, flavorful Biltong. Perfect for snacking or adding to dishes for a savory boost!

Ingredients:

- 1 kg beef (silverside or top rump)

- 2 tbsp coarse salt

- 1 tbsp brown sugar

- 1 tbsp crushed coriander seeds

- 1 tbsp black peppercorns

- 1 tsp ground paprika

- 1 tsp ground cloves

- 1 tsp baking soda

- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat: Trim excess fat from the beef and slice it into strips about 2 cm thick and 5 cm wide. 

Make the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine coarse salt, brown sugar, crushed coriander seeds, black peppercorns, paprika, cloves, and baking soda.

Season the Meat: Rub the spice mixture evenly over the meat strips. Place the seasoned meat in a non-reactive container or zip-lock bag and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.

Prepare the Marinade: In a separate bowl, mix the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. After the meat has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and soak it in the marinade for about 30 minutes.

Dry the Meat: Remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Arrange the meat strips on a rack or hanging in a well-ventilated area, ensuring they are not touching each other. Allow the meat to air-dry for 5-7 days, depending on your desired level of dryness. The meat should be firm to the touch but not brittle.

Store and Enjoy: Once dried, slice the Biltong into bite-sized pieces. Store it in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag. Enjoy as a snack or incorporate it into recipes as desired.

This Biltong recipe brings a taste of South Africa right to your kitchen, offering a flavorful and satisfying treat that's perfect for any occasion.

Nutritional Values

Beef (1 kg, such as silverside or top rump)

  - Approximately 250 calories

  - 20 grams of protein

  - 20 grams of fat

  - 0 grams of carbohydrates

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein essential for muscle growth and repair. Rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins (especially B12), which support energy production and red blood cell formation.

Coarse Salt (2 tbsp)

  - 0 calories

  - High in sodium

Benefits: Enhances flavor and helps in food preservation. Should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake, which can impact blood pressure.

Brown Sugar (1 tbsp)

  - About 50 calories

  - 13 grams of carbohydrates

  - 0 grams of fat

  - 0 grams of protein

Benefits: Adds sweetness and caramel flavor. Contains some minerals like calcium and iron, though in small amounts.

Crushed Coriander Seeds (1 tbsp)

  - About 15 calories

  - 0.8 grams of fat

  - 2 grams of carbohydrates

  - 0.7 grams of protein

Benefits: May aid digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels. Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Black Peppercorns (1 tbsp)

  - About 16 calories

  - 0.8 grams of fat

  - 4 grams of carbohydrates

  - 0.5 grams of protein

Benefits: Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and provide antioxidant benefits. Adds a spicy flavor to dishes.

Ground Paprika (1 tsp)

  - About 6 calories

  - 0.3 grams of fat

  - 1 gram of carbohydrates

  - 0.3 grams of protein

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, including vitamin A and carotenoids. Adds color and flavor to dishes.

Ground Cloves (1 tsp)

  - About 6 calories

  - 0.3 grams of fat

  - 1.5 grams of carbohydrates

  - 0.1 grams of protein

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. May support digestive health and improve flavor.

Baking Soda (1 tsp)

  - About 0 calories

  - 0 grams of fat

  - 0 grams of carbohydrates

  - 0 grams of protein

Benefits: Used as a leavening agent to help the meat retain its texture and improve flavor. Also helps in tenderizing meat.

Apple Cider Vinegar (1/4 cup)

  - About 10 calories

  - 0 grams of fat

  - 0 grams of carbohydrates

  - 0 grams of protein

Benefits: May help with digestion and support blood sugar control. Adds acidity and tangy flavor to the recipe.

Worcestershire Sauce (1/4 cup)

  - About 30 calories

  - 0 grams of fat

  - 6 grams of carbohydrates

  - 1 gram of protein

Benefits: Adds umami flavor to dishes. Contains ingredients like vinegar and spices that enhance taste. Provides some trace amounts of vitamins and minerals.

This breakdown highlights the nutritional value and health benefits of each ingredient in your recipe.