🍲 Perfected Biltong Recipe 🥩

This traditional South African beef jerky, known as biltong, is a flavorful and satisfying snack that has been perfected over a decade. With its rich history and unique taste, biltong stands out among dried meats, making it a must-try for any meat lover.

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🌍 What Is Biltong?

Biltong is a traditional South African dried meat snack, similar to beef jerky but with a unique flavor profile. It is typically made from lean cuts of beef that are marinated, seasoned, and air-dried. The process of making biltong has been passed down through generations, and it is often enjoyed as a savory snack or appetizer.

🧾 Ingredients

**Base:**

- 4 lbs London Broil (or other lean cuts like eye of round, tri-tip, or sirloin)

- 2 cups apple cider vinegar

- 4 cups water

- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

**Optional Spices:**

- 40 grams (about 8 tablespoons) coriander seeds

- 12 grams (about 2 tablespoons) tricolor peppercorns

- 40 grams (about 2 tablespoons) salt

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Marinade:**

- In a large zip-top bag, combine 2 cups of apple cider vinegar, 4 cups of water, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.

- Mix well and add the London Broil, ensuring the meat is fully submerged.

- Let it marinate for 20-30 minutes (do not refrigerate overnight).

2. **Make the Spice Mix:**

- Toast 40 grams of coriander seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and slightly darker in color (about 2-3 minutes).

- Grind the toasted coriander seeds using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle until coarsely ground.

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- In the same manner, grind 12 grams of tricolor peppercorns until fine.

- Combine the ground coriander, ground pepper, and 40 grams of salt in a bowl and mix well.

3. **Prep the Meat:**

- After marinating, drain the meat and pat it dry with a kitchen towel.

- Season both sides of the meat generously with the spice mix, ensuring maximum coverage.

4. **Hang the Meat:**

- Use stainless steel binder rings or a large needle and string to hang the seasoned meat in a cool, breezy spot.

- Alternatively, use a small fan to aid in the drying process.

- Allow the meat to dry for 1-2 weeks, depending on humidity and airflow.

5. **Slice the Biltong:**

- Once dried, remove the biltong from the hanging area.

- Use a sharp knife or deli slicer to cut the biltong into slices, starting from the thick end. Aim for 1/8-inch thickness for a standard cut.

6. **Final Seasoning:**

- Collect any seasoning that fell off during slicing and mix it back with the sliced biltong for added flavor.

🍽️ How to Serve

Serve biltong as a snack on its own or as part of a charcuterie board. Pair it with cheese, olives, and crackers for a delightful appetizer.

💡 Pro Tips

- For the best flavor, use freshly toasted and ground spices.

- Adjust the thickness of your slices based on personal preference; thicker slices will retain more moisture.

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- Store any leftover biltong in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

🔥 Why You’ll Love This

Biltong is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a perfect snack for any time of day. Its unique flavor, enhanced by the toasting of spices, will transport you to the heart of South Africa with every bite!