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Biltong

Greedy Feret
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 days
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 2000 g Beef—silverside or toprump
  • 5 tbsp Brown (malt) or cider vinegar
  • 2.5 tbsp Coarse salt (2% of the meat weight)
  • 2 tsps Ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsps Coriander seed
  • 1.5 tbsps Brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Toast the coriander seeds in a dry pan, then grind down in a pestle and mortar or spice grinder.
  • It should be mostly powder, with a few pieces of seed shells left in.
  • Using a sharp knife, following the grain of the meat, cut into 1 inch (2.5cm) thick lengths and place in a non-metallic container.
  • Combine all the spices and sprinkle into the meat.
  • Sprinkle the vinegar on and rub everything in thoroughly whilst turning the meat with your hands.
  • Cover the container and let your biltong cure for 24 hours in the fridge, turning and rubbing through the meat occasionally.
  • Remove the meat from the container and pat dry with kitchen towels, taking care not to remove too much of the spice.
  • Add a hook to the thickest end of each length. Plastic-covered paper clips make for a cheap solution.
  • Hang in your biltong box, or in a well aired, ventilated space with a fan blowing gently to increase air flow.
  • Do not point a fan directly at the meat (to avoid case hardening).
  • Make sure none of the pieces are touching.
  • Place some newspaper below the meat to catch any liquid.
  • Drying times will vary with humidity, airflow and temperature. Test the readiness of your biltong every couple of days by squeezing the sides together with clean fingers.
  • If you feel any give in the meat, it’s still ‘wet’ inside.
  • Once ready, cut into thin slices with a sharp knife and enjoy some of the best meat you’ll ever eat.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!