Step by step guide to make biltong - A free biltong recipe

Biltong - A cured meat that originated from South Africa and often compared to the American jerky.Biltong is becoming increasingly popular by the day. Not only in South Africa, but also to South Africans and many foreigners living overseas today. Even though biltong "holds" South African residency, it is meant to be enjoyed all over the world. Many years ago i found myself to be addicted to biltong and eventually decided to start making my own. This way, i would have biltong all the time and save money. Today, i want to share this with you, so you too can make biltong.

First thing i want to focus on is the ingredients needed to make South African biltong.

- Beef

- Rock Salt

- Coarse ground black pepper

- Coarse ground coriander

- Apple cider vinegar

How to make biltong:

1. Cut your beef into strips. The strips should be cut with the grain, about 6 inches long and a half-inch thick. Depending how you want your biltong, you can cut your beef to your own specifications. Once you have cut your beef into strips, sprinkle some rock salt on each side of the pieces and let it stand for an hour. If you let it stand for longer, your biltong will be more saltier in the end.

2. After you have left your beef pieces to stand for about an hour, you can now scrape off all the excess rock salt with a knife. Once done, pour some apple cider vinegar into a bowl and dip the beef strips into the vinegar for a second or two. Although apple cider vinegar is recommended, any vinegar will do.

3. Now sprinkle some coarse ground black pepper and ground coriander over the meat on both sides. These mixtures are standard and you could always try add some of your own spices to give your biltong that consistent and special taste. What ever tickles your fancy. Leave your biltong to stand overnight. Your biltong is now ready to dry.

4. When it comes to drying biltong, you have several options and methods. The first method many people use is to hang it in a cool place and have a fan blowing on it. However, this method can spoil your biltong due to the air humidity. Second method is the biltong box which is more reliable. The biltong box can either be purchased (best option), as they go for cheap or it can be home made. The biltong box as the name implies, is a small wooden box with a 60 watt lightbulb inside. Once your biltong i splaced inside the bilton box, switch on the bulb and leave for 3 - 4 days to dry. Make sure the box has a few holes as this promotes good circulation inside the biltong box.

So how do you know when your biltong is ready? You will know its ready when the biltong is hard and brown on the outside, but slightly moist and red on the inside. If however, the biltong has turned green, do not eat ! Voila ! My biltong recipe have helped you to make biltong for the first time. Easy as pie !