Biltong is a popular snack food in South Africa and is often eaten as an accompaniment to beer. It is a healthy snack option as it is high in protein and low in fat. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious snack. Biltongs can be enjoyed on it’s own or used as an ingredient in recipes such as salads, wraps, and sandwiches.

Biltong

Biltong is dried and cured meat that originated in South Africa. Usually Beef is the most common choice for Biltongs. You can also have Biltongs in different varieties of meat such as chicken, kudu, ostrich, and venison. 

Origin of Biltong

Biltongs are thought to have originated with the Dutch settlers in South Africa in the 1600s. The settlers were looking for a way to preserve meat without refrigeration, and they found that drying and curing meat was an effective way to do this. The word biltong comes from the Dutch words bil (buttock) and tong (strip or tongue). 

How to Make Biltongs?

Biltong is made by cutting meat into strips, marinating it in a vinegar-based solution, and then drying it. The strips are then hung in a dry, cool place to cure. 

Ingredients

• 
  1 pound beef (stewing beef or top sirloin steak)
  
• 1/2 cup vinegar (cider vinegar or white vinegar)
  
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
  
• 1 tablespoon of salt
  
• 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
  
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seed
  
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Cut the meat into 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick stripes.
   
2. In a large resealable bag, combine the vinegar, brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, coriander, garlic powder, and onion powder.
   
3. Add the beef strips to the bag and seal it shut. Gently massage the bag so that the marinade coats perfectly.
   
4. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let it marinate (at least 4 hours or overnight).
   
5. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, around 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
   
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a cooling rack on top of it.
   
7. Take the beef strips out of the marinade and pat dry with a paper towel.
   
8. Place the beef strips on the cooling rack. Make sure that they are not touching each other.
   
9. Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the beef dry for about 4 hours, or until it is slightly chewy.
   
10. Remove beef from the oven and let it cool before serving. Biltongs can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Biltongs Nutrition Value

Biltong is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy snack option. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

1 ounce Biltong (28 grams) contains:

• 9 grams of protein
  
• 1 gram of fat
  
• 2% of the Daily Value (DV) for iron
  
• 2% of the DV for phosphorus
  
• 1% of the DV for potassium
  
• 10% of the DV for zinc
  

Diet-conscious people can also find biltongs without sugar or salt. They are just as flavorful and nutritious as the traditional version.

Conclusion

Biltong is a popular snack food in South Africa. South African people love to eat it with salad and drinks. It is a healthy snack option as it is high in protein and low in fat. It is a popular African food item that is now available in many countries of the world.

If you’re living in Australia, try the best biltongs at Cape to Cairo. They have a wide variety of biltongs. All of which have the highest quality ingredients. Try their popular shredded Biltongs, sticks, or Biltong bites. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy Cape to Cairo’s delicious biltongs!