African Biltong is a delicious and healthy protein-rich snack that emerged in South Africa in the 17th century. Made from marinated slices of meat and dried in a controlled environment, biltong has a unique flavour that sets it apart from traditional jerky.

35 grams of beef biltong contains 16 grams of proteins and 1 gram of carbs, making it super demanding for health-conscious people. With increasing popularity among health-conscious consumers, it's no wonder that South African biltong is also enjoyed in countries like the UK, Australia, and the US.

In this article, you’ll learn what biltong is and why it should be your go-to snack.

What Is Biltong?

Biltong is a dried and cured mouth-watering snack of South Africa. It is made from meat slices- beef, fish, springbok, ostrich, or kudu. Here’s how it’s prepared:

The meat is marinated in vinegar, salt, spices, and other flavourings.
It is then dried in a controlled environment until it is stiff and chewy.

Biltong has its roots in South Africa but is also enjoyed in other countries where South African communities have settled, such as the UK, Australia, and the US. Its unique flavour, versatility, and growing demand for people contribute to its increasing popularity.

If you want to grab a protein-rich food snack for your next camping trip, biltong is your go-to food source.

Original South African Biltong, dried for 3.5 days.

The Taste of African Biltong

Biltong tastes like a mix of American beef jerky and prosciutto. It is softer, more flavourful, and meaty than American beef jerky. Spices like salt, pepper, and vinegar make it more yummy and juicy.

In today’s era, you can also find some fantastic biltong brands offering delicious flavours like garlic and chilis to give a pleasing experience to all the garlicophiles (people who love garlic flavours).

The Texture of Biltong

The vinegar, salt, and spices used in biltong, combined with the drying process, add a crisp texture to the meat. Biltong is also thicker because it’s prepared via a slow drying process in dry air conditions.

Well, what else would you expect from a handy snack? It has "perfect texture" and "perfect taste."

The History of Biltong

Biltong is more than a piece of meat you enjoy today. A long history is tied to it, showing what people in earlier times did to survive. That’s why biltong preparation methods were passed down from generation to generation.

Afrikaners in early age, used to tear the meat into slices and dry it in the Afrikan heat. When going on a safari, this was the primary food source they used to carry while travelling.

Later in the 17th century, Dutch settlers arrived in South Africa. They learned about the living style of the Afrikaners and adopted their recipe but modified it and gave it a new name, “biltong.” The word biltong comes from two Dutch words, "bil," meaning buttock, and "tong," meaning strip or tongue.

They had saltpetre and ingredients like vinegar, coriander, and pepper. Using these ingredients, they preserved the meat, which became a good food source for travellers who had to go from one continent to another.

With every passing decade, biltong became a popular meat snack delicacy in South Africa. It has spread to other countries through the emigration of South Africans and travellers visiting South Africa and discovering tasty snacks.

Beef biltong with coriander, black pepper and red chilli.

Let’s Cook the Traditional South African Biltong

Ingredients.

You need simple ingredients to cook biltong. These ingredients are available almost in all households. Here’s what you need:

Beef (usually sirloin or round steak)
Vinegar
Salt
Pepper
Brown sugar (if you want a sweet and spicy taste)
Coriander

Making of Biltong OR The Preparation Process.

Preparing biltong is one of the easiest tasks on Earth. Do you know why? Because all you need to do is cut, marinate, and let it air dry. Here’s how you can make biltong at home:

Cut the beef into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick strips along the grain, and keep each strip around 6 to 10 inches (15.25 to 25.4 cm) long.
Marinate the meat in vinegar to add flavour and tenderness, helping preserve the meat.
Next, sprinkle salt, pepper, brown sugar, and coriander all over the strips.
Let the strips air dry and cure to form the final product.

Drying and Curing Process.

You can dry meat strips by hanging them in a biltong box.

Here’s how UpNorth’s biltong is prepared: The drying and curing process is done by hanging the strips in a well-ventilated area, where they are left to dry for 3-4 days.

The exact time depends on the humidity levels and desired dryness level, but it takes several days. During this time, the strips are turned regularly to ensure even drying.

Note: The process may vary depending on the recipe and personal preference, but the general steps and ingredients remain the same.

Health Benefits of Eating Biltong

The high protein content in biltong makes it an excellent option for those looking to add more protein to their diet. Biltong is also low in carbohydrates and fat, making it a healthier snack than many other processed snacks.

Moreover, biltong is also rich in vitamins like B12 and B6, which makes it a delicious and nutritious snack. These vitamins are essential in maintaining good health and promoting energy metabolism to support a strong immune system.

If you’re looking for a high-protein, low-carb, low-fat snack, try UpNorth’s biltong today.

Types of Meat Used for Biltong

Biltong is made from beef, but over the years, variations of the recipe have been created. Each variation offers a unique flavour and texture, allowing biltong lovers to try something new and different. Game meats like venison, ostrich, and kudu are used for preparing various kinds of biltong.

Some biltong makers add spices and seasonings to their recipes, while others may opt for a sweeter or spicier flavour. If you’re preparing biltong at home, you can adapt the recipe to suit your taste and preference.

The versatility of the biltong recipe means that there's something for everyone, whether you prefer a classic beef biltong or something a little more adventurous like venison biltong.

What’s the Best Way to Eat Biltong?

You can enjoy biltong in various ways because it’s a great on-the-go option for those looking for a quick and easy snack. Grab a pack of biltongs and enjoy your trip…BOOM!

Another great way to enjoy biltong is by pairing it with other foods, such as crackers, cheese, or fruit. This enhances the biltong's flavour and makes it a more balanced and nutritious snack.

Whether enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger spread, biltong is a crowd-pleaser that will be a hit with your guests. So, you can even explore out-of-the-box ideas like serving biltong at barbecues, picnics, and sporting events.

Silverside steak prepared and ready to be dried.

South African Biltong vs Beef Jerky: What’s the Difference Between Them?

While biltong and beef jerky may seem similar at first glance, the two snacks have several key differences.

South African Biltong vs Beef Jerky

Biltong is tender and juicy.

Beef Jerky is chewier and less moist.

Biltong is dried using air.

Beef Jerky is dried using heat.

Biltong has a distinct and complex flavour.

Beef jerky is sweeter.

Biltong is lower in fat and carbohydrates.

Beef Jerky is higher in fat and carbs than biltong.

Upgrade Your Snack Game With UpNorth’s Biltong!

South African biltong is the ultimate protein-rich snack that has taken the world by storm. With roots in South Africa, biltong is a dried and cured snack with a unique flavour and texture. Look no further if you want a tasty and nutritious snack for your next camping trip or daily snack. Grab a pack of biltong from UpNorth today and taste the difference!

FAQS

Is biltong eaten raw?

South African biltong is not eaten raw. Biltong is a type of dried meat made by marinating slices of beef, game meat, or other meats in a mixture of vinegar, salt, spices, and other seasonings. It is then dried in a controlled environment.

Is biltong made of pork?

Biltong can be made from various types of meat, including beef, game meats such as venison or kudu, and sometimes ostrich. However, Pork is not commonly used to make biltong.

Is biltong healthier than jerky?

The healthiness of biltong and jerky vary depending on the specific recipe and preparation methods used. Biltong is a lower-fat and no-carb alternative to jerky, as it is made from leaner cuts of meat and is not cooked, which can help preserve more of the meat's nutrients.

Is biltong a cow tongue?

Biltong is not made from cow tongue. It is made from lean cuts of meat, such as top round, sirloin, or silverside.

Why is it called biltong?

Biltong has its roots in South Africa, and the word "biltong" is a combo of the Dutch words "bil" and "tong," referring to the strips of meat that are used to make it.

What is the best meat cut to make biltong?

The best cuts of meat for making biltong are lean cuts with minimal fat and connective tissue, such as top round, sirloin, or silverside.

What part of the cow is beef biltong?

Beef biltong is made from various cuts, but the most common cuts used are top round, sirloin, or silverside.

Is biltong healthy to eat?

Biltong is a healthy food option, as it is a good protein source that is also low in carbohydrates. However, its nutritional benefits depend on the specific recipe and preparation methods. Some biltong recipes may contain high levels of salt and other preservatives, which can negatively impact its health benefits.

Why is biltong so tasty?

Biltong tastes delicious due to its savoury, salty, and slightly spicy flavour. The drying process also concentrates the meat's natural flavour, making it even more appetising. The spices and seasonings used in the marinade also contribute to its flavour.

Is biltong a Superfood?

Biltong is a nutritious food but not a "superfood" in the strict sense of the term, as there is no correct definition of what constitutes a superfood.

Be sure to let us know how you get on with drying your own biltong at home. Tag us on socials @upnorthbiltong.

Guide to South African Biltong: What is Biltong? (+ Benefits)