Make Biltong (South African Beef Jerky)

Biltong is a South African snack food enjoyed whilst Fishing, Camping, Hunting or just having a beer. Here's how to make it.

Steps

 * 1) Purchase a whole beef cut such as a Silverside(FYI that is the buttocks of the cow/bull/buffallo), Rump, Round or Porterhouse (3-5kg in weight will do).
 * 2) Ask the butcher to cut it into slices about 20mm thick, and leave whatever fat is on as this is where the flavour comes from.
 * 3) Lay your slices out on a benchtop and sprinkle liberally with coarse sea salt and white pepper. Turn the meat slices over and repeat the procedure on the reverse side.
 * 4) In a pouring jug, add 1 cup brown malt vinegar, 1 cup white vinegar and a heaped tablespoon of raw brown sugar. Stir mixture to dissolve sugar.
 * 5)  Place the meat slices into a large zip lock plastic bag, together with the vinegar mixture. Seal the bag removing as much air as possible.
 * 6) Allow this to lay on a flat surface for up to 24 hours, turning over at irregular intervals. (whenever you happen to pass)
 * 7) Drain the marinade from the bag and pat the meat slices dry with a paper towel.
 * 8)  Hang the meat, close the lid, switch on the bulb and wait 5 days.
 * 9) Slice the meat sticks, including the fat, into bite sizes, pour a beer and enjoy.

Tips

 * Make "S" shaped hooks out of stainless steel welding rod or simply use paper clips to hang the meat.
 * You can hang the meat in a fan forced oven. Make sure that you do not have the heat control turned up or the meat will simply cook. Failing that you can create a hanging space in a suitable cardboard box. Cut 25mm x 150mm lateral slits around the base of the box and to the lid of the box. Place a 70 - 100 watt bulb inside the bottom and a few lengths of 5mm dowling spaced evenly across the top end of the box below the lid.
 * Add some crushed corriander to the spices for added flavour

Warnings

 * Take care to protect the meat from flies, especially the Blowfly. If using a cardboard box, drape a foodsaver over the box.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Make Delicious Swiss Steak
 * How to Cook a Perfect Filet Mignon
 * How to Prepare Fillet of Beef Wellington
 * How to Cook Chateaubriand
 * How to Make Albondigas
 * How to Braise Beef