Biltong Equipment: What You Need to Craft Tasty Biltong

Biltong is arguably the most patriotic South African snack to exist. This tasty delicacy holds a permanent invitation to casual braais, birthday celebrations, road trips, and afternoon snacks nationwide. So, crafting a homemade version may be an impressive and deeply satisfying exercise. However, making an enjoyable batch of biltong requires the right tools. This article will coach you through the main biltong equipment needed, uncovering the secrets behind perfect biltong. From curing to drying, you'll learn how to create delicious, air-dried meat snacks right from the cosiness of your kitchen.

The Basics of Biltong Making

It’s important to be aware of the basic process of making biltong before venturing into the equipment. The journey starts with high-quality meat, usually beef, but you can also use game or poultry. The meat is marinated with a blend of vinegar and spices and then air-dried to achieve the ideal texture. Drying is the most satisfying part because it transforms the marinated meat into the tasty snack we love.

List of Essential Biltong Equipment

Boning Knife

The meat you bring home from the butcher will most likely be a large hunk of meat that must be carved into slices. Experts recommend portions no bigger than 1cm so drying the meat doesn’t take too long. The sharper your boning knife, the greater the precision of your slices so run any old blades through a sharpening steel before you start. A resilient boning knife will also navigate you more effectively around the bones.

Cutting Board

Spare your kitchen counters and avoid cross-contamination by using a solid cutting board. In addition, a good-sized board will provide fantastic support to the cutting of the meat, providing a sturdy and clear surface to prepare it with. Wooden or bamboo boards are optimal for meat cutting because they are durable and harbour fewer bacteria.

Biltong Spices

While not building making equipment per se, having the right spices to infuse into the meat is fundamental. Traditional biltong spices include a blend of coriander, black pepper, salt, and vinegar. Freddy Hirsch biltong seasonings offer a variety of spice mixes that can help you achieve authentic biltong flavour.

Drying Cabinet or Biltong Box

Since drying the meat is the focal point for making biltong, drying equipment should be top of mind. A drying cabinet or biltong box is purposed to create the optimal environment for air-drying the meat. With these boxes on hand, you can control the airflow and humidity the meat is exposed to and ensure consistent drying. If you are new to biltong-making, a simple homemade drying box with good ventilation can also do the trick.

Hanging Hooks or Racks

Stainless steel hooks or racks are commonly used in the dehydration process. To dry the biltong properly, the meat must be hung in a manner that air can circulate each piece. So, appropriately space your hooks or racks to prevent the pieces from touching each other as they dry. Also, clean your hooks or racks to food safety standards to prevent contamination of your meat.

Biltong Slicer

A biltong slicer is a must-have tool for slicing your biltong to the desired thickness. While you can use a sharp knife, a dedicated biltong cutter provides precision and ease and creates uniform slices every time. Biltong cutters are designed explicitly for cutting through dried meat; being equipped with a sturdy base and a sharp blade.

Tips for Crafting Delicious Biltong

Making biltong the right way starts with choosing the right meat. The quality and freshness of the meat directly affects the final product so opt for lean cuts with a bit of fat for the best results. Silverside or topside cuts are winners. The weight of the drying process can’t be emphasised enough therefore you should learn how to control the drying environment. Perfect biltong is a result of conducive drying conditions. Your drying area must be well-ventilated and maintain a consistent temperature to prevent spoilage.

Flavouring is the final pivotal element of biltong creation so experiment with Flavors. While regular biltong is delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice blends or types of meat. A spicy kick, a salty high, or subtle tones are just a few options; unleash your inner creativity by adding the variations of spice blends you like to your biltong snacks.   

Conclusion

Crafting tasty biltong at home is possible with the right biltong equipment and attention to detail. With quality biltong-making equipment and some practice, you will be well on your way to creating snacks that reach delicatessen status. This tasty South African favourite can be a staple in your home as you master all the necessary equipment and each batch you produce increases in dried perfection and rich flavour.

Whether you’re making biltong for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, top biltong equipment from Freddy Hirsch will help you achieve delicious results every time. We deliver to customers from around the globe, so contact Freddy Hirsch for your next biltong fix.