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Biltong

  Below are the best recipes for making Biltong

 

Classic Boer
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Classic Boer

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A traditional South African-style biltong recipe inspired by the classic flavours found across the Highveld and Karoo regions.

This is a traditional Boer-style biltong recipe featuring the iconic combination of toasted coriander, black pepper, coarse salt, brown vinegar, and a hint of brown sugar. The result is a rich, savoury biltong with a deep beef flavour and authentic South African character.

 

Yield

Makes approximately 1 kg finished biltong

Preparation Time

  • Prep: 30 minutes

  • Curing: 12–24 hours

  • Drying: 4–7 days

 

Ingredients

Meat

  • 2 kg beef silverside, topside, rump, or eye round

  • Cut into strips 25–40 mm thick and 20–30 cm long

 

Spice Mix

  • 40 g coarse salt

  • 15 g cracked black pepper

  • 25 g whole coriander seeds

  • 10 g brown sugar

  • 2 g bicarbonate of soda (optional for tenderness)

 

Vinegar Marinade

  • 125 ml brown malt vinegar

  • 25 ml Worcestershire sauce

 

Method

Step 1 – Prepare the Meat

  1. Trim away excess fat and silver skin.

  2. Slice the beef with the grain into strips approximately 25–40 mm thick.

  3. Pat dry with paper towel.

 

Step 2 – Toast and Crush the Coriander

  1. Dry-toast coriander seeds in a pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

  2. Allow to cool.

  3. Coarsely crush using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.

 

Step 3 – Season the Meat

  1. Mix together:

    • Salt

    • Cracked pepper

    • Toasted coriander

    • Brown sugar

    • Bicarbonate of soda (if using)

  2. Dip each beef strip in the vinegar and Worcestershire mixture.

  3. Coat evenly with the spice blend.

 

Step 4 – Cure

  1. Layer the meat in a non-reactive container.

  2. Pour any remaining vinegar mixture over the meat.

  3. Cover and refrigerate for 12–24 hours.

  4. Turn the meat halfway through curing.

 

Step 5 – Prepare for Drying

  1. Remove meat from the cure.

  2. Lightly pat dry.

  3. Insert biltong hooks or butcher's twine through one end of each strip.

 

Step 6 – Dry

  1. Hang in a biltong box or drying cabinet.

  2. Maintain:

    • Temperature: 20–28°C

    • Relative Humidity: Below 60%

    • Constant airflow

  3. Dry for:

    • 4–5 days for wet biltong

    • 6–7 days for medium

    • 8–10 days for traditional dry biltong 

Charkii Pro Tips

For Authentic Boer Flavour

  • Use brown malt vinegar rather than white vinegar.

  • Always toast the coriander.

  • Slice with the grain for the traditional chewy texture.

 

For Better Drying

  • Keep pieces evenly spaced.

  • Avoid direct sunlight.

  • Use a small fan for gentle airflow.

 

Storage

  • Vacuum seal for up to 3 months refrigerated.

  • Store in a paper bag in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

  • Freeze for up to 12 months.

 

Charkii Serving Suggestion

Slice thinly across the grain and serve with:

  • Cold lager

  • Dry cider

  • South African-style rusks

  • Sharp cheddar cheese

  • Pickled onions

Charkii Classic Boer Biltong delivers the traditional South African balance of beef, coriander, vinegar, and pepper that has made biltong a staple of Boer farming culture for generations.

Kalahari
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Kalahari

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A traditional South African-style Kalahari biltong recipe inspired by the dry, rugged flavours of the Kalahari region. This recipe produces a rich, beef-forward biltong with the characteristic coriander and black pepper profile that has made Kalahari-style biltong famous throughout Southern Africa.

Yield

  • 2 kg beef silverside, topside, or eye round

  • Makes approximately 1.1–1.3 kg finished biltong

 

Ingredients

Meat

  • 2 kg beef silverside or topside

  • Cut into strips approximately 25–40 mm thick

Vinegar Cure

  • 250 ml brown malt vinegar

  • 50 ml Worcestershire sauce

 

Kalahari Spice Blend

  • 40 g coarse coriander seeds

  • 20 g coarse black pepper

  • 35 g coarse sea salt

  • 15 g brown sugar

  • 5 g bicarbonate of soda (optional for tenderness)

  • 3 g ground cloves

  • 2 g ground allspice

 

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Blend

  1. Toast the coriander seeds in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

  2. Coarsely crush using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

  3. Combine with black pepper, salt, sugar, cloves, and allspice.

 

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

  1. Trim excess fat and silver skin.

  2. Slice with the grain into long strips.

  3. Pat dry with paper towel.

 

Step 3: Vinegar Cure

  1. Mix malt vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.

  2. Dip each strip into the vinegar mixture.

  3. Allow excess liquid to drain.

Step 4: Season

  1. Coat every strip thoroughly with the spice blend.

  2. Place in a food-grade container in layers.

  3. Sprinkle remaining spices between layers.

 

Step 5: Cure

  1. Refrigerate for 12–18 hours.

  2. Halfway through curing, turn the meat over to distribute the cure evenly.

 

Step 6: Dry

  1. Remove from cure.

  2. Lightly pat off excess moisture.

  3. Hang strips on hooks in your Charkii drying cabinet.

  4. Dry at:

    • Temperature: 22–28°C

    • Humidity: 45–55%

    • Airflow: Moderate continuous circulation

 

Drying Times

  • Wet: 3–4 days

  • Medium: 5–6 days

  • Traditional Kalahari: 7–8 days

  • Very dry: 9–10 days

 

Charkii Recipe Notes

Authentic Kalahari Characteristics

  • Heavy coriander presence

  • Robust black pepper bite

  • Slight sweetness from brown sugar

  • Minimal chilli heat

  • Deep beef flavour remains the hero

 

Premium Variation

For a gourmet Charkii Kalahari Reserve version:

  • Replace 25% of the salt with smoked salt.

  • Add 5 g cracked roasted fennel seed.

  • Use premium Australian Wagyu topside or MB4–MB6 rump cap.

  •  

Charkii Serving Suggestions

Serve sliced thinly with:

  • Sharp cheddar

  • Pickled onions

  • Roasted macadamias

  • Salted peanuts

  • Ice-cold lager or a glass of South African-style Pinotage

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Chilli
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Chilli

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A classic South African chilli biltong combines the traditional coriander and vinegar base with a balanced chilli heat that enhances the beef without overpowering it. This recipe is designed for a premium artisan Charkii-style product.

 

Yield

  • 2 kg beef (silverside, topside, eye round, or rump)

  • Makes approximately 1.1–1.3 kg finished biltong

 

Ingredients

Beef

  • 2 kg beef silverside or topside

  • Cut into strips 25–40 mm thick

 

Dry Spice Mix

  • 40 g coarse roasted coriander seeds

  • 25 g coarse black pepper

  • 25 g coarse sea salt

  • 10 g brown sugar

  • 8 g chilli flakes (medium heat)

  • 5 g smoked paprika

  • 3 g cayenne pepper

  • 2 g garlic powder

 

Wet Cure

  • 125 ml brown malt vinegar

  • 25 ml Worcestershire sauce

 

Method

1. Prepare the Meat

  1. Trim away excess surface fat and silver skin.

  2. Slice the beef with the grain into long strips.

  3. Pat dry with paper towel.

 

2. Toast and Grind the Coriander

  1. Dry roast coriander seeds in a pan for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

  2. Crush coarsely using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

  3. Mix with the remaining dry spices.

 

3. Vinegar Cure

 

  1. Place the beef strips into a non-reactive container.

  2. Pour over the malt vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.

  3. Coat evenly and allow to sit for 10 minutes.

 

4. Apply Seasoning

  1. Sprinkle the spice mixture generously over all sides of the meat.

  2. Massage seasoning into every strip.

  3. Layer meat in the container and cover.

 

5. Marinate

  • Refrigerate for 12–18 hours.

  • Turn the meat once halfway through.

 

6. Hang the Biltong

  1. Remove meat from marinade.

  2. Lightly pat off excess moisture.

  3. Insert biltong hooks or butcher's twine.

  4. Hang in a biltong box or drying cabinet.

 

Drying Conditions

  • Temperature: 20–25°C

  • Humidity: 45–60%

  • Good airflow

 

Drying Times:

  • Wet: 3–4 days

  • Medium: 5–6 days

  • Traditional: 7–8 days

 

7. Finish

  1. Remove when desired firmness is reached.

  2. Slice thinly across the grain for serving.

 

Charkii Signature Chilli Variation

For a more premium Charkii catalogue offering:

Add:

  • 5 g crushed African bird's eye chilli

  • 5 g smoked chilli flakes

  • 10 g honey powder

 

This creates a traditional South African chilli biltong with a gentle smoky finish and a lingering warmth that pairs exceptionally well with a cold lager or South African-style braai platter.

Karoo
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Karoo

A traditional South African-style Karoo biltong inspired by the semi-arid Karoo region, known for its robust coriander, pepper, and vinegar-forward flavour profile.

 

Yield

  • 2 kg beef

  • Makes approximately 1.1–1.3 kg finished biltong

 

Recommended Meat

  • Silverside

  • Topside

  • Rump

  • Wagyu topside (for a premium Charkii version)

 

Cut into strips:

  • 25–40 cm long

  • 3–5 cm wide

  • 20–30 mm thick

Spice Blend

Ingredients

For 2 kg meat:

  • 60 g coarse sea salt

  • 25 g whole coriander seeds

  • 10 g cracked black pepper

  • 5 g brown sugar

  • 2 g ground cloves

  • 2 g ground allspice

  • 250 ml brown malt vinegar

 

Optional Karoo Enhancement

Traditionally, many Karoo households used local wild herbs when available.

Add:

  • 2 g dried rosemary

  • 1 g dried thyme

 

Method

Step 1: Toast the Coriander

  1. Heat a dry frying pan.

  2. Toast coriander seeds for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

  3. Coarsely crush using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

The toasted coriander is the signature flavour of authentic Karoo biltong.

 

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

  1. Trim excess silver skin.

  2. Leave a thin layer of fat for flavour.

  3. Slice with the grain for traditional biltong texture.

 

Step 3: Vinegar Cure

  1. Place meat in a large non-reactive tray.

  2. Pour brown malt vinegar over all pieces.

  3. Turn several times to coat evenly.

  4. Rest for 30 minutes.

The vinegar helps preserve the meat while creating the characteristic tang.

 

Step 4: Apply Spice Mix

Combine:

  • Salt

  • Crushed coriander

  • Black pepper

  • Sugar

  • Cloves

  • Allspice

  • Rosemary and thyme (if using)

Rub thoroughly into all surfaces of the meat.

 

 

Step 5: Cure Overnight

  1. Layer meat in a container.

  2. Cover and refrigerate.

  3. Cure for 12–18 hours.

  4. Turn once halfway through.

 

 

Step 6: Drying

Remove meat from refrigeration.

  1. Pat lightly with paper towel.

  2. Hang using butcher hooks.

  3. Leave space between pieces.

 

Drying conditions:

  • Temperature: 18–25°C

  • Humidity: 40–60%

  • Gentle airflow

  • No direct sunlight

Drying times:

Preference         Time

Wet                           3–4 days

Medium                  5–7 days

Traditional Karoo 7–10 days

Very Dry                  10–14 days

Charkii Premium Karoo Variation

For a gourmet version:

Add:

  • 5 g smoked paprika

  • 10 g local Australian honey

  • 2 g cracked fennel seed

This creates a subtle bridge between traditional Karoo flavours and modern artisan biltong while remaining recognisably South African.

 

Tasting Notes

Expect:

  • Rich beef flavour

  • Bold toasted coriander

  • Gentle vinegar tang

  • Peppery finish

  • Subtle aromatic spice

  • Traditional Karoo-style dryness

 

Serving Suggestions

 Serve with:

  • Sharp cheddar cheese

  • Pickled onions

  • Salted crackers

  • Cold lager

  • South African-style ginger beer

  • Dry red wine

 

This recipe is ideal for a Charkii Heritage Collection range, sitting alongside your Boer, Kalahari, Cape Smokehouse, and Chilli Biltong varieties as one of the most authentic traditional South African offerings

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Peri Peri
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Peri Peri

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A classic South African-style biltong infused with the fiery Portuguese-African peri-peri flavour that has become a favourite throughout Southern Africa. This recipe balances heat, garlic, citrus, and spice while maintaining the authentic biltong character.

 

Yield

  • 2 kg beef silverside, topside, or rump

  • Produces approximately 1.1–1.3 kg finished biltong

 

Ingredients

Meat

  • 2 kg beef silverside or topside

  • Cut into strips 25–40 mm thick

 

Wet Cure

  • 125 ml brown malt vinegar

  • 60 ml Worcestershire sauce

  • 30 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

 

Spice Mix

  • 40 g coarse coriander seeds, toasted and crushed

  • 20 g coarse black pepper

  • 35 g coarse sea salt

  • 15 g brown sugar

  • 10 g smoked paprika

  • 8 g garlic powder

  • 5 g onion powder

  • 10 g peri-peri seasoning

  • 5 g dried bird's-eye chilli flakes

  • 2 g cayenne pepper

 

Method

1. Prepare the Meat

Trim excess fat and silver skin while leaving a thin layer of fat for flavour.

Cut with the grain into traditional biltong strips approximately:

  • 25 mm thick for faster drying

  • 40 mm thick for a wetter centre

 

2. Toast the Coriander

Dry-toast coriander seeds in a pan for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Coarsely crush using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

 

3. Vinegar Cure

Place meat strips into a large non-reactive tray.

Mix:

  • Vinegar

  • Worcestershire sauce

  • Lemon juice

Pour over meat and massage thoroughly.

Allow to cure for:

  • 2 hours refrigerated

  • Turn meat every 30 minutes

 

4. Apply Peri-Peri Spice Mix

Combine all dry ingredients thoroughly.

Remove meat from cure and lightly pat dry.

Coat each strip generously with the spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Return to tray and refrigerate for:

  • 12–18 hours

Turn once halfway through.

 

5. Hang and Dry

Remove excess spice.

Insert biltong hooks and hang in a drying cabinet.

 

Ideal Drying Conditions

  • Temperature: 20–25°C

  • Humidity: 45–60%

  • Constant airflow

  • No direct heat

 

Drying times:

  • Wet centre: 4–5 days

  • Medium: 5–7 days

  • Traditional dry: 7–10 days

 

6. Rest

Once dried to your preferred texture:

  • Remove from cabinet

  • Wrap loosely in brown paper

  • Rest overnight

This allows moisture to equalise throughout the meat.

 

Charkii Recipe Notes

For a premium Charkii signature version, add:

  • 5 g lemon zest powder

  • 3 g dried red chilli flakes

  • 5 g smoked chilli powder

This creates a deeper South African braai-inspired peri-peri flavour profile.

Flavour Profile

  • Medium-hot peri-peri heat

  • Citrus tang from vinegar and lemon

  • Rich toasted coriander

  • Garlic and paprika backbone

  • Traditional South African biltong finish

  • Perfect with an ice-cold beer or as a high-protein snack

Heat Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️☆ (4/5)

Garlic & Coriander
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Garlic & Coriander

A classic South African-style garlic and coriander biltong recipe that balances roasted coriander, garlic, vinegar, and black pepper. This recipe produces a traditional medium-flavoured biltong suitable for your Charkii online recipe catalogue.

Ingredients (2 kg Beef)

Meat

  • 2 kg beef silverside, topside, or eye round

  • Cut into strips approximately 25–35 mm thick

Spice Mix

  • 40 g coarse coriander seeds

  • 15 g garlic powder

  • 15 g coarse black pepper

  • 30 g coarse salt

  • 10 g brown sugar

  • 2 g bicarbonate of soda (optional for tenderness)

Wet Cure

  • 125 ml brown malt vinegar

  • 25 ml Worcestershire sauce

Method

Step 1 – Prepare the Coriander

  1. Dry roast the coriander seeds in a pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes.

  2. Allow to cool.

  3. Crush coarsely using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Traditional South African biltong uses freshly roasted coriander because it provides a richer aroma and authentic flavour.

Step 2 – Prepare the Meat

  1. Trim excess fat while leaving a thin fat cap if desired.

  2. Slice with the grain into strips 25–35 mm thick.

  3. Pat dry with paper towel.

Step 3 – Vinegar Cure

  1. Combine malt vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.

  2. Coat all meat evenly.

  3. Allow to marinate for 30–45 minutes.

The vinegar helps preserve the meat and contributes to the traditional biltong flavour profile.

Step 4 – Apply the Seasoning

Mix together:

  • Roasted coriander

  • Garlic powder

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Brown sugar

  • Bicarbonate of soda (optional)

Rub thoroughly into every piece of meat.

Place into a non-reactive container, layering the meat and any remaining spice mix.

Cover and refrigerate for:

  • 12 hours for mild flavour

  • 24 hours for traditional flavour

Turn the meat halfway through curing.

Step 5 – Hang to Dry

  1. Remove meat from the cure.

  2. Lightly pat dry.

  3. Insert biltong hooks.

  4. Hang with space between pieces.

Drying Conditions

  • Temperature: 20–28°C

  • Humidity: Below 60%

  • Gentle airflow

Drying times:

Style               Drying Time

Wet Centre        3–4 days

Medium              5–7 days

Traditional Dry 7–10 days

Charkii Pro Tip

For an authentic farmhouse-style garlic biltong:

  • Add 5 g crushed dried garlic flakes alongside the garlic powder.

  • Use malt vinegar rather than white vinegar.

  • Finish with a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper before hanging.

Flavour Profile

Taste: Savoury, garlicky, and aromatic
Heat: Mild


Best Pairing:

Cold lager, dry cider, or a classic South African braai.

Slice thinly across the grain and serve on a wooden board with:

  • Sharp cheddar

  • Pickled onions

  • Crackers

  • Wholegrain mustard

This recipe delivers the classic South African garlic-and-coriander flavour that has been a staple in biltong-making for generations.

Serving Suggestion

Slice thinly across the grain and serve on a wooden board with:

  • Sharp cheddar

  • Pickled onions

  • Crackers

  • Wholegrain mustard

This recipe delivers the classic South African garlic-and-coriander flavour that has been a staple in biltong-making for generations.

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Grabouw Wagyu
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Grabouw Wagyu

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​Grabouw, in the Grabouw region, is famous for its apple orchards and cool mountain climate. This recipe combines premium Wagyu beef with traditional South African biltong spices, creating a rich, buttery biltong with classic coriander and pepper notes.

Ingredients (2 kg Wagyu Beef)

Meat

  • 2 kg Wagyu topside, silverside, or rump

  • Trim excess external fat but retain marbling

 

Vinegar Cure

  • 250 ml brown malt vinegar

  • 50 ml apple cider vinegar

 

Spice Mix

  • 40 g coarse toasted coriander seeds

  • 25 g coarse black pepper

  • 35 g coarse salt

  • 10 g brown sugar

  • 5 g bicarbonate of soda (optional, for tenderness)

  • 3 g ground cloves

 

Grabouw Apple Accent

  • 15 g dried apple powder (or finely ground dried apple chips)

  • 10 g smoked paprika

 

Method

1. Prepare the Meat

  1. Slice the Wagyu with the grain into strips:

    • 25–35 mm thick for traditional wet biltong.

    • 15–20 mm thick for drier biltong.

  2. Remove any silver skin.

  3. Pat dry with paper towel.

 

2. Toast the Coriander

  1. Dry-toast coriander seeds in a pan for 2–3 minutes.

  2. Crush coarsely using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

 

3. Vinegar Cure

  1. Combine malt vinegar and apple cider vinegar.

  2. Dip each strip thoroughly.

  3. Allow excess vinegar to drip off.

4. Apply Seasoning

  1. Mix all dry ingredients.

  2. Coat each strip generously.

  3. Layer in a non-metallic container.

 

5. Cure Overnight

  • Refrigerate for 12–18 hours.

  • Turn the meat once halfway through curing.

 

6. Hang the Biltong

  1. Remove strips and lightly pat dry.

  2. Insert hooks through one end.

  3. Hang in your Charkii biltong maker.

 

Ideal conditions:

  • Temperature: 22–28°C

  • Humidity: 45–60%

  • Good airflow

 

7. Drying Time

  • 3–4 days: Medium-wet centre

  • 5–6 days: Traditional medium

  • 7–8 days: Firm and dry

Because Wagyu contains more intramuscular fat, it generally benefits from a slightly wetter finish.

Expected Flavour Profile

  • Rich buttery Wagyu character

  • Traditional coriander-forward South African taste

  • Gentle sweetness from Grabouw apple

  • Mild smokiness from paprika

  • Balanced pepper finish

  • Tender texture with excellent marbling

Charkii Drying Guide

Preference   Thickness   Drying Time

Wet                  30–35 mm  3–4 days

Medium         25–30 mm  5–6 days

Dry                   20–25 mm  7–8 days

 

Storage

  • Vacuum seal for maximum shelf life.

  • Refrigerate for up to 3 months.

  • Freeze for up to 12 months.

  • Once opened, store in a paper bag or breathable container to maintain texture.

 

Pro Tip

For an authentic premium Grabouw-style Wagyu biltong, use coarse-ground coriander as the dominant spice and allow the beef's natural marbling to remain the star of the flavour profile rather than overpowering it with excessive seasoning.

Cape Smokehouse
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Cape Smokehouse

Cape Smokehouse Biltong

A traditional Cape-inspired smoked biltong recipe combining classic South African spices with subtle wood smoke for a rich, authentic flavour. This recipe is designed for the Charkii recipe catalogue and can be prepared using a biltong cabinet or smoker.

Yield

  • 2 kg finished biltong (approximately)

  • Preparation: 30 minutes

  • Curing: 12–24 hours

  • Smoking: 1–2 hours

  • Drying: 4–7 days

 

Ingredients

Meat

  • 3 kg beef topside, silverside, rump, or eye round

  • Cut into strips 30–40 mm thick

 

Cape Smokehouse Spice Blend

  • 60 g coarse coriander seeds, toasted and crushed

  • 30 g coarse black pepper

  • 25 g sea salt

  • 15 g brown sugar

  • 5 g smoked paprika

  • 3 g ground cloves

  • 2 g ground nutmeg

 

Cure

  • 250 ml brown malt vinegar

  • 50 ml Worcestershire sauce

 

Smoking Wood

  • Oak, pecan, applewood, or grapevine cuttings

 

Method

1. Prepare the Meat

Trim excess fat and silver skin while leaving a thin layer of fat for flavour.

Slice the beef with the grain into strips approximately:

  • 25–30 cm long

  • 3–4 cm wide

  • 3–4 cm thick

 

2. Toast the Coriander

Heat a dry pan over medium heat.

Toast coriander seeds for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Coarsely crush using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

 

3. Cure the Meat

Combine:

  • Malt vinegar

  • Worcestershire sauce

Dip each strip thoroughly.

Mix all dry spices together and coat the meat generously.

Place into a non-reactive container, layering the strips and distributing remaining spices evenly.

Cover and refrigerate:

  • Minimum 12 hours

  • Ideal 24 hours

Turn the meat once halfway through curing.

 

4. Smoke the Biltong

Remove strips from the cure and lightly pat dry.

Hang in a smoker or place on racks.

Smoke at:

  • 25–35°C

  • Cold smoke only

Using:

  • Oak for traditional smokehouse flavour

  • Applewood for a sweeter Cape-style profile

Smoke for:

  • 1–2 hours

The goal is gentle smoke flavour without cooking the meat.

 

5. Dry the Biltong

Transfer immediately to a drying cabinet.

Ideal drying conditions:

  • Temperature: 20–28°C

  • Humidity: 45–60%

  • Constant airflow

Hang strips individually without touching.

Dry for:

Preference      Time

Wet Centre        4–5 days

Medium              5–6 days

Traditional Dry 6–7 days

                              

6. Test for Readiness

The outside should be firm and dark.

When squeezed:

  • Slight give = medium

  • Firm throughout = traditional dry

Internal colour should remain deep red to burgundy.

 

Charkii Cape Smokehouse Serving Suggestion

Slice thinly across the grain and serve with:

  • Sharp cheddar

  • Pickled onions

  • Seeded crackers

  • Wholegrain mustard

  • Roasted macadamias

A cold South African-style ginger beer or craft lager pairs exceptionally well.

Charkii Chef's Tip

For an authentic Cape Smokehouse character, use a blend of:

  • 75% oak smoke

  • 25% applewood smoke

This creates a balanced smoky flavour that enhances the coriander and vinegar cure without overpowering the beef, producing a premium artisan biltong worthy of any South African smokehouse.

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Bourbon Barrel
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Bourbon Barrel

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A Bourbon Barrel Biltong combines the classic South African biltong curing process with subtle bourbon and oak barrel notes. The result is a rich, slightly smoky, savoury biltong with hints of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak.

Ingredients (Makes 2 kg)

Meat

  • 2 kg beef silverside, topside, or Wagyu topside

  • Trim excess surface fat

 

Wet Cure

  • 120 ml bourbon whiskey

  • 80 ml brown malt vinegar

  • 20 ml Worcestershire sauce

 

Spice Mix

  • 40 g coarse coriander seeds, toasted and crushed

  • 20 g coarse black pepper

  • 36 g coarse salt

  • 8 g brown sugar

  • 4 g garlic powder

  • 2 g smoked paprika

  • 2 g ground nutmeg

 

Optional Barrel Enhancement

  • 5 g finely ground toasted oak chips (food-grade, bourbon barrel aged)

Method

1. Prepare the Meat

  1. Slice meat into strips:

    • 25–35 mm thick

    • 40–50 mm wide

    • Grain running lengthwise

  2. Pat dry with paper towel.

 

2. Toast the Coriander

  1. Dry roast coriander seeds in a pan for 2–3 minutes.

  2. Allow to cool.

  3. Crush coarsely using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

 

3. Marinate

  1. Combine:

    • Bourbon

    • Vinegar

    • Worcestershire sauce

  2. Coat all meat strips evenly.

  3. Rest for 30 minutes.

The bourbon should complement the meat rather than overpower it.

 

4. Season

Mix all dry ingredients thoroughly.

Coat each strip generously and massage seasoning into the meat.

Layer in a non-reactive container.

Cover and refrigerate for:

  • 12–18 hours for thinner strips

  • 18–24 hours for thicker strips

Turn once halfway through curing.

 

5. Prepare for Drying

Remove strips from cure.

Lightly pat excess moisture away.

Attach hooks through one end of each strip.

Allow meat to air-dry for 30 minutes before hanging.

 

6. Dry the Biltong

  • Temperature: 20–25°C

  • Humidity: 45–60%

  • Good airflow

 

Drying times:

Preference   Time

Wet                  3–4 days

Medium         5–6 days

Traditional     7–8 days

Dry                   9–10 days

 

Flavour Profile

  • Traditional South African biltong base

  • Toasted coriander aroma

  • Rich beef flavour

  • Gentle bourbon sweetness

  • Oak barrel character

  • Light vanilla and caramel notes

  • Clean, savoury finish

 

This recipe works particularly well with Wagyu topside or premium grass-fed beef and fits perfectly into a premium Charkii artisan biltong range.

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