18 South African Beef Jerky Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 4, 2024
South African beef jerky, also known as biltong, is a popular and traditional snack that has been enjoyed for centuries. This flavorful and protein-packed treat is made by marinating strips of beef in a special blend of spices and then drying them to perfection. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, this article will break down the process for you and provide a step-by-step guide to creating your own delicious South African beef jerky.
Main Ingredients: Beef, Worcestershire Sauce, Water, Garlic Cloves, Chile
Beef jerky is a delicious and protein-packed snack that is perfect for on-the-go snacking. It's also a great way to use up any leftover meat and can be made in a variety of flavors to suit your taste preferences. Here are 20 of the best beef jerky recipes to try for your next snack or meal!
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Perfect Biltong—South African Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Beef, Cider Vinegar, Coarse Salt, Coarse Ground Black
This recipe for biltong, a South African style beef jerky, is a must-try for any jerky lover. It's made with a blend of spices, including coriander and black pepper, and is air-dried for a unique texture and flavor. Serve it as a snack or use it to top salads or sandwiches.
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Basic Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Beef, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Honey, Chillies
If you're new to making beef jerky, this basic recipe is a great place to start. It calls for simple ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, and can be made in your oven or dehydrator. The end result is a tender and flavorful jerky that is perfect for snacking.
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Most Amazing Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Beef, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Honey, Garlic
For a truly amazing beef jerky, try this recipe that uses a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and spices to create a bold and savory flavor. The key to this recipe is marinating the meat for 24 hours before drying it, which allows the flavors to fully develop.
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Homemade Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Beef, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt
Why buy store-bought beef jerky when you can easily make your own at home? This recipe uses a dehydrator and a simple marinade of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices to create a tender and flavorful beef jerky. It's a great option for those looking to save money and control the ingredients in their snacks.
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The BEST Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Worcestershire
This recipe promises to be the best beef jerky you'll ever taste. It uses a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and spices to create a bold and savory flavor. The key to this recipe is slicing the meat against the grain for a more tender jerky.
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Spicy Garlic Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Beef, Beer, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Honey
For those who like a little heat in their snacks, this spicy garlic beef jerky is the perfect recipe to try. It's made with a marinade of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Sriracha, and garlic, giving it a spicy and garlicky kick. It's a great option for those who want a flavorful and bold jerky.
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Cidered Beef Jerky or Venison Jerky
Main Ingredients: Beef, Apple Cider Vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce, Light
If you're a fan of cider, you'll love this recipe for cidered beef jerky. It uses apple cider as part of the marinade, giving the jerky a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. This recipe can also be made with venison for a lean and flavorful jerky option.
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Bulgogi Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Beef, Rub
Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish made with marinated and grilled beef. This recipe takes that same delicious marinade and applies it to beef jerky, creating a unique and flavorful snack. It's perfect for those who enjoy a little sweetness and spice in their jerky.
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Jerk Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Beef, Pineapple Juice, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar
For a Caribbean-inspired twist on beef jerky, try this recipe for jerk beef jerky. It's made with a marinade of soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and a variety of spices, giving it a bold and tangy flavor. It's a great option for those who want to switch up their usual jerky flavors.
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Ground Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Light Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce
Don't have access to whole cuts of beef? No problem! This recipe for ground beef jerky uses lean ground beef to create a delicious and protein-packed snack. It's a great option for those who want a quicker and easier way to make beef jerky at home.
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Teriyaki Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Eye Of Round Roast, Soy Sauce, Dark Brown Sugar, Rice
Teriyaki is a classic flavor that pairs well with a variety of meats, including beef jerky. This recipe uses a simple marinade of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger to create a sweet and savory jerky that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. It's a great option for those who prefer a sweeter jerky.
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SWEET MOLASSES BEEF JERKY
Main Ingredients: Beef, Molasses Sugar, Salt, Water, Garlic, Pepper
Molasses adds a unique and sweet flavor to this beef jerky recipe. It's made with a blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses, giving it a rich and savory flavor. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter and more complex jerky flavor.
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My Favorite Homemade Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Beef, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt
This recipe for homemade beef jerky is a personal favorite of many jerky lovers. It uses a simple marinade of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices to create a flavorful and tender jerky. The best part? It can be made in your oven or dehydrator.
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Keto Air Fryer Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Beef, Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce
If you're following a keto diet, this air fryer beef jerky recipe is a must-try. It's made with a marinade of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and seasonings and is cooked in an air fryer for a quick and easy jerky option. It's also low-carb and high in protein, making it a great snack for those on a keto diet.
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South African Biltong
Main Ingredients: Beef, Malt, Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander Seeds, Brown
Similar to the first recipe on this list, this biltong recipe is a traditional South African beef jerky that is air-dried for a unique texture and flavor. It's made with a blend of spices, including coriander and black pepper, and is a great option for those looking for a different type of jerky to try.
Another South African favorite, boerewors is a popular type of sausage that is often grilled and served at braais (barbecues). This recipe takes that same delicious flavor and applies it to beef jerky, creating a unique and flavorful snack. It's a must-try for those who enjoy trying new and different flavors.
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Jerkyholic's Original Ground Beef Jerky
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce
This recipe for ground beef jerky is a favorite of Jerkyholic's founder and is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. It uses a blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings to create a flavorful and tender jerky. The best part? It can be made in your oven or dehydrator.
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Ground Beef Jerky Using a Jerky Gun
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Liquid Smoke, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder
Using a jerky gun is a great way to make ground beef jerky quickly and easily. This recipe uses a blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices to create a tasty and protein-packed snack. It's a great option for those who want a hassle-free way to make beef jerky at home.
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South African Bobotie-Spiced Risotto
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Shallot, Risotto Rice, White Wine, Chicken
This unique recipe takes the flavors of a traditional South African dish, bobotie, and applies them to risotto. It's made with a blend of spices, including turmeric and cinnamon, and can be served as a main dish or a side dish. It's a great way to switch up your usual jerky dishes.
The Secret to Authentic South African Beef Jerky
To truly capture the authentic taste of South African beef jerky, the key lies in the marinade. The traditional recipe calls for a blend of coriander, paprika, and vinegar, which gives the jerky its signature tangy and slightly spicy flavor. Other common ingredients include black pepper, salt, and brown sugar, which add depth and balance to the marinade. Garlic and onion powder are also often included to enhance the overall taste.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
The type of meat used for South African beef jerky is just as important as the marinade. While many recipes call for top round or flank steak, any lean cut of beef will work well. It is important to choose a cut that is free of fat and has minimal marbling. This ensures that the jerky will dry evenly and have a longer shelf life.
The Marinating Process
To achieve the best flavor, it is recommended to marinate the beef for at least 24 hours, but up to 48 hours for more intense flavor. After cutting the beef into thin strips, the meat is placed in a large resealable bag or container with the marinade. It is important to massage the marinade into the meat to ensure that every piece is fully coated. The meat should then be refrigerated and turned occasionally to evenly distribute the marinade.
Drying and Storing the Jerky
Once the marinating process is complete, the beef strips can be dried using a dehydrator, oven, or smoker. Each method will vary in drying time and temperature, but the end result should be a dry, but still slightly pliable jerky. It is important to store the jerky in an airtight container or resealable bag in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness.
Customizing Your Jerky
While the traditional South African beef jerky recipe is delicious on its own, many people like to add their own personal twist to the marinade. Some popular additions include worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and chili powder. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar or add a touch of sweetness with honey or maple syrup. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your own unique and delicious South African beef jerky.
In conclusion, South African beef jerky is a tasty and nutritious snack that is easy to make at home. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can create your own batch of authentic biltong that will impress your friends and family. So why not give it a try and add this delicious South African treat to your snack repertoire?