What Is the Best Biltong Meat? Discover Top Cuts for Authentic Flavour

When it comes to crafting the perfect biltong, the choice of meat is everything. Biltong, a beloved South African delicacy, has captured the hearts—and taste buds—of many in the UK, thanks to its rich flavour and high protein content. But not all biltong is created equal, and the type of meat used plays a crucial role in its taste, texture, and overall quality.

We believe Silverside is the gold standard for biltong. Its lean nature and exceptional texture make it ideal for the curing and drying process, resulting in tender, flavourful slices that stand apart from chewier alternatives like jerky. This cut ensures every bite delivers the authentic taste and satisfying mouthfeel that biltong lovers crave.

Understanding what makes the best biltong meat helps us honour the traditional South African methods while embracing the high-quality beef available here in the UK. Let’s explore what sets it apart.

Key Takeaways

• Silverside is the top choice for biltong due to its lean profile and exceptional texture, resulting in tender and flavourful slices.
  
  
• Grass-fed, high-quality beef from reputable UK farms ensures superior taste, proper tenderness, and authentic biltong flavour.
  
  
• Fresh meat is preferred over frozen meat for biltong as it retains better moisture, flavour, and texture during curing.
  
  
• Proper curing and spicing techniques using vinegar, salt, and spices like coriander and pepper are crucial for achieving rich, authentic biltong flavours.
  
  
• Air-drying in a ventilated, low-humidity environment ensures the perfect chewy yet tender texture without compromising flavour.
  
  
• Storing biltong in airtight containers or paper bags helps maintain texture and freshness, with refrigeration needed for longer-term storage.

Understanding Biltong And Its Appeal

Biltong, a South African staple, continues to gain traction in the UK due to its distinctive taste and nutritious profile. Unlike beef jerky, biltong is air-dried and cured with a blend of vinegar, salt, and spices, resulting in a tender texture and rich flavour. Its versatility makes it ideal for snacking, outdoor activities, or as a high-protein addition to a healthy diet.

The growing presence of South African shops in the UK reflects this rising demand. Among them, The South African Spaza Shop in Swindon stands out. Since its founding by Steven East, a Durban native, we've focused on bringing cherished South African favourites to those living in the UK. Apart from our biltong, visitors can find spices, sauces, crisps, jams, biscuits, and other iconic snacks.

For convenience, we also offer delivery across England, Scotland, and Wales, while customers from Ireland are welcome to visit us in-store. Our website ensures that everyone can explore authentic South African products from the comfort of their home. Whether searching for biltong or a taste of South African heritage, we remain a trusted destination for those seeking the best biltong experience.

Key Factors In Choosing The Best Biltong Meat

Quality meat selection is critical when crafting authentic and delicious biltong. We focus on every aspect, from choosing the ideal cut to ensuring it meets our stringent quality standards, to create the best biltong.

Selecting The Right Cut Of Meat

Silverside is our preferred choice due to its lean profile and outstanding texture. Its low-fat content supports a superior curing and drying process, resulting in tender slices packed with flavour. Top rump is also a strong contender, offering a balance of texture and richness. For those desiring a softer mouthfeel, cuts like rump cap or striploin provide great results when appropriately aged and cured. The cut determines the biltong's final taste, texture, and appearance.

Importance Of Meat Quality

Meat quality directly influences the outcome of biltong. We rely on grass-fed beef sourced from reputable UK farms for its superior taste and nutrition. Freshness is pivotal—our beef is aged for 21 days to enhance flavour and tenderness. A visible fat marbling on the meat ensures richness and moisture, while a good fat layer on cuts like Silverside adds depth to the biltong taste.
High-quality meat guarantees both a soft texture and an authentic, enjoyable eating experience.

Fresh vs Frozen Meat: What You Need To Know

Fresh meat is the optimal choice for premium biltong. It retains natural flavours and is easier to handle during curing. Frozen meat, though convenient, may impact the texture slightly after thawing due to water loss. If using frozen meat, we ensure proper defrosting techniques to minimise any impact on quality. For biltong enthusiasts, fresh and properly aged meat creates the best balance of taste, texture, and moisture retention.

Preparing Meat For Biltong

Crafting the best biltong starts with proper preparation of high-quality meat. Ensuring every step of the curing and drying process is handled with care guarantees exceptional flavour and texture.

Curing And Spicing Techniques

Curing and spicing play a significant role in the flavour profile of biltong. We use a wet cure of vinegar, salt, and spices like roasted coriander, cracked black pepper, and fennel seeds to deeply penetrate the meat. Adding apple cider or red wine vinegar enhances the meat's savoury notes. Optional ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or honey provide a subtle sweetness and complexity.

Before applying the spice mix, the meat is meticulously hand-cut to ensure even thickness, which is critical for uniform drying. Additional techniques, like briefly adding bicarbonate of soda to the wet cure, can neutralise acidity and tenderise tougher cuts without compromising quality. Each piece is coated thoroughly, ensuring the spice mixture adheres to every crevice.

How To Properly Dry The Meat

Drying preserves biltong and intensifies its rich flavours. Using a traditional air-drying method, we hang the spiced meat in a well-ventilated area protected from pests. A biltong box, or a setup with a fan to maintain airflow, helps achieve optimal conditions for moisture removal.

Monitoring moisture loss is essential during the drying process. By weighing the meat periodically, we ensure it reaches the desired texture—dry yet tender and chewy. This process takes several days, but the resulting biltong is worth the wait.

Tips For Perfect Biltong

Crafting the best biltong requires attention to detail at every stage, ensuring optimal flavour and texture while staying true to traditional South African methods.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Selecting improper cuts of meat compromises the final product. Focus on lean cuts like Silverside to ensure consistent texture and flavour. Over-spicing meat can overpower natural flavours, so balance roasted coriander, cracked black pepper, and salt carefully.

Incorrect drying environments result in uneven texture. Use a well-ventilated, low-humidity space for steady air circulation. Skipping vinegar during the curing process diminishes the authentic tang associated with biltong. Always soak the meat in vinegar before adding spices.

Storage And Longevity

Proper storage keeps biltong fresh and full of flavour. Once dried, store it in an airtight container to limit moisture exposure. Place it in a cool, dry place to prevent mould formation. If long-term storage is necessary, refrigerate or freeze to preserve quality.

Allow moisture to escape by avoiding vacuum sealing warm biltong. For a softer texture, keep biltong in paper bags to maintain slight humidity. Use resealable bags for convenience during travel or outdoor snacking.

Conclusion

Crafting the best biltong starts with choosing the right meat and paying close attention to every step of the process. From selecting premium cuts like silverside to mastering the curing and drying techniques, every detail matters in achieving that perfect balance of flavour and texture.

Whether you're making it at home or sourcing it from trusted suppliers like The South African Spaza Shop, quality and authenticity should always take centre stage. With care and precision, biltong can be more than just a snack—it’s a celebration of tradition and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of meat for biltong?

Silverside is considered the best cut for making biltong due to its lean profile, excellent texture, and ability to produce tender, flavourful slices. Other good options include top rump, rump cap, or striploin for their distinct flavour and mouthfeel.

How is biltong different from beef jerky?

Biltong is air-dried and cured with vinegar, salt, and spices, resulting in a tender texture and rich flavour. In contrast, beef jerky is cooked or dehydrated and usually contains sugar and artificial preservatives.

Can I make biltong with frozen meat?

Yes, you can use frozen meat, but proper defrosting is crucial to prevent loss of texture and flavour. Always allow the meat to thaw completely in the fridge before preparing it for biltong.

How long does it take to make biltong?

The drying process typically takes several days, ranging from 4 to 7 days, depending on the desired texture and environmental conditions.

How should I store biltong to keep it fresh?

Store biltong in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. For long-term storage, refrigeration or freezing is recommended. Avoid excessive moisture to prevent mould growth.

What makes biltong so popular in the UK?

Biltong’s tender texture, rich flavour, and high protein content have made it a favourite snack in the UK. It serves as a healthy, nutritious option for active individuals and those seeking authentic South African flavours.

Can I use different spices for biltong?

Yes, you can customise your spice mix. Traditional biltong uses roasted coriander, black pepper, and salt, but you can add Worcestershire sauce, honey, or chilli for unique flavours.

Why is lean meat preferred for biltong?

Lean meat, such as silverside, is ideal because it has less fat, reducing the risk of spoilage during the drying process. Lean cuts also enhance the texture of biltong, making it tender and enjoyable.

Is homemade biltong difficult to make?

Not at all! While it requires attention to detail, crafting biltong at home is relatively straightforward. With quality meat, the right spices, and proper drying, you can create an authentic, delicious snack.

Can I eat biltong on a daily basis?

Yes, biltong is a healthy snack with high protein and low carbohydrate content. It’s suitable for everyday consumption in moderation as part of a balanced diet.