Are you a bacon lover looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite meat?
Look no further than bacon biltong!
This South African snack is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will satisfy your cravings.
With just a few simple steps, you can transform ordinary bacon into a flavorful and unique snack.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making your own bacon biltong, from marinating to drying.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Make Bacon Biltong?
To make bacon biltong, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– Bacon slices
– Biltong spice mix
– Vinegar
– Worcestershire sauce
Here’s how to make it:
1. Defrost and separate the bacon into individual slices.
2. Place a layer of bacon in a glass dish.
3. Sprinkle the biltong spice mix over the bacon, making sure it is completely covered.
4. Turn the bacon over and spread the spice mix over the other side.
5. Sprinkle the vinegar and Worcestershire sauce lightly over the biltong.
6. Cover the plate with plastic wrap and place the glass bowl in the fridge.
7. Let the bacon with the biltong spice mix and vinegar sit and marinate in the fridge for about four hours.
After marinating, it’s time to dry your bacon biltong. Here’s how:
1. Remove the bacon from the glass dish and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Place a layer of bacon on a drying rack or hang it up to dry.
3. Let it dry for approximately two days, or until it reaches your desired level of dryness.
And that’s it! You now have delicious bacon biltong to enjoy as a snack or add to your favorite dishes.
What Is Bacon Biltong?
Bacon biltong is a relatively new addition to the biltong market in South Africa. It is made by spicing raw bacon with biltong spice mix and vinegar, and then air-drying it for three to four days in a cool, dry environment with good airflow. The end result is similar to bacon jerky, but with a unique flavor and texture. Bacon biltong is available in different flavors, such as BBQ, Chilli, Chutney, Honey Pineapple Glaze, Sweet Chilli, or Sweet & Sour. It is a fan favorite for pork lovers and can be enjoyed as a snack or added to salads, braai snacks, or served with an ice-cold beer. Bacon biltong is seriously addictive and will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make bacon biltong, you’ll need a few specific ingredients. The first is, of course, bacon slices. You can use any type of bacon you prefer, but make sure it’s good quality and fresh.
Next, you’ll need biltong spice mix. This is a blend of spices that is commonly used to flavor biltong, a type of dried meat popular in South Africa. You can find biltong spice mix at specialty food stores or online.
You’ll also need vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients will help to enhance the flavor of the bacon and give it a tangy kick.
Lastly, you’ll need a glass dish for marinating the bacon, plastic wrap to cover it while it marinates, and a drying rack or a way to hang the bacon to dry for approximately two days.
By using these ingredients and following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to create delicious bacon biltong that is perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite recipes.
Preparing The Bacon For Marinating
Before you can start marinating your bacon for biltong, it’s important to prepare it properly. Begin by defrosting the bacon and separating the slices. Next, place a layer of bacon in a glass dish, making sure that the slices are not overlapping. This will ensure that each slice is evenly coated with the biltong spice mix and marinade.
Sprinkle the biltong spice mix over the bacon, making sure to cover each slice completely. Turn the bacon over and spread the spice mix over the other side as well. This will ensure that each slice is fully coated with the spice mix.
Once the spice mix has been applied, lightly sprinkle vinegar and Worcestershire sauce over the bacon. This will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor to the biltong.
Cover the glass dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about four hours to allow the bacon to marinate fully. During this time, the flavors of the spice mix and marinade will infuse into the bacon, resulting in a delicious and flavorful biltong.
After marinating, remove the bacon from the glass dish and pat it dry with paper towels. It’s now ready to be dried for approximately two days, or until it reaches your desired level of dryness. This will give it that characteristic chewy texture that is so loved in biltong.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare your bacon for marinating and make delicious bacon biltong that you can enjoy as a snack or add to your favorite dishes.
Creating The Perfect Marinade
Creating the perfect marinade for your bacon biltong is crucial to achieving the best flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect marinade:
1. Use high-quality ingredients: Make sure to use high-quality spices, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce for the best results.
2. Adjust the spice level to your liking: If you prefer a spicier bacon biltong, add more chili spice to the mix. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili spice.
3. Experiment with different flavors: You can add other ingredients to your marinade to create a unique flavor profile. For example, you can add honey for a sweeter taste or soy sauce for a more savory flavor.
4. Don’t over-marinate: While it’s important to let your bacon sit in the marinade for a few hours, don’t leave it too long as it can become too salty.
By following these tips, you can create the perfect marinade for your bacon biltong and enjoy a delicious snack or ingredient in your favorite dishes.
Marinating The Bacon
Marinating the bacon is an important step in making bacon biltong. The marinade helps to infuse the bacon with flavor and tenderize it for easier drying. To make the marinade, mix together biltong spice mix, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. The spice mix will give the bacon its unique biltong flavor, while the vinegar and Worcestershire sauce will add a tangy and savory kick.
To marinate the bacon, first defrost and separate the bacon into individual slices. Then, place a layer of bacon in a glass dish and sprinkle the biltong spice mix over it. Make sure to cover the bacon completely with the spice mix. Flip the bacon over and repeat the process on the other side.
Next, sprinkle the vinegar and Worcestershire sauce lightly over the biltong. The amount you use will depend on your personal preference, but be careful not to overdo it as too much liquid can make it difficult to dry the bacon properly.
Cover the glass dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about four hours. This will allow the marinade to penetrate the bacon and infuse it with flavor.
After marinating, remove the bacon from the dish and pat it dry with paper towels. It’s now ready to be dried either on a drying rack or by hanging it up. Let it dry for approximately two days or until it reaches your desired level of dryness.
Marinating your bacon before making biltong is an easy way to add flavor and tenderness to your snack. With a little patience and some simple ingredients, you can enjoy delicious bacon biltong anytime!
Drying The Bacon Biltong
Once you have marinated the bacon with the biltong spice mix and vinegar, it’s time to dry it out. Drying the bacon biltong is an important step that ensures it is safe to eat and has the desired texture.
To dry the bacon biltong, you can use a standard biltong box or create your own enclosed area. The area should be cool, dry, and have good air circulation. If you live in a humid area, you can use a light bulb to help reduce the moisture content of the air.
Hang the bacon up using pegs or plastic clips so that the air can freely pass around each piece. This will help the drying process and prevent any areas from remaining moist. It’s important to ensure that the bacon is not touching each other as this can cause it to spoil.
If you’re using a biltong box, make sure to place a small fan inside to keep the air moving around. This will help speed up the drying process and ensure that all pieces of bacon are evenly dried.
Leave the bacon biltong to dry for about three to four days until it is completely dry and ready to eat. You can check if it’s ready by breaking off a small piece and seeing if it snaps easily.
Once your bacon biltong is dry, store it in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the fridge for up to a month.
Drying your bacon biltong may take some time and patience, but it’s worth it for the delicious and unique snack that you’ll end up with.
