Are you a fan of bacon and biltong?
Why not combine the two and create a mouth-watering snack that will leave you wanting more?
Honey glazed bacon biltong is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make your own honey glazed bacon biltong at home.
From selecting the right ingredients to the marinating process, we’ve got you covered.
So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Make Honey Glazed Bacon Biltong?
To make honey glazed bacon biltong, you will need the following ingredients:
– Bacon slices
– Biltong spice mix
– Honey
– Vinegar
– Worcestershire sauce
– Sesame seeds (optional)
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Defrost and separate the bacon slices. Lay them down in a flat-bottomed glass dish.
2. Sprinkle the biltong spice mix over the bacon, making sure it is completely covered. Turn the bacon over and spread the spice mix over the other side.
3. Drizzle honey over the bacon slices, making sure they are evenly coated. Add a splash of vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
4. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let the bacon marinate in the mixture for about four hours.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Remove the bacon from the marinade and place it on the prepared baking sheets in a single layer.
7. In a small skillet, combine some honey, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook over high heat until melted, about one minute.
8. Brush the spiced honey mixture on one side of the bacon slices and bake for 10 minutes.
9. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the bacon and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon.
10. Transfer the bacon to paper towels, glazed side up, to drain and cool slightly before serving.
Ingredients Needed For Honey Glazed Bacon Biltong
To make honey glazed bacon biltong, you will need a few key ingredients. First and foremost, you will need bacon slices. The type of bacon you choose is up to you, but it is recommended to use either streaky or back bacon.
Next, you will need biltong spice mix, which typically includes a combination of salt, pepper, and chili spice. You can either make your own spice mix or purchase it pre-made.
To add the honey glaze to your biltong, you will also need honey, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients will add sweetness and depth of flavor to the bacon.
Finally, sesame seeds are an optional ingredient that can be sprinkled over the bacon before baking for an added crunch.
By following these steps and using these ingredients, you can create a delicious and unique twist on traditional biltong.
Preparing The Bacon For Biltong
If you prefer to make bacon biltong instead of oven-baked bacon, you can use a standard biltong box to dry the bacon. Start by defrosting the bacon and separating the slices. Lay them out flat in a cool, dry, enclosed area with a small fan to keep the air moving around. If you live in a humid area, consider using a light bulb to bring down the moisture content of the air.
Hang the bacon up using pegs or plastic clips, ensuring that each piece is freely exposed to the air. This will help with the drying process. Let the bacon hang for about three to four days until it is completely dry and ready to eat.
Alternatively, you can follow the steps above for marinating the bacon in honey and spices before hanging it up to dry in a biltong box. This will give your bacon biltong an extra burst of flavor and sweetness.
Making The Honey Glaze Marinade
To make the honey glaze marinade for your bacon biltong, you will need the following ingredients:
– Brown sugar
– Honey
– Orange juice
– Cinnamon
– Cloves
– Nutmeg
– Low-sodium soy sauce
– Dash of cayenne pepper (to taste)
Here are the steps to follow:
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and low-sodium soy sauce.
2. While stirring, bring the mixture to a rapid boil and boil for about 5 minutes. This will help to thicken the glaze.
3. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
4. Brush or drizzle the glaze over your bacon biltong about 20 minutes before it has finished cooking.
5. For an extra kick of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to taste.
By following these steps, you can create a delicious honey glaze marinade that will add a sweet and savory flavor to your bacon biltong.
Marinating The Bacon For Biltong
Marinating the bacon is a crucial step in making honey glazed bacon biltong. It allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and infuse it with a delicious taste. To marinate the bacon, start by laying the defrosted and separated bacon slices in a flat-bottomed glass dish. Sprinkle the biltong spice mix over the bacon, making sure to cover it entirely. Flip the bacon over and spread the spice mix over the other side.
Next, drizzle honey over the bacon slices, ensuring that they are evenly coated. Add a splash of vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about four hours to let the bacon marinate in the mixture.
After marinating, remove the bacon from the dish and place it on a prepared baking sheet in a single layer to bake. Brush spiced honey mixture on one side of the bacon slices before baking them for 10 minutes. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the bacon and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon.
Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels, glazed side up, to drain and cool slightly before serving. The result will be delicious honey glazed bacon biltong that is perfect as a snack or a party appetizer.
Drying The Honey Glazed Bacon Biltong
After the bacon has been glazed and baked, it’s time to dry it out to create the biltong. To do this, you will need a biltong maker or a cool, dry environment with good airflow.
1. Cut the bacon into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Place the bacon strips in the biltong maker or hang them up in a cool, dry place with good airflow.
3. Let the bacon strips air-dry for three to four days, depending on the thickness of the strips. The biltong should be firm and dry to the touch but still slightly chewy.
4. Once the biltong is dry, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
The honey glazed bacon biltong is a delicious and unique twist on traditional biltong. It’s perfect as a snack or as part of a charcuterie board. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can make your own honey glazed bacon biltong at home.
Storing And Enjoying Your Honey Glazed Bacon Biltong
Once your honey glazed bacon biltong is ready, it’s important to store it properly in order to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are some tips for storing and enjoying your biltong:
1. Vacuum seal: If you have a vacuum sealer, this is the best way to store your biltong. Vacuum sealing removes all the air from the packaging, preventing oxidation and spoilage. Store the sealed biltong in the refrigerator or freezer.
2. Airtight container: If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, use an airtight container to store your biltong. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in.
3. Refrigeration: Biltong should always be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage. If stored properly, it can last up to two weeks in the fridge and several months in the freezer.
4. Cutting and serving: When you’re ready to enjoy your biltong, use a sharp knife to slice it thinly against the grain. This will give you the best texture and flavor. Biltong can be enjoyed as a snack on its own, or paired with cheese, crackers, or fruit.
5. Beware of mold: If you notice any mold on your biltong, wipe it off with vinegar immediately. If there is a lot of mold or it smells rotten, discard the biltong as it may be spoiled.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your honey glazed bacon biltong stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Enjoy!
