HOW PHAT TONY MAKE BILTONG
The art of crafting our traditional and delectably meaty South African snack is rooted in simplicity, though achieving perfection can be a delicate endeavor. Essentially, biltong is created through a process of marinating, seasoning, and air-drying slices of meat.
However, the exact method and recipe are subject to individual preferences, the tools at hand, and the availability of ingredients. Thus, each biltong maker brings a unique touch to the process, resulting in an array of delightful variations to cater to diverse tastes
But first, a little history
The concept of biltong originated with the Dutch pioneers in South Africa, who sought a means to preserve meat during their extensive journeys across the country. While the fundamental principles of biltong-making have endured, the process has undergone refinement over the years, giving rise to the diverse range of biltong varieties known to us today.
The biltong-making process
Step 1
Choose the meat
In the traditional sense, biltong is crafted using game or beef, although alternative types of meat can also be utilized. At Phat Tony's, we place utmost emphasis on delivering exceptional taste and quality, achieved by exclusively selecting 100% premium Irish and UK A grade Silverside for the creation of our biltong.
Step 2
Cut the meat
To achieve the best possible outcome during the drying process, the meat is skillfully sliced into long, thin strips commonly known as steaks or slabs.
Our approach at Phat Tony's Biltong involves cutting the meat with the grain. As a distinctive feature, most of our biltong varieties boast a delectable layer of fat along the edge of the strips. This inclusion of fat contributes to the flavorful and chewier character that certain individuals savor. However, for those seeking a leaner, protein-packed alternative, we also offer the option to order fat-free biltong. This way, we cater to various preferences and dietary choices, ensuring that our customers can relish biltong in a manner that perfectly suits their tastes and needs.
Step 3
Season the meat
During this crucial stage, the true magic of biltong-making unfolds as the meticulously cut steaks are immersed in our secret blend of vinegar and an array of delightful spices for an overnight soak.
The next day, they are infused with the signature spice blend that Phat Tony's is renowned for, allowing the flavors to meld over a further period. Subsequently, the marinated steaks are transferred to our custom dryer, where they are carefully hung until they reach the desired level of juiciness and readiness for packaging.
Regarding the marinade process, it always involves the inclusion of vinegar to ensure the elimination of any potential harmful bacteria. While some opt for marinating, others may choose to skip this step and instead use vinegar as a rub or rinse for the meat. Whichever approach is selected, our stringent focus on safety and quality remains unwavering, ensuring that every batch of Phat Tony's biltong is crafted with the utmost care and consideration.
Biltong spices
Apart from salt, biltong spice relies on two key ingredients essential for its distinctive flavor: black pepper and coriander. These two spices play a pivotal role in defining the taste profile of biltong. Moreover, the coriander seeds' oil serves the additional purpose of inhibiting microbial growth, ensuring the biltong's safety during the drying process.
In addition to the primary spices, other complementary ingredients, such as garlic, paprika, and, for those who enjoy spicier varieties, chili flakes, are frequently incorporated into the biltong spice blend. These complementary additions add depth and complexity to the flavor, offering a delightful array of taste experiences for biltong enthusiasts to relish.
Step 4
Air-dry the meat
This is the stage where the true magic unfolds. We meticulously monitor and control the air, humidity, and temperature to achieve perfection in the drying process. Once the biltong has reached its ideal state, it undergoes precise slicing and careful packaging. An essential step is adding the best before date to each bag, ensuring freshness and quality are maintained. With everything in place, we are fully prepared for shipping, ready to deliver our exceptional biltong to our valued customers.
