How To Use Biltong: 10 Delicious Ideas

Biltong is most known and loved for being a snack you can grab and go whenever you need a quick fix or a moment of indulgence. And while biltong is wonderful alone, it has the magic to bring dishes to life and create food pairings that redefine enjoyment. So if you want to take your biltong enjoyment to the next level, let’s find out the ultimate ways to use it.

(Disclaimer – This post will make you hungry)

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Classic Biltong Stew

First and foremost, biltong was invented as a method for preserving meat without the need for refrigeration. It was then usually re-hydrated and used in cooking when needed (as well as being eaten as is, as we do now).

Biltong stew is one of the original ways to use biltong as it is simple and utilises any vegetables and grains you have available. Today we still love a good hearty stew and what could be better than adding biltong stew to your recipe repertoire?

To make biltong stew you simply use biltong the way you use any meat, such as chicken or beef. Once you have fried off your onions in butter or oil, you then add in the biltong and fry it off (about 30 seconds). You then add in your tomato paste and whatever vegetables you choose to include.

If you have a classic stew recipe, next time try swapping out the meat for biltong and discover a deliciously unique new recipe. (This post has other ideas for using biltong when it has become a little too dry).

Biltong Salad

Using Biltong in your salad is a fantastic summery twist, just think of any salad and add biltong (like adding bacon bits) or use biltong as the main protein source. For example; in a caesar or cob salad, swap out the bacon bits for biltong.

Biltong On Pizza

Another delicious way to use biltong is as a topping for any meat pizza, such as supreme, or my favourite, BBQ meat lovers. Biltong on top of pizza turns wonderfully crisp and adds a salty, unique element, that I guarantee your friends will rave over.

Biltong Quiche

Another way to use biltong that utilises its favourite friend (eggs), is by adding biltong to quiche and frittata. Biltong works as perfectly as bacon in your quiche by adding a meaty, salty element, that pairs perfectly with eggs and buttery pastry.

Biltong Sprinkled On Dishes

Biltong has a unique savoury taste that biltong lovers just can’t get enough of (If I could eat it every day, I would). So a brilliant idea for any biltong fan is to add it to your favourite dishes for a touch of biltong infusion.

Biltong can be added to any savoury dish and even some sweet ones (some people add it to ice cream, but that’s quite adventurous). The most common dishes to incorporate biltong into are Mac and cheese, Pasta dishes, Soups, buttered toast and savoury muffins.

The ultimate classic is baked potatoes with crumbled/grated biltong on top. Below is a South African recipe that is super quick and easy. You will need only a few ingredients; potatoes, biltong, onion soup sachet, and butter.

Biltong With Eggs

As mentioned before, biltong and eggs go hand in hand, like bacon and eggs or garlic and herbs (combos no one can deny). The ultimate breakfast, which is high in protein, and sure to keep you going until lunch, is crispy fried biltong with eggs and buttered toast. Perhaps it’s because eggs are so versatile, you just cannot beat eggs with biltong for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

(Credit: Ember snacks) Biltong with fried eggs

Biltong With Craft Beer Or Red Wine

A crowd favourite for using biltong in a perfect combination is to enjoy it with beer or a full-bodied red wine. Pairing biltong with an alcoholic beverage works similarly to red wine and beef bourguignon or a craft beer and any spicy dish. Some favourite reds to relax and enjoy biltong with are, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Australian Shiraz.

Biltong With Cheese

Biltong with cheese is a heavenly combination where you have the salty components of both biltong and cheese, with the creamy texture of cheese and the chewy tender quality of biltong. Some ideal cheeses to use with biltong are vintage cheddar, sharp blue cheese, greyer and even a soft creamy Camembert.

Biltong With Charcuterie Or Aperitif

Continuing with the combination of cheese with biltong is the most decadent way to enjoy biltong combinations, a charcuterie board. Charcuterie involves elements of salty with sweet and sometimes sour and spicy. Combining biltong, cheeses, salami, crackers and relish, perhaps some pickles and marinated peppers. charcuterie is a fantastic way to share and socialise with friends and enjoy biltong at its finest.

Biltong With Dried Fruit

Biltong and dried fruit are a match made in heaven and the ultimate healthy snack. Biltong with dried fruit provides quality protein and easy-to-digest carbohydrates, which balances your blood sugars and satisfies hunger. This snack combination is perfect for overcoming your afternoon slump and an incredible post-workout meal.

My personal favourite is biltong with dried Turkish figs or dried prunes (they are not just for the elderly). Salty and sweet is always a hit and they both complement each other as the sweet brings down the salt & the salt emphasises the sweet.