Help! Jerky/Biltong

[Mike L]

I have recently made a biltong dryer out of a storage box but am unsure what light bulb and fan to get. Has anyone got any ideas?

Regards
Olly

I use a 240v silent running computer fan.

 

[SussexSteve]

I have recently made a biltong dryer out of a storage box but am unsure what light bulb and fan to get. Has anyone got any ideas?

Regards
Olly

Computer fan and 30W lamp

 

[huntero956]

That will get me started, thank you

 

[TTT]

Discussion here Droewors with a couple of home setups including my own

As said before - v simple.

You can even get into the whole lightbulb / no lightbulb discussion...

Perfect Biltong Recipe—South African Beef Jerky - Greedy Ferret

Achieve perfect biltong every time with this improved recipe with simplified steps.

www.greedyferret.com

I have followed this recipe twice now. Haven't (yet) bothered with a biltong box, just pushed kebab skewers through the sides of a cardboard box ( with one side open) and left it in a pantry which is very slightly draughty and unheated.

 

[TTT]

I have followed this recipe twice now. Haven't (yet) bothered with a biltong box, just pushed kebab skewers through the sides of a cardboard box ( with one side open) and left it in a pantry which is very slightly draughty and unheated.

Results excellent, by the way!

 

[marve114]

The wife got one off Amazon worked well I forget the make il have to ask her

 

[Ratten]

That will get me started, thank you

Parts list that may help if you're getting the dremmel out...
Box - Smart Storemaster Storage Box with Lid - 65L | Wickes.co.uk
Rails - Wickes 16mm Multi-Purpose Round Tube - Anodised Aluminium 1m | Wickes.co.uk (two of these)
Vent covers - 20 Pieces Hose Washer Seal O Ring Hose Gasket Filter Net Shower Head Stainless Steel Gasket Rubber Washer with 40 Mesh for 1/2 Inch Shower Hose Heads : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools
Fans - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B073WDL6BV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Rail hangers - 10pcs Clothes Rails end Supports Wardrobe Rod Sockets Clothes Rail Holder U Shaped Alloy Closet Wardrobe Rail Hanger Curtain Rail end Support Wardrobe Oval Rail Socket for Wall Mount Hanging Rail : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen
Humidity / temp meter (if you're feeling fancy or keep an eye out for case hardening) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07HNSFC3R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hooks - although some people don't agree with metal ones https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0814KHW8P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can either pop rivet the rails in / glue or screws depending on how wild you want to go.
The vent covers can either be superglued in place or you could just tape a bit of plastic gauze across the holes at the bottom (5 each side and then three on short sides)
You'll want a 10mm drill bit for the holes and either a coping saw, hacksaw or a soldering iron with a blade attachment for cutting holes in the box. Or whatever you fancy really!

You can do it cheaper, but all these bits are hygienic and cleanable.

Hope that helps!

 

[aris]

Honestly you can make biltong with nothing but a fan. Just hang the meat by looping some string through it, and have an oscillating fan blowing on it for several days.

For seasoning 25g of salt per kilo of raw meat. Pepper, and ground coriander seed.

Cut meat with the grain - 1/4 inch thick.

Brush with vinegar (apple cider seems to taste best) then sprinkle seasoning on all sides.

Put in a plastic tray in the fridge 8-24 hours then hang.

If you have problems with flies, protecting with some net curtain for the first 24 hours will help!

 

[Milligan]

my box was bits and pieces I had.
LED transformer on a computer fan,
white plastic storage box which had been broken one side which I cut out for exit hole, bit of flyscreen to stop bugs
cut hole in lid for fan, bit more flyscreen
30w bulb in holder,
wooden dowels for racks
paper clips for the meat hooks

recipe
malt vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for brine, shake and soak
pat dry
salt, pepper, coriander + chilli taste
hook up making sure to keep meat separated.
Bosh.

 

[devon deer stalker]

Fan oven set at lowest temperature with door slightly ajar, takes about 2 hours to do my jerky.

 

[spandit]

Be warned, the shelf life of jerky is no more than about 2 days...

...in my household at least

 

[Jamie123]

I used a company called bill and tong really good they have along of recipes etc.
the boxes they build are cheap but well done and look great in the kitchen...the seasoning they sell is pricy but defiantly worth it think.

 

[Jamie123]

Not really what your asking but just some advice, some years ago I brought a jerky gun. This looks much like a silicone gun only you load it with ground meat, I have used mine many times and I find the finished product much easier to chew, also if you wish to try making dried meat products without the expense it can be done in an oven with the light on and fan running, same principle as Mike Ls post

do you have a link foraying one of these or youtube how to?

 

[@theroedeerguy]

I used a company called bill and tong really good they have along of recipes etc.
the boxes they build are cheap but well done and look great in the kitchen...the seasoning they sell is pricy but defiantly worth it think.

Home - Billies and Tong: Biltong Boxes, Cutters, Spices, Gifts and more!

Authentic African Flavours, Crafted in Somerset Discover the rich taste of Africa with Billies & Tong. From our home in Wells, we bring you the finest flavors and authentic products, made with passion and dedication to heritage. Shop now 100% Handmade At Billies & Tong, every product is made by...

billiesandtong.com

 

[aris]

The two main commercial spice manufacturers in South Africa are Freddy Hirsch, and Crown National. You can buy these spices on Amazon, but in kilo packs. They use about 30-50 grams of spice per kilo of raw meat if you want to do the cost calculation. They have a load of crapola in them though - but taste good and you get consistent results.