How to Eat Biltong: The Guide to Snacking, Cooking & Pairings

Biltong isn’t just food it’s a whole experience. This iconic South African dried meat has become a favourite meat snack in Aussie homes for its rich flavour, portability, and versatility (now Aussie made).

Whether you like it as a quick bite on the go or as part of a fancy platter with cheese and wine, there are endless easy ways to eat biltong. This guide explores them all, from the purist’s approach to creative cooking ideas plus tips on pairing, nutrition, and storage.

The Purist’s Way: Snacking on Biltong

When it comes to beef biltong, the simplest way is often the best. Snacking straight from the bag is the go-to method for most fans. But there are a few ways to enjoy it that elevate the experience.

Slab (Stok)

Buying biltong in a slab known as a stok, is for the true traditionalist. You slice it yourself, carving pieces just the way you like. Some prefer chunky, chewy cuts, others thin and delicate slices. It’s also a social tradition, carving biltong at a braai or footy night is an experience everyone gathers around.

Sliced

Sliced biltong is the most convenient option and comes in two main styles: thin and thick cuts. Thin slices are perfect for an easy snack or tossing on top of a salad. Thick slices give a more meaty chew, letting you savour that deep biltong flavour. You’ll also notice some are labelled “wet” (softer, with more moisture) or “dry” (firmer and longer-lasting) a matter of personal taste.

Stokkies & Droëwors

If you want something even more portable, try biltong sticks (stokkies) or droëwors (dried sausage). They’re perfect for road trips, hiking, or keeping in your bag for a quick protein hit during the day.

Perfect Pairings: Drinks & Foods

Biltong pairs beautifully with drinks and nibbles. Beer and biltong are a natural match – especially a crisp lager or hoppy IPA. Wine and biltong is another winning combo, with bold reds like Shiraz complementing the rich meatiness. For a snack platter, add cheese with biltong (cheddar or gouda work best), nuts, and dried fruits. This makes a portable, nutritious snack you can enjoy at a picnic, camping trip, or when friends drop by.

Cooking with Biltong

Biltong isn’t just for snacking, it’s a brilliant ingredient for cooking. Here are some easy ways to eat biltong beyond straight snacking.

Breakfast Ideas

Sprinkle chopped biltong over scrambled eggs, fold it into an omelette, or bake it into savoury muffins. It’s an easy way to boost protein first thing in the morning.

Salads & Sandwiches

Add shavings of biltong to salads for a salty, umami punch. It works beautifully with rocket, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan. Toss some into wraps or sandwiches for a quick, flavour-packed lunch. You can even add it to a charcuterie board to impress your guests.

Main Dishes

Biltong can be stirred into pasta sauces, stews, or even casseroles. In South Africa, it’s often added to potjiekos (a slow-cooked stew). If you’re looking for inspiration, try a biltong recipe that turns it into a creamy sauce for pasta – it’s next-level comfort food.

Baked Goods

For something truly different, mix chopped biltong into bread dough or savoury scones. It gives a smoky, meaty surprise in every bite.

Nutritional Benefits of Biltong

Biltong is a naturally nutritious snack, packed with protein and low in carbohydrates, making it a favourite for gym-goers and anyone following a low-carb or keto diet. It’s naturally high in iron, zinc, and B vitamins, giving you an energy boost. Keep an eye on sodium levels if you’re watching salt intake, but overall it’s a clean, preservative-free snack.

Is Eating Biltong Raw Safe?

Yes – despite being air-dried, biltong isn’t raw in the dangerous sense. It’s cured with vinegar and salt, which preserve the meat and make it safe to eat. The air-dry process removes moisture, creating an environment where bacteria can’t thrive.

How to Store Biltong Properly

Store biltong in a cool, dry place. If it’s vacuum-sealed, it can sit in the pantry until opened. Once open, keep it in an airtight container or paper bag, never plastic, to avoid moisture build-up. If you live somewhere humid, the fridge is your friend. Properly stored, biltong lasts up to a week after opening (longer if it’s dry-cut).

Why Biltong Costs More

Good biltong isn’t cheap, and for good reason. It starts with premium cuts of beef, which lose up to half their weight during drying. Add in the labour of slicing, seasoning, and monitoring the air-dry process, and you get a product that’s handcrafted and full of flavour. That’s why every bite feels like a treat and worth the price.

Biltong is far more than just a snack. It’s an easy snack, a portable treat, a high in protein powerhouse, and a gourmet ingredient all in one.

Whether you’re pairing with beers, adding it to a salad, or simply enjoying a slice straight from the slab, there are endless ways to eat biltong. Once you start experimenting, you’ll never run out of delicious, nutritious ways to enjoy it.