Biltong and Jerky Cure: Review of the Kalahari Khabu Cabinet

Curing meat to make jerky and biltong is a process that involves preserving and flavoring the meat through dehydration and the use of various seasonings. Both jerky and biltong are delicious, protein-rich snacks that are perfect for on-the-go or as a tasty treat. Here’s a basic guide on how to cure meat to make Jerky Cure and Biltong, using Kalahari Khabu “Biltong Boss” Biltong Maker and Drying Cabinet, Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator with Full Temperature Control.

What is Jerky?

Jerky is a type of dried meat that has been seasoned and preserved through a dehydration process. It is typically sliced into thin strips and then dried to remove most of its moisture content. The drying process helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and spoilage, making jerky a shelf-stable and portable snack that can be stored for an extended period.

Jerky is known for its chewy texture and concentrated flavor, often enhanced by various seasonings, spices, and marinades. Common meats used for making jerky include beef, turkey, pork, and venison, although other meats like chicken and fish can also be used. It is a popular snack choice for hikers, campers, and individuals who need a protein-rich snack on the go.

What is Biltong?

Biltong is a type of dried and cured meat originating from South Africa. It is similar to jerky but has some key differences in terms of flavor, texture, and preparation method.

Key characteristics of biltong include:

Thicker Cuts: Biltong is typically made from thicker cuts of meat compared to the thin strips used for jerky. The meat is often cut into strips that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Curing Process: Biltong is cured through a process that involves marinating the meat in a mixture of salt, spices (such as coriander and black pepper), and often a small amount of vinegar for flavor and preservation. The marinated meat is then air-dried.
Air-Drying: Unlike jerky, which is usually dehydrated with heat, biltong is traditionally air-dried. The meat is hung in a well-ventilated area to allow it to slowly dry over a period of several days to a week. This process results in a slightly moist interior and a dry outer layer.
Flavor Profile: Biltong has a distinct flavor profile characterized by the combination of salt, spices, and the tanginess of vinegar (if used). It has a rich and savory taste with a unique texture that is simultaneously tender and slightly chewy.
Variety of Meats: While beef is the most common meat used to make biltong, other meats such as game meats (like venison or ostrich) and poultry (like chicken) can also be used to create different flavors and textures.

Biltong is a beloved South African snack and is often enjoyed as a protein-rich treat. It is a popular choice for sports enthusiasts, travelers, and those looking for a high-protein snack that doesn’t require refrigeration.

Jerky Cure: Ingredients and Tools

Meat: You can use various types of meat, such as beef, venison, turkey, or even fish. Choose lean cuts with minimal fat.
Seasonings: You can use a variety of seasonings and flavorings, such as salt, pepper, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and brown sugar, depending on your preference.
Vinegar (optional): Some biltong recipes call for a small amount of vinegar to help with the curing process and add flavor.
Dehydrator or Oven: You’ll need a way to dehydrate the meat. A food dehydrator works best, but you can also use an oven.
Sharp knife or meat slicer: You’ll need to slice the meat thinly and uniformly.

Instructions:

For Jerky:

Slice the Meat: Begin by slicing the meat into thin strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. You can partially freeze the meat to make slicing easier.
Marinate: Prepare a marinade by mixing your chosen seasonings and liquids. Place the meat strips in a zip-top bag or a container and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for better flavor penetration.
Drain and Pat Dry: Remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. The drier the meat, the better the jerky.
Dehydrate: Arrange the meat strips on the dehydrator trays or oven racks. If using a dehydrator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for temperature and drying time. If using an oven, set it to the lowest temperature (usually around 160°F or 70°C) and leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Dry the meat for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of dryness.
Store: Once the jerky is completely cooled, store it in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags. It can last for several weeks to several months if properly stored.

For Biltong:

Slice the Meat: Slice the meat into strips, similar to jerky, but thicker, typically around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Season: Generously coat the meat strips with a mixture of salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. Some recipes also include a small amount of vinegar for flavor and to aid in the curing process. Let the meat marinate in the seasonings for an hour or more.
Hang and Air-Dry: Hang the seasoned meat strips in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. A biltong box or a clean, dry place with good air circulation works best. Let the meat air-dry for several days to a week, depending on the thickness of the meat and the humidity of your environment. The biltong should be firm to the touch and have a dry exterior.
Slice and Enjoy: Once the biltong is ready, slice it into thin strips for serving. It should have a dry outer layer and a slightly chewy interior.

Both jerky and biltong are delicious and convenient snacks that can be customized to your taste preferences. Experiment with different seasonings and meats to find your favorite flavor combinations.

Enjoy your homemade meat appetizers! To make the cooking process as successful as possible, we recommend paying attention to the right equipment.

Review of the Kalahari Khabu Biltong Maker and Drying Cabinet

The Kalahari Khabu Biltong Boss Biltong Maker and Drying Cabinet is a premium-grade food dehydrator designed in New Zealand. It is a versatile and advanced appliance that offers precise temperature control and a large capacity for making biltong, jerky, dried fruits, vegetables, and more.

Kalahari Khabu Biltong Boss Drying Cabinet with Full Temperature Control.

Here’s an overview of its key features and benefits:

Key Features:

Premium Quality Construction: The Biltong Boss is constructed from high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity. This ensures that it can consistently produce premium-quality biltong and dried foods.
Wide Temperature Range: This dehydrator can heat from as low as 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) up to 194 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius). The wide temperature range makes it suitable for various types of foods, from meats to fruits and vegetables.
Large Capacity: The Biltong Boss comes with 10 tray compartments, which is a generous capacity for dehydrating a substantial amount of food at once. This is particularly convenient for making biltong and dried snacks in bulk.
Hanging Rods and Hooks: It includes 5 hanging rods and 36 stainless steel hooks, which are perfect for hanging biltong and other snacks. This feature allows you to make biltong with the traditional South African method, where meat is hung to air-dry.
Digital Console: The digital console makes it easy to control temperature and timer settings precisely. You can set the timer for as short as 30 minutes or for as long as 24 hours, allowing you to customize the drying process according to your needs.
Quiet Operation: The Biltong Boss operates quietly, ensuring that it won’t disturb your household while it’s in use. This is especially important for long drying sessions.
Overheat Protection: It comes with built-in overheat protection, adding a layer of safety to the device and preventing potential overheating issues.
Conversion between Celsius and Fahrenheit: You can easily switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit settings by pressing the timer button for a few seconds, making it user-friendly for customers in different regions.
Versatile Use: While it excels at making biltong, it’s also great for a variety of other applications. You can use it to dry beef steaks, sausages, jerky, and even dog treats. Additionally, it’s suitable for dehydrating vegetables, fruits, yogurt, bread crumbs, preserving herbs, flowers, and more.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Kalahari Khabu Drying Cabinet

Based on the customers’ review, here are the advantages and disadvantages of the Kalahari Khabu Biltong Boss Biltong Maker and Drying Cabinet:

Advantages:

Effective Biltong Making: The dehydrator is modified to work like a biltong box, and it effectively produces biltong. Users find it to be a successful and efficient tool for making biltong.
Combines Functions: It offers the best of both worlds by functioning as a dehydrator and a biltong maker. This versatility allows users to dry a variety of foods beyond just biltong.
Aesthetic Appeal: Unlike homemade biltong boxes, this machine has a good appearance and will fit well in any room. Its design is visually appealing.
Quiet Operation: Users have noted that the machine operates quietly, which is important for a pleasant user experience, especially during extended drying periods.
Generous Capacity: The dehydrator can hold a substantial amount of meat (approximately 4.4 lbs or 2 kg) without being overpacked. It accommodates both large slabs and smaller pieces of meat.
Varied Drying Times: It offers flexibility in drying times, allowing users to achieve their preferred biltong dryness, whether medium or fully dry.
Efficient Air Circulation: The dehydrator appears to have efficient air circulation, with meats closer to the fan drying quicker, which is a desirable feature for consistent results.
Comes with Useful Accessories: Users appreciate the biltong book that comes with it, providing valuable recipes and instructions. The included hooks for hanging biltong are also a practical addition.

Disadvantages:

Timer Reset: The dehydrator requires the timer to be reset every 24 hours. While this may not be a significant issue if used at home and easily accessible, it can be inconvenient if you plan to leave it unattended for a few days.
Hanging Bar Stability: Some users find that the hanging bars can easily fall out when the box is fully packed, and there is a desire for a feature to keep them in place.

In summary, the Kalahari Khabu Biltong Boss Biltong Maker and Drying Cabinet has several advantages, including its effectiveness, versatility, appearance, and capacity. Users appreciate its performance in making biltong and other dried foods. However, there are minor inconveniences such as the timer reset requirement and the stability of hanging bars. Despite these issues, the overall satisfaction level remains high, with users giving it a 5-star rating for delivering on its promises and providing a positive biltong-making experience.

The Kalahari Khabu Biltong Boss Biltong Maker and Drying Cabinet is a high-quality food dehydrator designed for those who appreciate premium biltong, jerky and dried snacks. With its advanced features, large capacity, and precise temperature control, it offers an excellent solution for making a wide range of dehydrated foods, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen or home setup.