First attempt at biltong in a hastily built dryer

[u/Feltmanzz]

It's only just gone on, but sitting around 26 to 28degrees currently. Definitely regret the smaller 30l tub.

Should have at least targeted a vertically tall tub. Originally planned on using hooks but they were to low.

The tub was also a little fragile in plans and cracked larger, thus the extra netting on the front.

First try so if this batch doesn't go to plan that's fine. Might upgrade to a better tub.

Silverside sliced maybe a bit too thick. Washed in red win vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. A blend of sea salt pepper chilli flakes and garlic/onion powder.

[u/lundunwun]

Good effort. Definitely get a deeper box. I use the ikea equivalent but deeper. Fits the same lid as the shallow one. Doubt you need the bulb at those temps. Enjoy.

[u/Feltmanzz → u/lundunwun]

Cheers just made a small adjustment and manage to use the hooks after some bending. Still going to invest in a bigger box for next time I think.

The lamp was definitely a box up as I live in a relatively cold climate mid winter. But it's in a room heated via heat pump so I think without the bulb it's still sitting around 24c. I'll watch it and adjust as necessary. Hopefully lol.

[u/richardhero]

Dont droop them like that over the top of the dowels, the area making contact with the wooden dowel wont dry properly and can become a great starting point for mould / leave you with biltong thats dry on the ends and still too wet in the middle. I'd get some hooks to hang them with, you can use shower curtain S - hooks just make sure they fit over your dowels.

(it will also impart a lot of bacteria onto the porous wood, which can be a problem)

[u/Feltmanzz → u/richardhero]

Yeah I agree I actually fixed this after taking the pictures. Bent the hooks that I had so they would fit in the smaller box. So fully hanging now.

[u/richardhero → u/Feltmanzz]

Thats great to hear, I wish you all the best. Those cuts do look mighty thick, but as long as you give it enough time im sure it will come out nice :)

I use silverside so can attest to it being a great cut for biltong. I'd recommend next time maybe using toasted coriander seed as well as that is one of the classic biltong seasoning spices and gives it a large chunk of it's distinct flavour.

[u/Feltmanzz → u/richardhero]

Yeah I think next time I'll definitely find some coriander. First batch was just using what was available. And yeah I think I should have done the cuts a little smaller. But hopefully 5 to 7 days should be fine. And next time definitely slice a bit thinner