If You Love Biltong, You'll Go Wild for This Mushroom Biltong Recipe

That intense craving for something savory, chewy, and packed with flavour... we all know it. For many, biltong is the ultimate snack. But what if we told you there's a revolutionary, plant-based alternative that delivers all the satisfaction with a powerful nutritional punch?

Discover your new favourite snack with our homemade Gourmet Mushroom Biltong. Using fresh, high-quality mushrooms, this recipe creates an utterly delicious and healthy treat that will satisfy any savory craving.

Why You'll Be Obsessed with Mushroom Biltong

This isn't just another snack; it's a smart, mindful choice for modern foodies.

• Packed with Umami Flavour: Mushrooms are a natural source of deep, savory umami flavour, creating a rich taste that rivals traditional biltong.

• The Perfect On-the-Go Snack: Perfectly portioned and portable, it’s ideal for hiking, post-gym fuel, or a quick energy boost during a busy day.

• Naturally Preserved & Long-Lasting: Dehydration is a natural preservative, giving your biltong a long shelf life without compromising on quality or taste.

• Rich in Nutrients: Featuring oyster mushrooms, this snack is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, you can get creative and use other varieties like Lion's Mane or Enoki for their own unique health benefits!

Which Mushrooms Work Best?

This recipe is fantastic with Oyster Mushrooms as they shred beautifully into the perfect biltong-like texture. However, the best part is you can experiment! Almost any variety from The Mushroom Box will create a delicious snack. Lion's Mane, for example, will yield a slightly different, wonderfully "meaty" texture.

Ready to grow the star ingredient? Grab your favourite grow kit from The Mushroom Box and let's get cooking!

Gourmet Mushroom Biltong Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 kg Fresh Mushrooms (Oyster mushrooms recommended)

• 100 ml Soy Sauce

• 200 ml Balsamic Vinegar

• 60 ml Golden Syrup

• 1 Litre Hot Water

• 180 g Biltong Spice Mix

• Extra Coriander Spice (optional, for sprinkling)

Equipment

• Large Pot

• Large Tray or Container (for marinating)

• Colander

• Dehydrator

• Airtight Storage Bag or Container

Method

1. Prepare: Wash your hands thoroughly. Strip the mushrooms into uniform, biltong-sized pieces. Using a knife can help create cleaner strips.

2. Boil: Place the stripped mushrooms in a pot with water and boil for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the pot to prevent it from boiling over.

3. Marinate: While the mushrooms boil, prepare the marinade. In your large tray, combine the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, golden syrup, hot water, and biltong spice mix. Stir until everything is well combined.

4. Strain (and Save the Stock!): Carefully strain the boiled mushrooms. Pro-Tip: Don't throw away that water! This mushroom stock is packed with flavour. Freeze it in an ice cube tray to add a savory boost to future soups, stews, or rice dishes.

5. Soak: Add the strained mushrooms directly into the marinade. Mix well to ensure every piece is fully coated and submerged.

6. Flavour Infusion: Let the mushrooms marinate for at least 4 hours. Give them a stir every hour or so to ensure even flavour absorption.

7. Drain: Strain the mushrooms from the marinade using a colander. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow as much excess liquid as possible to drain away.

8. Dehydrate: Arrange the marinated mushrooms in a single layer on your dehydrator trays. Set the dehydrator to its highest setting (around 55°C) and dry for at least 10 hours. Dehydration time will vary based on your desired chewiness.

Pro-Tips for Perfect Mushroom Biltong

• Yield & Storage: You can expect about 200g of finished biltong from 1kg of fresh mushrooms. Once completely cool, store it in an airtight container.

• Chewy vs. Crisp: If you prefer your biltong slightly moist and chewy, just remember it won't last as long. Consume it within a week or two for the best quality. For longer storage, ensure it's fully dehydrated and crisp.

• Dietary Notes: This recipe is 100% vegan! Note that it is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce (you can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free version).

• Watch the Salt: Salt tends to settle at the bottom of biltong spice packets. Be mindful when using the last bit of the mix to avoid making your batch overly salty.

• Separate Before Storing: The pieces may stick together during dehydration. Gently separate them before packing them away for storage.

• Offer a Taste: If you're selling your biltong, display it in a clear jar with small tongs for hygienic sampling. Letting customers taste it is the best way to win them over!

Join the Fungi Foodie Movement

Creating your own Mushroom Biltong is more than just making a snack—it's a delicious and rewarding project. By using fresh mushrooms, you're cultivating a healthier, more flavourful lifestyle, one bite at a time.

Ready to cultivate your own gourmet snacks? Explore our full range of mushroom grow kits today and start your flavour adventure!