Yes, you read that right. Biltong Shakshuka. A dish that’s already packed with bold, rich flavours just got even better.
Traditional shakshuka is a Middle Eastern and North African favorite, featuring eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce. But here at The Jerky Co, we like to take things up a notch. So, we’re throwing in some tender, flavour-packed biltong to create the ultimate protein-loaded, tastebud-tingling breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Why biltong works in shakshuka
You might be thinking, “Biltong… in shakshuka?” but trust us, this combo just works.
Shakshuka’s rich, spiced tomato sauce is already packed with bold, punchy flavours, and biltong blends in effortlessly. The heat and steam from the sauce soften the biltong just enough, giving you little bursts of savoury, meaty goodness in every bite. Plus, because biltong is already air-dried and loaded with flavour, it melts into the dish, adding a deep, umami-rich kick without any extra effort.
It’s also ridiculously practical. No need to brown mince or cook up sausages—just chop up some biltong, toss it in, and let the sauce do the work.
Choosing your biltong
Not all biltong is created equal, and when it comes to shakshuka, some flavours just hit differently. Here are our top picks for the ultimate biltong shakshuka:
- Smokey –Adds a deep, smokey flavour that makes the dish even more comforting.
- Traditional – A classic, savoury biltong that blends seamlessly with the rich tomato sauce.
- Chilli – If you like your shakshuka with a bit of heat, this one brings the spice.
- Garlic – Adds a subtle, garlicky taste to the dish.
Ingredients (2-3 servings)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red capsicum, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup water (if needed, to loosen the sauce)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup The Jerky Co biltong (chopped)
- 4 eggs
Toppings
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped
- Sourdough, pita, or crust bread for dipping
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Step 1: Sauté the base
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red capsicum and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Step 2: Add garlic & spices
Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, and cumin. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Boost the flavour
Add 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring well.
Step 4: Pour in the tomatoes & simmer
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and add 1/4 cup water if the sauce looks too thick. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add the biltong
Stir in 1 cup of chopped The Jerky Co biltong and let it soften in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Crack in the eggs
Using a spoon, make four small wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well. Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs cook for 6-8 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
Step 7: Finish & serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh coriander or parsley. Serve immediately with warm sourdough, pita, or crusty bread for scooping up that rich, biltong-infused sauce.
What else goes well with biltong shakshuka?
This meal’s already a winner, but if you’re keen to take it up a notch, here are a few extras we reckon go down an absolute treat.
- Grilled halloumi – Salty, crispy, and golden brown. Adds a killer extra layer of flavour.
- Cucumber & tomato salad – A fresh, tangy contrast to the rich, spiced sauce. Keep it simple—just olive oil, salt, and lemon.
- Roasted potatoes – If you’re skipping the bread, crispy spuds are a top-tier alternative for soaking up the sauce.
- Yoghurt or labneh – A dollop on top cools things down and adds a creamy, tangy twist.
And, if you’re wanting to quench your thirst as you eat your biltong shakshuka, why not try these beverages.
- Fresh orange juice – The acidity cuts through the richness and balances the spice.
- A crisp lager – Light, refreshing, and doesn’t overpower the dish.
- Cabernet sauvignon – Bold enough to stand up to the smokey, spiced tomato sauce.
Get your hands on premium biltong
If you’re going to make this recipe, you’re gonna need some top-quality biltong. The Jerky Co’s MSA-grade Aussie beef biltong is packed with bold flavour, perfect for this recipe (or just for snacking while you cook. Trust us, you’ll want extra).
Stock up online and get it delivered straight to your door, or find your nearest Jerky Co store and grab a fresh batch today. Because once you taste this shakshuka, you’ll be kicking yourself if you didn’t get more.
