Sei de Boi (Timorese Beef Jerky)
Sei de Boi is a popular dried and smoked beef jerky from Timor-Leste, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. It's typically made with lean cuts of beef, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, and then air-dried or smoked.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lean beef (e.g., sirloin, round)(sliced thinly against the grain)
- 100 ml Soy sauce
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Chili flakes(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili flakes, coriander powder, cumin powder, sugar, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix well to create the marinade.
- 2
Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- 3
Preheat your smoker to a low temperature (around 70-80°C or 160-175°F). If you don't have a smoker, you can use an oven on its lowest setting with the door slightly ajar, or an outdoor grill set up for indirect heat.
- 4
Arrange the marinated beef slices in a single layer on the smoker racks or baking sheets, ensuring they do not overlap.
- 5
Smoke or dry the beef for 2-3 hours, or until it is dry to the touch and leathery but still pliable. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the slices and the drying method used.
- 6
Once dried, let the sei de boi cool completely. It can be eaten immediately or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerated for longer storage.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a lean cut of beef to prevent the jerky from becoming too greasy.
- ✓Slice the beef thinly and consistently for even drying.
- ✓Adjust the chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- ✓Ensure good air circulation during the drying process to prevent spoilage.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of lime juice to the marinade for a tangy note.
- Incorporate other spices like black pepper or turmeric.
- For a spicier version, add fresh chopped chilies to the marinade.