How to Make kilishi (Nigeria Beef Jerky)

Kilishi is a traditional Nigerian beef jerky, and it is delicious! It’s usually made from lean beef, which is first marinated and then dried in the sun or in a special kilishi-making machine. The result is a mouthwatering snack that combines sweet and spicy flavors, making it irresistible.

Making Kilishi takes some time, but it’s definitely worth the effort if you’re looking for something unique to enjoy! This guide will teach you how to make Kilishi from start to finish, so grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

What Is Kilishi?

Kilishi is a type of Nigerian beef jerky that has gained popularity in recent years. It’s a flavorful and unique treat that combines the savoriness of jerky, all creating an addicting snack. While kilishi might look like ordinary jerky, it has its own unique flavor profile and the ability to please even the pickiest eaters.

How To Make Kilishi (Nigerian Beef Jerky)

Kilishi is a unique and flavorful snack that is beloved all over Nigeria. This beef jerky packs quite a punch with its distinct flavor combination of smoky, savory, and sweet. It has the smokiness of the traditional African smoking process mixed with the savory flavor of beef and spices and finished off with a hint of sweetness from the honey used in the recipe.

The texture is also an interesting mix, ranging from chewy to crunchy, depending on how you like it. The smokier you make it, the chewier it gets; however, leaving it in the sun for longer than usual will make for a crunchier snack instead.

Overall, Kilishi is a delicious combination of flavors and textures that no other snack offers. Once you’ve experienced this popular Nigerian snack for yourself, you won’t be able to turn back!

Ingredients Needed for Kilishi

Kilishi is made with a few simple ingredients, but the end flavor is truly complex!

Now it’s time to prepare the ingredients for Kilishi. To get that signature jerky-like texture and flavor, you’re going to have to have the right cut of beef, plus all the other ingredients in order. Here’s what you need:

• 1 kg of fresh lean beef, thinly sliced
• 1 Tbsp Ground Chilli pepper
• 2 Tbsp ground Ginger
• Cloves (6 whole or ½ Tsp ground)
• 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
• 1 Tbsp ground black pepper
• ½ Tsp Ground African nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh garlic cloves (alternate with ground garlic)
• 1 Tbsp Ground Red Pepper (Paprika)
• 2 Seasoning cubes/ ½ Tsp powder
• 1 Tbsp Suya Spices
• 1 Tbsp Groundnut powder
• A pinch of salt

Preparing the Beef for Kilishi

Once you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get started. Here’s how:

You must first wash your meat before cutting off the bones and washing them once more. Remove and discard the fat. When cutting the beef into very thin filets, remove all fat from it.

Put the seasoning, salt, spices, paprika, clove powder, ginger powder, and garlic powder in a bowl, oil, then mix.

The beef fillet should be sun-dried for at least 6 hours before being soaked in the kilishi spice mixture. Once the beef is covered with a baking sheet and placed flat in the oven, the meat should bake for 20 minutes at 180 degrees.

Suya spice, pepper, and oil should be combined in a basin. Remove it from the oven after 20 minutes to brush it with the suya spice mixture and bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes (at this point, flip it).

When choosing when to remove the kilishi from the oven, keep in mind that it will become drier once it has completely cooled down.

Another Method to Prepare Kilishi

Slice the meat and ensure it is thinly sliced beef, then marinate in a mix of seasonings and spices, including vegetable oil, garlic powder, paprika and more.

After marinating overnight or longer, the beef is dried either in an oven or over an open flame until it reaches the desired level of dryness. Once finished, you’ll have an irresistible snack that you can enjoy throughout the week.

Types of Spices Used in Making Kilishi

Familiarizing yourself with the spice blends used to make Kilishi is a great way to get started. There are a few types of spices used in making Kilishi, but they all have one thing in common: they bring out the flavor of the beef and add depth to the final product.

Blended Spices

Blended spices are a mix of several different spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, nutmeg, and paprika. This blend gives Kilishi its characteristic flavor and aroma. The spices used will vary depending on region and preference, but these six are generally used in all recipes.

Dry Pepper or Chili Powder

Dry pepper or chili powder is another base ingredient for making Kilishi. It can be mild or hot, depending on your preference. The chili powder will give the jerky some heat and add complexity to the taste. You can use more or less depending on how much heat you want your Kilishi to have.

Ground Aniseed

Ground aniseed lends a sweet flavor and aroma to Kilishi, giving it an added level of complexity and depth. The combination of sweet and spicy from this spice blend makes for a truly unique and delicious snack!

Ground Fennel Seed

Ground fennel seed is another spicy-sweet addition that adds perfume-like notes to the finished product. It gives Kilishi a complex sweetness that you won’t get with just dried pepper or aniseed alone!

Using these four spices will give your kilishi an authentic Nigerian flavor that’s sure to be appreciated by all who try it! Now that you understand the spices used in making kilishi, it

Other Variations of Kilishi

Kilishi, or Nigerian beef jerky, is a popular snack in Nigeria. But did you know there are variations of this tasty treat? Here are a few of the common variations:

Suya

Suya is an especially popular variation of kilishi. Instead of just drying the beef strips in smoke, it’s marinated with various spices and sometimes even roasted over hot coals. It’s often served on skewers, as well.

Tsire

Tsire is similar to Suya, but instead of beef strips, it’s made from ground beef. It gets mixed with lots of spices and herbs and formed into shapes before being dried in smoke.

These are just some of the many variants of Kilishi out there, but whichever variation you choose to make, you’ll always end up with a delicious snack that will be sure to satisfy your taste buds!

Nutritional Value of Kilishi

If you have ever tried Kilishi, then you know it’s delicious! But did you know that it’s also packed with nutrition? Here are all the nutritional values of Kilishi:

Protein

Kilishi packs a hefty protein punch; a single serving contains about 12 grams of protein, which is about 20 percent of your daily value.

Iron & Vitamin B12

Kilishi also has a high content of both iron and Vitamin B12. A single serving contains 7 percent and 24 percent of your daily value, respectively. These two vitamins are important for keeping your red blood cell count healthy.

Vitamin A & Magnesium

Kilishi also contains Vitamin A and magnesium, with a single serving containing 6 percent and 10 percent of your daily value, respectively. These two vitamins help to keep your immune system functioning optimally, while magnesium helps to boost muscle strength.

Calories & Fat Content

When it comes to calories and fat content, Kilishi isn’t too shabby either; a single serving contains a moderate amount of calories (only 126 calories per serving) and less than 5 grams of fat.

How to Store Kilishi and How Long Does it Last?

Now that you know how to make Kilishi, you might be wondering: how do I store Kilishi, and how long does it last?

To store Kilishi, you can place it in an airtight container and place it in a cool, dry area like a pantry. This will help the Kilishi maintain its flavor for much longer. You can also put it in the fridge, but keep in mind that this will cause the texture of the Kilishi to change slightly.

When stored properly, your homemade Kilishi should last 3-8 months. If you want to be extra safe, though and avoid any spoilage, it’s best to enjoy your Kilishi within 1-6 weeks.

What are Some Tips for Making the Perfect Kilishi?

When making your own Kilishi at home, here are a few tips to help you out:

1. Make sure you have all of your ingredients prepped and ready before you begin; you don’t want any surprises mid-process!
2. Slicing the beef really thin will help ensure that it cooks evenly throughout for a delicious final product.
3. Be sure to keep an eye on the temperature when smoking or baking your Kilishi, as too much heat can ruin your jerky!
4. Make sure you season the right amount of herbs and spices generously; this is key when it comes to creating that delicious flavor profile that makes Kilishi so special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about Kilishi? You’re not alone. Here are some common queries about the Nigerian specialty so you can make the most delicious jerky around.

How do I know when my Kilishi is done?

The best way to gage doneness is by checking its texture and color; the jerky should be dry (not moist), firm, and slightly browned all over. You can also test your Kilishi by poking it with a skewer; if the skewer pierces the meat all the way through without sticking at any point, then your Kilishi is done!

How long does it take to make Kilishi?

Kilishi usually takes a few hours to make. You’ll need to slice the beef into thin sheets and then apply the seasoning blend before drying in the oven or smoker for several minutes until you reach the desired texture.

What can I eat with Kilishi?

Kilishi is a versatile food that can be enjoyed in so many ways! On its own, Kilishi makes a great snack, and it pairs amazingly with steaming jollof rice, rolled into bread, or even as a topping on a salad. The options are endless!

Where can I get Kilishi In Nigeria?

In Nigeria, you can find Kilishi in some supermarkets and local grocers. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you can find Kilishi vendors at the market and roadside stands. These are great places to pick up freshly made Kilishi.

You can also order Kilishi online. Some vendors offer ready-made Kilishi for delivery, or you can order pre-prepared seasonings and spices to make your own. Whatever you decide, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the unique flavor and texture of this beloved Nigerian specialty.

Conclusion

We hope this recipe has inspired you to make Kilishi at home! If you’re looking for a way to spice up your regular beef jerky or just want to try something new, Kilishi is the perfect way to do so. From start to finish, Kilishi gives you a unique and delicious flavor that comes from dried, smoked beef, as well as red palm oil and spices. With easy-to-follow instructions and fresh ingredients, you can make your own Kilishi in the comfort of your home. Plus, Kilishi is sure to please your friends and family and make you the star of any party. So don’t wait any longer; try making Kilishi today!