Cooking over a campfire is one of the most enjoyable ways to prepare food. It takes you outside the comfort of your kitchen, lets you get in touch with nature, and creates flavors you’d never find on your stove top.
However, cooking over an open flame can be intimidating for some people, especially if you’ve never tried it before. So to help you out, here are 7 tips for ensuring your campfire cooking goes smoothly:
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Plan ahead
It’s essential to plan your meals before you head out on an adventure, particularly if you’re hiking or camping in the backcountry. This will ensure you have plenty of food and that you’ll be prepared to make something if the weather turns bad or if the trails aren’t as pristine as you’d like them to be.
Check your recipes to ensure they’re appropriate for the conditions, and practice food safety techniques while preparing your food. Be sure to use a barrier between your food and the flames, such as foil or a skillet, and turn it frequently for even cooking.
Build a good fire
The most important thing when cooking over a fire is to build a sturdy bed of coals. To do this, you should start with a small amount of kindling and add more as needed as the flames heat up. After a few minutes, you should see the kindling start to burn down and leave smoldering coals in place. Once the fire has stabilized, distribute the coals evenly around the perimeter of your fire box or Dutch oven.
When it’s time to cook, watch your fire closely for signs of progress and use a “white hot” rule to determine when it’s ready to grill or sear. When you can hold your hand four inches above the coals for a few seconds, it’s hot enough.
Choose a grilling surface that’s easy to control and can handle high heat (like aluminum foil or cast iron) and that’s able to retain the heat for a long period of time. If you’re using a hand-held grill, keep the tongs close and remember to use them to move your food around the grill so it gets cooked evenly.
Consider using a grill rack over the coals to provide more regulated heat and avoid scorching your food. This method is great if you’re cooking large pieces of meat, such as a whole chicken or a large steak.
Don’t overcook your food
You don’t want to overcook your food, as the flames can damage or dry out its moisture. If you’re unsure, monitor the temperature of your food and check with a thermometer to ensure it is safe to eat.
Don’t be afraid to try new things
A camping trip is a great time to experiment and try out new dishes. You can find a variety of recipes online, from s’mores to hearty stews and other campfire classics.
Whether you’re planning a big trip or a small weekend outing, these recipes can make any camping experience special. Plus, they’re healthy and tasty — perfect for summer!