Campfire cooking is a simple and delicious way to make meals outdoors. The right cookware, firewood and proper equipment are necessary for successful campfire cooking.
The best part about campfire cooking is that you can use a variety of methods to cook your food. You can roast, braise, bake and even fry using this traditional outdoor cooking method.
Whether you’re looking to bring the campfire out of hibernation or are simply craving some good grub, knowing how to cook over a campfire can make for an unforgettable experience.
First, it’s important to start your fire early so you can get it going before the sun goes down and your meal becomes unappetizing. It’s also a good idea to build up your coals before you put anything in the fire so it’ll be ready when you need it.
To help your campfire burn down to a nice bed of hot coals, cut down the larger logs into quarters before you light them. This will give them more time to burn down to a steady flame, which means your food will be cooked at the same temperature for longer.
Next, when it comes to preparing your food, remember that you don’t want to overdo it. The hottest part of the fire should be the coals that surround your grill grate or skillet, not the actual flames themselves. This will ensure that your food cooks evenly and evenly.
A grill grate and tripod are ideal for grilling food, but you can also use a cast iron skillet or dutch oven. These cookware are great because they’re heavy, durable and they can distribute heat well.
If you’re looking for a more basic cooking surface, aluminum foil is a versatile and inexpensive option. It’s also easy to clean up after and doesn’t take up much space in your camping pack.
Another popular surface for campfire cooking is a campfire pit. It’s also a great place to store your camp cooking gear.
As the fire gets hotter, move the coals to one side of the pit. This will help create zones of hot and cooler coals that can be used for different types of cooking.
You can also create a tripod out of thick branches that you can prop up your pot or pan over. This will save you from having to hold your gear over the heat while you’re cooking and can help protect your equipment from damage from flare-ups.
It’s a good idea to keep some water nearby, either in a spray bottle or bucket, to quickly douse and dampen your flames if they’re becoming too out of control. It’s also a good idea for safety, as flare-ups can lead to injuries or fire damage.
For some recipes, such as campfire baked potatoes and stuffed roasted apples, it’s best to directly immerse ingredients in the coals rather than cooking on a grill. This will ensure that your food is evenly cooked and does not burn or char the outside of the meat.