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An open fire can be a convenient way of cooking while you’re camping or spending time outdoors. However, it requires making some adjustments and can be challenging for beginners.
We don’t want you to struggle if you’re going to give it a try. That’s why we’re sharing our recipe for success when using flames to prepare your meals.
Today, we’re sharing our beginner’s guide to open fire cooking.
Let’s get to it!
What Is Open Fire Cooking?
Open-fire cooking is when you suspend or place food over an open flame or hot coals. The heat generated from open fires can thoroughly cook the food while adding a smokey taste. The best results require skill, patience, and an understanding of effectively using wood and fuel to enhance flavors.
Although, more than a good technique is needed by campers and adventurers. Open-fire cooking is a method professional chefs and food enthusiasts use worldwide and historically, it’s one of the first ways food was cooked. For them, it’s not just about the outcome but the entire experience.
Open-FireWhat Meats Are Best for Open Fire Cooking?
The meat and cut you select is essential when using the open-fire cooking technique. Some are more capable of withstanding the flames’ intense heat and smoky flavors. In general, thicker cuts with a good amount of fat will be your best option. A T-bone or ribeye is one of the most common choices. They’re able to retain their juices when, with proper seasoning, a delicious crust is achieved on the outside.
Other popular alternatives include chicken thighs, turkey legs, and pork. Slow roasting causes them to become very tender and juicy. You can cook large cuts like whole roasts and pork shoulders using open-fire cooking.
A Beginner’s Guide to Open Fire Cooking
For those new to open-fire cooking, pack your patience. You must start somewhere, and your first attempt may not end well. If things don’t go as planned, offer yourself grace. With some practice, you’ll cook up all kinds of meals before you know it.
Safety First
Safety should always be your top priority, no matter what or how you’re cooking. Open-fire cooking can be incredibly dangerous. Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby, just in case. A situation could get out of hand in the blink of an eye and become very dangerous.
Another piece of safety that often gets overlooked is food handling and temperature. When cooking meat, you must store and cook it at proper temperatures and prevent cross-contamination. This can be incredibly challenging when camping without a freezer or refrigerator.
Your cooking utensils should include a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperatures. Eating undercooked meat can be extremely dangerous. While there’s not typically an ideal place to catch food poisoning, it’s undoubtedly not while camping.
Check Local Regulations
It may sound like common sense, but a campfire is critical to open-fire cooking. Unfortunately, local regulations can restrict your ability to create one, even for cooking. Fire bans are common in areas at risk of wildfires.
These regulations may require obtaining a permit or following specific safety measures. Whatever the case, it’s your responsibility to know and follow them. If not, you could end up with a visit from the local fire department and a hefty fine. Ignorance of the law is typically not an acceptable excuse in these situations.
Have the Right Tools and Equipment
Having the right tools and equipment is crucial to success with open-fire cooking. This includes the right fire-making tools, cooking utensils, and other equipment to help direct flames or heat. Since a fire is essential, it’s a good idea to have multiple ignition sources available in case one fails.
Pro Tip: Check out the 8 Best Campfire Cooking Kits You’ll Actually Use before grocery shopping for your next camping trip!
Some essential cooking utensils in your kit should include fireproof gloves, long-handled tongs, spatulas, and grill brushes. Many chefs use cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens to prepare dishes over the flames. Additionally, some use tripods to change the height of soups, stews, and other items directly over the fire.
Gather Firewood
If you didn’t bring firewood, you’ll need to gather it. Choosing the correct type of firewood is essential. It can significantly impact the flavor and quality of your dishes. Generally, seasoned hardwoods are going to deliver the best results. The best are oak, hickory, maple, and apple or cherry fruitwoods. They provide a very steady heat and add flavor.
You should avoid using wood that has a high moisture content in it. Non-seasoned firewood doesn’t burn well, and when it does, it generates a tremendous amount of smoke and a lower-temperature flame. You want wood aged for at least six months to a year.
While focusing on the main firewood logs is easy, you must also remember kindling and tinder. These will be essential when it’s time to start building your fire.
Use a Fire Pit
Most campsites at established campgrounds will provide a fire pit during your stay. Despite this, if you’re camping in the wilderness, you won’t likely be as lucky. A fire pit keeps the flames safely within the circle. This helps reduce the chances that the fire will spread and cause more damage than is necessary.
If a fire pit is unavailable, you’ll need to create one. First, clear the area of vegetation, sticks, and leaves. Next, you’ll want to dig out an indentation five to six inches deep. This will help you contain the fire and coals. Finally, pile rocks and large logs in a circle around the hole you dug.
Build the Fire
The next step in your quest for open-fire cooking is to build the fire. Effective methods involve stacking the larger logs in a teepee or log cabin shape. You want to leave a space to place smaller sticks and twigs in the center. Use a fire starter or newspaper to ignite the kindling pile, which will cause the fire to burn.
Good sources of kindling include birch bark and fatwood. Fatwood is a resinous enriched dense pine wood that can be found in the roots and bases of limbs on a pine tree. It can be difficult to harvest, but once you do you won’t regret it.
Unfortunately, you can’t start cooking immediately. It can take time for the flames to get hot enough for cooking. If you plan to use coals, it will take even longer. For the best results, don’t rush the process. Avoid overloading the fire and leave plenty of room for airflow.
Use the Right Cooking Technique
The technique you use will depend on the results you’re looking to achieve. Typically, direct grilling is excellent for thin cuts of meat like steaks, burgers, and fish filets. Use oil to prevent the food from sticking, and turn it regularly so you get an even cook throughout the meat. While this may be the most common technique, it’s certainly not the only one.
Another common open-fire technique is indirect grilling. Instead of placing the food in or over the flames, you put it near them. This is best for thick cuts, whole chickens, and roasts. Indirect heat allows the meat to cook slower and retain the juices. Some chefs will add smoking wood chips to achieve a smokey and delicious flavor.
Other popular open-fire cooking techniques include using skewers and rotisseries, wrapping in aluminum foil, or using Dutch ovens and cast iron cookware. Learn what works for you, what’s best for the meats you’re working with, and your preferences. Be sure to also keep practicing! Once you’re comfortable with a specific technique, move on to another to improve your skills.
Know Cook Times and Temperatures
Food poisoning isn’t your friend. Trust us, encounters with it aren’t pleasant. As a result, you must know your cooking times and temperatures. As previously mentioned, a meat thermometer is essential. Don’t leave home without it if you plan to cook on an open fire.
Regarding meats, poultry should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. In contrast, beef should typically reach 135°F to 140°F, and pork at least 145°F to be safe. This isn’t something that you should leave to chance. Use your meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature before consuming.
Leave No Trace
When open-fire cooking, you must follow Leave No Trace principles. If a firepit is available, use it instead of creating another one. Additionally, pack up your trash and other items used while cooking. Take it with you instead of leaving it in the firepit for the next guests.
Sadly, not everyone follows these principles, and they’re hurting many public lands. Take the time to respect the land and others who will be using it next. Failing to do so typically results in increased rules and regulations.
What Will Your First Open Fire Cooking Meal Be?
Now that you know you understand open-fire cooking, it’s time to get started. Creating a fire in your backyard is a great way to hone your skills. This way, you’ll have access to your regular kitchen and supplies. You won’t have to worry about forgetting something or needing items you didn’t anticipate.
So, what will you make for your first open fire cooking attempt?
