Imagine this: You’re in the middle of a camping trip and you’ve just caught a fish. You then realize that you’ve forgotten all your cooking gear at home – except for a single survival knife. How would you cook your catch? If you’re not sure, then this guide on cooking over an open fire is for you. This post will cover the skills and techniques you’ll need to cook over an open fire – an essential survival skill that could come in handy in a variety of scenarios.
Have you ever wondered what tools you might need to cook over an open fire, or what techniques might best ensure your meal is cooked thoroughly and safely? If so, read on. This comprehensive guide is specifically designed for survivalists, intrepid backpackers, and anyone interested in honing their outdoor cooking skills.
Section 1: Essential Gear for Open Fire Cooking
Cooking over an open fire can be a simple and enjoyable experience when you have the right tools. Here are some must-haves for your checklist:
1. Survival Knife: A good quality survival knife like the Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife (around $50) excels for food preparation and other camp chores. It offers a full tang, high-carbon stainless steel blade that’s easy to sharpen, along with a comfortable, rubberized grip.
2. Cast Iron Skillet: The Lodge L8SK3 Cast Iron Skillet (around $15) is a durable, versatile, and reasonably priced choice. It’s perfect for frying fish, grilling steaks, or even baking bread over your fire.
3. Tripod Grill: The Stansport Heavy Duty Camp Grill (under $30) is sturdy, can be set over your fire pit, and is large enough to cook for several people.
4. Fire-resistant Gloves: The RAPICCA BBQ Gloves (around $30) comes highly recommended for their heat resistance (up to 932°F), waterproof and oil-resistant capabilities, which is ideal when dealing with hot cookware or adjusting logs in the fire pit.
Section 2: Lighting your Fire
The best fires for cooking are usually made with hardwoods such as oak or hickory, which burn hot and slow, and create great coals. After your firewood is prepared, you can use a Fire Starter, like the Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter ($14), which is compact, waterproof, and efficient.
Section 3: Cooking Techniques
When it comes to open fire cooking, controlling heat is crucial. Direct heat is perfect for searing and grilling, while indirect heat, created by pushing coals to one side of the fire pit, is excellent for slower cooking methods like roasting or stewing.
For fish specifically, you can clean it using your survival knife, then skewer and grill it over the fire, turning frequently to avoid burning. Make sure to cook it sufficiently to kill any parasites, which generally means until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
Section 4: Food Safety and Hygiene
There’s a common misconception that you can’t get food poisoning outdoors because the heat of the fire will kill any bacteria. In reality, avoiding cross-contamination, cooking food thoroughly, and keeping your hands and utensils clean are absolute musts. The Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System ($20), although mainly for drinking water, can also provide you with clean water for washing hands and utensils.
Now, it’s time to put these open fire cooking tips to practice. Remember, success won’t come overnight, so don’t be afraid of a few burnt meals along the way. The important thing is to practice and learn from your mistakes. Before long, you’ ll be cooking like a pro, and you’ll be prepared to whip up a hot, delicious meal, even in the harshest of conditions. Happy cooking and stay prepared!