5 Quick Campfire Recipes

There’s no better way to enjoy the summer than being outside while camping and cooking around the fire. I’ve been backpacking and eating in the backcountry for the last 20 years and my favorite kind of meal is one that’s simple, delicious and filling. I’ve been cursed with a distaste for doing dishes while camping, so I also like food that utilizes one pot or, if possible, no cooking at all. And that’s why Tasty Bite^® is one of my favorite things to bring on the trail. While they’re delicious out of the bag by themselves, they can also be used for a variety of meals, from breakfast to dinner. If you look in my backpack, there’s never a shortage of bright yellow bags scattered throughout my sleeping bag, extra clothes and headlamps.

Indian Tacos

There are few things better in this world than tacos, and when combined with Indian fillings, they make a delicious and EASY meal around the fire. The smoky flavor from the fire combined with the aromatic Indian food is a great combo for a night outside, especially if you’ve been hiking all day.

Ingredients:

• Tasty Bite^® Vegetable Tikka Masala (but any Tasty Bite^® meal will work)
• Tortillas (we prefer flour for these tacos, they hold up to the fillings)
• Shredded cabbage

Directions:

1. Take a tortilla and stick it on the grate of the campfire.
2. Heat until you see bubbles forming, then flip the tortilla for another 30 seconds.
3. Fill the taco with your Tasty Bite^® meal of choice.
4. Top off with some shredded cabbage for a fresh crunch.

Rice Pudding

Yes, we like rice when we’re camping around the fire. Especially when it’s already cooked for us. And of course we like dessert. Ditch the s’mores next time and try making rice pudding around the fire. It’s easy, only takes one pot and doesn’t require a pound of napkins to wipe chocolate off your face.

Ingredients:

Pudding

• Milk
• Tasty Bite^® Rice
• Sugar
• Cinnamon

Toppings (Optional)

• Shredded coconut
• Chocolate
• Marshmallow
• Graham Crackers

Directions:

1. Add milk (we like to use nut milk as it doesn’t require refrigeration upon first open), rice, sugar and cinnamon in a pot over the fire.
2. Keep stirring constantly until it becomes thick and creamy.
3. Pull it off the fire, add some sweetened shredded coconut (optional, but c’mon, it’s way better like this) and forget all about that other chocolate, marshmallow and graham crackers dessert.

Breakfast Fried Rice

One of the most important things to keep in mind when cooking around the campfire is minimal cleanup. That’s why we love one pot meals, especially for breakfast when we might be still a little sleepy.

Ingredients:

• Sesame oil
• Tasty Bite^® Brown or Basmati Rice
• Soy sauce
• Diced vegetables
• Eggs
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Avocado (optional)

Directions:

1. In a cast iron skillet, add some sesame oil and throw in your favorite Tasty Bite^® rice. We go with unflavored types for this meal, like brown or basmati.
2. Add a touch of soy (we use the little leftover packets from takeout Chinese) and some diced vegetables (these are optional but do add a nice bit of crunch) and cook until tender.
3. When the rice starts crisping up, add beaten eggs and stir.
4. When the eggs are fully cooked, which shouldn’t take much time, take it off the fire, sprinkle on some sesame seeds and a scoop of avocado.

Asian Noodle Salad

After a long day of hiking, swimming or climbing, we crave a hearty meal as the sun is going down. But we also crave fresh vegetables when we’re in the backcountry and it’s not always easy to pack in a gourmet salad. An Asian Noodle salad takes care of the hearty and fresh and it’s easy and requires little to no cooking.

Ingredients:

• Pre-made cole slaw from your grocery store (red cabbage, green cabbage and carrots if you want to make it at home)
• Sesame dressing
• Tasty Bite^® Toasted Sesame Noodles

Directions:

1. Combine your cole slaw with your noodles.
2. Cover with a little of the dressing (or a lot, it’s up to you!), being sure to keep stirring the salad to evenly distribute the dressing.

Eggs and Potatoes

Breakfast really is the most important part of the day when you’re out camping. You need energy for whatever physical activity is going to keep you busy during the day. And eating something hot is good for that outdoor moral. Eggs and potatoes is simple – we LOVE simple around the campfire – and hearty.

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Tasty Bite^® Bombay Potatoes
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Heat up your skillet over the fire. Even if you’re using a non-stick skillet, you may want to add a little oil or cooking spray for ease of cleaning (and adding to the flavor).
2. Fry up the Bombay Potatoes until they’re hot and crispy. When they’re done, put them aside.
3. Cook up sunny side or over easy eggs.
4. Grab a bowl, put the potatoes at the bottom and add your egg on top. Sprinkle on your salt and pepper.