Wild camping isn’t just about solitude or adventure; it's about the food too! After a long day of hiking, there’s nothing more satisfying than cooking a hearty meal over an open fire or portable stove. In fact, meals made outdoors taste better—that's a fact! The combination of fresh air, the crackle of fire, and the smell of grilling food can transform a simple dish into a memorable experience.
Now, here’s the challenge: how do you enjoy delicious meals while keeping your gear light and practical? That’s where our braai expertise comes in! With the right tools and a few pre-prepared ingredients, you can savour the flavours of a braai while embracing the freedom of wild camping. No need to sacrifice taste for simplicity when you have the right approach.
Here’s how you can make your wild camping meals not only practical but also memorable—thanks to a mix of smart braai techniques and portable cookware.
Cooking Gear Options for Wild Camping
Whether you're an experienced wild camper or trying it for the first time, the right gear can elevate your outdoor cooking. Here’s what you need for a successful braai-inspired wild camping experience:
- Campfire / Fire Pit: Nothing says wild camping like a traditional campfire. The tricky part is being able to create your own fire, and most importantly, controlling it!
- Portable Barbecue / Braai: A foldable fire pit or compact barbecue allows you to grill meats, vegetables, and more, bringing the braai spirit to the wilderness. Far more manageable, especially for beginners
- Griddle Pan: A simple, portable pan for searing meats and veggies, bringing braai flavours with minimal setup.
- Portable Stove: For something even more compact and space saving, consider a backpacker camping stove, quickly assembles, fill with dry wood and kindle to create your own mini stove.
- Toastie Maker: Perfect for creating hot, toasted sandwiches over the fire, a Toastie Maker is both a nostalgic and practical option.
Quick and Easy Wild Camping Recipes
Breakfast: Braaied Eggs & Bacon
There’s nothing quite like the smell of sizzling bacon to start your day in the wild. Here’s how to make a delicious breakfast with minimal fuss.
What you will need:
- 4 rashers of bacon
- 2 eggs
- A handful of pre-chopped onions and peppers
- A portable griddle pan
How to cook:
- Heat the griddle pan over your portable stove or fire.
- Cook the bacon first until crispy, letting the fat render out for flavour.
- Add onions and peppers to the pan, sautéing them in the bacon fat.
- Crack the eggs directly into the pan and cook to your liking.
- Serve it all up together with a piece of bread on the side.
Tip: You can cook the eggs inside halved bell peppers for a hearty twist, which makes a tasty edible bowl!
Lunch: Wild-Cooked Toasties
Toasties are simple, satisfying, and fun to make! With a portable toastie maker, you can quickly whip up these South African-style toasted sandwiches over a campfire or braai.
What you will need:
- Bread slices (4 for two toasties)
- Fillings: Cheese, ham, or veggies like tomatoes and spinach
- Butter for greasing the toastie maker
How to cook:
- Butter two slices of bread on the outside.
- Place a filling of your choice between the bread slices.
- Place the sandwich into the toastie maker and hold it over your fire or stove for a few minutes on each side.
- Cook until golden and crispy on the outside, with the filling melted inside.
Dinner: Campfire Grilled Chicken Wraps
What you will need:
- Pre-cooked Chicken Breast Strips
- Tortillas (4 large ones)
- Pre-washed lettuce or spinach leaves
- Pre-sliced cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Pre-chopped bell peppers and onions (optional)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Foil for grilling
How to cook:
- Prepare the Wraps: Lay out each tortilla on a clean surface. Place a handful of pre-cooked chicken strips in the centre of each tortilla..
- Add the Fillings: Layer the chicken with lettuce or spinach, a slice of cheese, and pre-chopped veggies like bell peppers and onions. Drizzle with your preferred sauce for added flavor.
- Wrap and Grill: Fold the tortillas into wraps, then wrap each one tightly in foil. Place the foil-wrapped tortillas over the campfire or grill for 5 minutes, turning them occasionally. The goal is to warm up the wraps and melt the cheese.
- Serve: Carefully unwrap and enjoy the warm, cheesy chicken wraps directly from the foil.
Tip: You can bring extra dips or sauces like salsa or guacamole to complement the wraps. For added flavour, sprinkle some seasoning (e.g., taco seasoning or paprika) on the pre-cooked chicken before assembling the wraps.
Key Tips for Wild Camping Cooking
- Pre-prep Ingredients: Make your life easier by chopping veggies or marinating meat ahead of time. This reduces cooking time and mess.
- Keep It Light: Bring lightweight, multi-use items like a cooking grid that can handle the cooking of multiple recipes, saving on gear.
- Leave No Trace: Always pack out what you pack in. Dispose of food waste responsibly and ensure your fire is fully out before leaving.
Wild camping meals don’t have to be basic. By using a blend of braai techniques and smart packing, you can enjoy flavourful, hearty dishes even when you’re miles away from home. From a crispy toastie to a grilled wraps, there’s no reason not to indulge in fantastic food under the stars.
So pack your griddle pan, get the fire burning, and get ready for a wild camping feast!