9 Tips to Mastering the Art of Outdoor Cooking

Cooking with a cast iron skillet over a campfire is the essence of outdoor cooking—rustic, authentic, and incredibly flavorful. But to nail your dishes without ending up with a burnt pan or stuck-on food, here are some essential tips:

1. Master the Fire's Heat

Cast iron retains and distributes heat evenly, but it takes time to heat up and cool down. Never place your skillet directly over roaring flames! Instead, cook over a bed of glowing embers for steady heat and avoid sudden flare-ups that can burn your food.

2. Use a Stand or Tripod

If possible, elevate your skillet  using a metal grate or a tripod for better heat control. If you don't have one, place the pan on flat rocks around the fire to avoid direct contact with the flames.

3. Make Sure Your Skillet Is Well-Seasoned

A well-seasoned skillet  prevents food from sticking and protects against rust. Before heading out, ensure it has a solid layer of polymerized oil. After each use, apply a thin coat of oil to maintain the seasoning.

4. Preheat Before Adding Ingredients

With cast iron, preheating is key. Set your skillet  over the fire and wait a few minutes before adding oil or butter. To check the temperature, flick a few drops of water onto the pan—if they dance and evaporate quickly, it's ready.

5. Use the Right Amount of Fat

Oil or tasty butter is your best friend when cooking with cast iron. To prevent sticking, lightly coat your skillet with a high-heat oil like beef tallow, clarified butter, or avocado oil.

6. Don't Overcrowd the Pan

Leave space between your ingredients to avoid steaming instead of searing. If you're cooking a large batch, do it in stages for the best results.

7. Move the Skillet as Needed

A campfire doesn't have heat control knobs like a stove, so adjust the heat by moving your skillet to hotter or cooler spots as needed.

8. Clean Without Ruining the Seasoning

After cooking, let the skillet cool slightly (but not too long, or food residue will harden). Use hot water and a brush to clean—avoid soap and never soak it! Once dry, apply a thin coat of oil to keep it in top shape.

9. Adapt Your Recipes for the Outdoors

Not all dishes cook the same way over a campfire. Stick to simple, hearty meals like steaks, crispy potatoes, scrambled eggs, or a rich, slow-simmered chilli.

With these tips, you'll be the king of cast iron cooking in the great outdoors! 

 What's your go-to campfire skillet recipe?

Check out my favourite classic steak recipe at: https://cookonfire.ca/blogs/flames-flavors/perfect-campfire-steak-recipe-using-the-grill-fire-skillet