Are you a camping enthusiast looking for the best cooking experience while enjoying the great Australian outback or countryside? Look no further! Camping in Australia does not just offer breathtaking landscapes but also an opportunity to indulge in cooking over the fire or a barbeque with the most wonderful natural backdrops. And what better way to send you on your way than sharing our most delectable camping recipes. From hearty breakfasts to sizzling dinners, here are 10 must-try Australian camping recipes that will elevate your outdoor dining experience.
Easy One-Pot Camping Meals In Australia
A hearty and flavourful one-pot dish often enjoyed by campers in Australia. It's a versatile recipe that typically combines meat, vegetables, and sometimes even beans, all simmered together to create a delicious and hearty meal.
Bush pasta with tomato and basil is a quick and flavourful camping meal that captures the essence of Italian cuisine even when you’re camping. A simple and delicious camping-friendly pasta dish that incorporates the flavours of tomato and basil.
This is a delicious and healthy dish that combines marinated grilled chicken with a sauté of fresh vegetables, all infused with a healthy squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of aromatic herbs.
A flavourful and nutritious dish that combines lean kangaroo meat with a variety of fresh vegetables. This stir-fry is a wonderful way to experience kangaroo meat and enjoy its unique taste along with the freshness of vegetables.
A flavourful and hearty one-pot dish that originates from Louisiana, USA. It's traditionally made with a mix of meats, vegetables and rice, all simmered together with a blend of spices. This dish has roots in both Spanish and French cuisines, creating a unique and delicious combination of flavours.
This is a hearty and flavourful dish made by cooking beef and a variety of vegetables together in a single skillet or pan. It's a simple and versatile meal that can be customised based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.
Campfire paella is a rustic and flavourful dish inspired by the traditional Spanish rice dish, paella, that's cooked over an open fire or campfire. It's a popular choice for outdoor cooking and camping due to its ability to bring together a variety of ingredients in a single pot.
A nutritious and flavourful dish typically inspired by the Australian outback's rustic flavours. Quinoa is a protein-rich grain that serves as the base for this salad, which is often loaded with various vegetables, herbs, and sometimes even fruits.
Pumpkin and Lentil Curry is a comforting and nutritious meal that's perfect for cooler weather or any time you're craving a delicious vegetarian curry. The combination of pumpkin, lentils, and aromatic spices creates a satisfying and flavourful dish that's sure to be enjoyed by everyone at the table.
10 Must-Try Australian Camping Recipes
Here are 10 must-try Australian camping recipes that you can enjoy during your outdoor adventures. These recipes are designed to be simple, delicious, and easy to prepare in a campsite.
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Damper
A classic Australian camping bread. Mix self-rising flour, salt, and water to form a dough, then cook it over the campfire on a stick or in a camp oven until golden brown.
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Billy Tea
Place the billy can/pot on the campfire or camping stove. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the loose tea leaves directly into the billy can or pot. Let the tea steep for a few minutes, usually around 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your preference for tea strength.
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Kangaroo Skewers
Marinate kangaroo meat in a mix of olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers along with bell peppers, onions, and other veggies you might prefer, and grill over the campfire.
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Aussie meat pie
You can prepare these pies ahead of time or bring pre-made ones. They are a hearty pie filled with minced meat and gravy, encased in flaky pastry.
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Lamingtons
Whisk butter, sugar, and vanilla until they are light and fluffy. Add eggs into the wet mix, whisking until the batter is smooth and not curdled. Gently fold in flour before adding the milk. Bake for 25 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. When the cake cools down, cut it into squares or rectangles then dip it into chocolate icing and roll the chocolate-coated cake in coconut shavings, pressing gently to adhere the coconut to the icing.
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Grilled barramundi
Pat the barramundi fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the fish to get a nice sear on the grill. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper. Place the barramundi fillets on the preheated grill, skin side down. Close the grill lid and cook for about 4-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Once cooked, carefully remove the barramundi fillets from the grill. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
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Bush tomato chutney
Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant then stir in brown sugar, ground cumin, ground coriander, and chilli flakes. Add rehydrated bush tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir well to combine the onion and spice mixture. Add the apple cider vinegar and let it simmer. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chutney thickens, and the tomatoes break down. This should take around 20-30 minutes. Once the chutney has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the chutney cool down.
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Bush scones
Place flour in a large mixing bowl, add salt and baking powder. Add butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add milk, little at a time, until you have a soft dough. Knead for a few minutes. Press gently so the dough is about 3 cm high. Cut out scones and place it on the griddle or flat metal surface over the campfire. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the scones are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Anzac biscuits
Sift flour into a bowl. Add sugar, rolled oats, and coconut. Melt butter in a saucepan, then add golden syrup and water. Stir the bicarbonate soda into the liquid mixture. Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Place walnut-sized balls of mixture on a greased tray and bake at 175 C for 15-20 minutes.
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Campfire dampers with jam and cream
Place flour in a large mixing bowl, add salt and baking powder. Add butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add milk, little at a time, until you have a soft dough. Cook the dough on a stick over the campfire. Once the dampers are cooked, carefully slide them off the stick. Split them open and spread your favourite jam on one side. On the other side, a generous dollop of whipped cream. Close the damper to create a sandwich, with the jam and cream in the centre.
Australian Bush Tucker
Australian Bush Tucker refers to the native foods and ingredients that have been traditionally consumed by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. Here are some examples of Australian Bush Tucker:
The seeds of various Acacia species are roasted and ground to make wattleseed flour. This flour is used in baking, cooking, and making beverages, providing a unique nutty and coffee-like flavour.
Kangaroo meat is lean, healthy, and has a strong, rich flavour. It can be prepared in various ways, such as grilling, roasting, or as a base for stews and curries.
Quandong is a vibrant red fruit with a tart taste. It can be used in jams, sauces, desserts, or even enjoyed fresh when in season.
The leaves of the lemon myrtle tree are highly aromatic and have a strong lemon flavour. They can be used as a seasoning in both savoury and sweet dishes, providing a citrusy kick.
These small, tangy tomatoes grow in arid regions of Australia. They can be dried and ground into a powder for use in sauces, chutneys, or as a spice.
Emu meat is another lean protein source. It has a mild flavour and is often likened to lean beef. It can be prepared similarly to other game meats.
These creamy, buttery nuts are native to Australia and are enjoyed both as a snack and in various dishes, including desserts and salads.
Bunya nuts are large, edible seeds produced by the bunya pine tree (Araucaria bidwillii), which is native to Australia. It has a starchy and slightly sweet flavour, similar to chestnuts or potatoes. The texture can vary from firm to mealy, depending on how they're cooked.
Saltbush leaves are often used to wrap meat or fish for cooking, imparting a salty flavour. They can also be dried and crushed to create a seasoning.
In Australia, crocodile meat is sometimes used to create unique dishes that showcase its flavour and texture. It can be served as skewers, steaks, or even minced for use in burgers or sausages. Some common ways to prepare crocodile meat include marinating it to add flavour and tenderness before cooking.
Davidson's plum is a small, round fruit that has a dark purple to almost black skin that is slightly glossy. It is often used to make jams, sauces, chutneys, and desserts. The plum's vibrant colour makes it an attractive ingredient in various dishes, and its unique flavour can add depth and complexity to both sweet and savoury recipes.
Warrigal greens have glossy, triangular to diamond-shaped leaves with a dark green colour. The leaves are thick and succulent, with a slightly waxy texture. It has a mild, slightly salty flavour reminiscent of spinach or silverbeet. They can be eaten raw in salads, but they are more commonly cooked before consumption. Cooking helps to reduce their oxalic acid content, making them safer to eat.
Yabbies resemble small lobsters or crayfish. They have a hard exoskeleton, elongated bodies, and a set of pincers or claws. The colour of yabbies can vary, but they are typically brown, olive-green, or blue-grey.
Also known as "citrus caviar," finger limes contain small, bead-like juice vesicles that burst with tangy citrus flavour. They're often used to garnish dishes or add a zesty touch.
"Bush honey" or "bushland honey," is a type of honey produced by bees from nectar collected in various flowering plants and trees found in the Australian bush or native landscapes. Its distinct flavours make it a sought-after ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be used as a natural sweetener for desserts, teas, and beverages, as well as a glaze for meats, marinades, and salad dressings.
Campfire Cooking Techniques
Here are some campfire cooking techniques that you can use to create delicious meals during your outdoor adventures:
Grilling involves cooking food directly over an open flame or hot coals. You can use a grill grate placed over the fire or create a makeshift grill using rocks. This technique works well for meats, fish, vegetables, and even fruits.
Skewering involves cooking food on a stick or skewer over the campfire. This technique is perfect for hot dogs, marshmallows, sausages, and even kebabs. Make sure to rotate the skewer to ensure even cooking.
A Dutch oven is a heavy, cast-iron pot with a lid that can be placed directly in or over the campfire. While it may be heavy, it's great for slow-cooking stews, soups, casseroles, and even baking bread or desserts.
Wrap ingredients in aluminium foil with seasonings, butter, or oil to create a packet. Place these packets on the hot coals or grill grates to cook vegetables, potatoes, fish, and more. This technique helps retain moisture and flavours.
Using a cast-iron skillet over the campfire allows you to cook a wide range of dishes, from bacon and eggs for breakfast to stir-fries and one-pan dinners.
A campfire griddle is a versatile cooking tool that allows you to cook a variety of foods over an open flame or hot coals. It's a flat, usually rectangular, metal surface that provides a large cooking area for preparing meals.
Campfire roasting is a cooking technique where food, often skewered on sticks or held with specialised roasting forks, is cooked over an open flame or hot coals of a campfire. It's a simple and traditional method of outdoor cooking that imparts a smoky flavour to the food while allowing for even cooking and a rustic, outdoor dining experience. This technique is commonly used for items like marshmallows, sausages, hot dogs, and vegetables.
Camp oven baking is a traditional outdoor cooking method that involves using a cast-iron pot with a lid, commonly known as a "camp oven" or "Dutch oven," to bake a variety of dishes over an open flame or hot coals. This method of baking allows you to create delicious and hearty meals while camping, hiking, or enjoying other outdoor activities.
It is a cooking technique that involves heating a liquid, usually water, over an open campfire until it reaches a rolling boil. Boiling is a fundamental cooking method used in camping to prepare a variety of foods and beverages, such as soups, stews, pasta, coffee, tea, and more.
Ash cooking is a traditional method of preparing food by burying it directly in the hot ashes of a campfire or fire pit. This technique has been used by various cultures around the world for centuries and is known for its ability to create slow, even cooking and impart a unique flavour to the food.
Camping Recipe Hacks
Here are some camping recipe hacks to make your outdoor cooking experience more convenient and enjoyable:
Prep vegetables, meats, and other ingredients at home before you leave for your camping trip. Store them in airtight containers or resealable bags to save time and reduce waste at the campsite.
Marinate meats or tofu in your favourite sauces or marinades before you head out. This not only adds flavour but also reduces the need to carry extra containers of sauces.
Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single pot or skillet to minimise cleanup. Soups, stews, and stir-fries are excellent choices for easy and hearty camping meals.
Measure out spices and seasonings you'll need for each recipe before you leave home. Store them in small containers or zip-top bags to avoid bringing bulky spice jars.
Pre-cooked ingredients in advance to save time and effort at the campsite while still enjoying delicious and convenient meals.
Wrapping food in aluminium foil and cooking it over an open flame, campfire coals, or a grill is a great technique for sealing in flavours, juices, and aromas, while also minimising cleanup.
Fill sugar cones with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and fruit, then wrap them in aluminium foil and heat them over the fire for a quick and fun dessert.
Fill each egg cup with different spices for your camping trips. This keeps your spices separate, compact, and easy to transport.
Muffin tin meals are not only delicious but also customisable to suit your tastes and preferences. They're perfect for individual servings and can be easily enjoyed on the go.
Reusable containers come in various sizes and shapes, making them suitable for storing a wide range of foods, from sandwiches and snacks to soups and stews. By choosing reusable options, you contribute to minimising the impact on the environment.
Creating a makeshift griddle using aluminium foil is a clever and easy campfire cooking hack. This technique allows you to cook a variety of foods that would typically require a flat cooking surface, like pancakes, eggs, and sandwiches.
This DIY coffee bag method is a simple way to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee on the go, and it's perfect for camping, travelling, or even just for a quick and easy morning brew at home.
Consider using one cooler for perishable items and another for beverages. This way, the perishables won't be exposed to warm air when you're grabbing drinks.
These makeshift pot grabbers made from duct tape can provide a protective layer between your hands and hot cookware, making it easier and safer to handle pots and pans over a campfire or camp stove.
Using aluminium foil, place a small handful of popcorn kernels in the centre of the foil square. Drizzle a teaspoon or two of cooking oil over it. As the popcorn kernels heat up, they will start to pop inside the foil packet. You'll hear a series of popping sounds. Shake the packet gently from time to time to ensure even cooking.
Incorporating these 10 must-try Australian camping recipes into your outdoor adventures will surely elevate your culinary experience. From savouring the classic Damper to the unique flavours of Bush Tucker, these recipes offer a diverse range of delicious options. Whether you're grilling, roasting, or trying out foil packet cooking, these recipes will add a touch of Australian charm to your camping journey. Happy cooking and happy camping!
