Cooking your catch when camping

Cooking freshly caught fish while camping can be a delightful experience. Here are a few methods you can use to cook your fish over a campfire:

1. Campfire Grilling: Ingredients:

  • Freshly caught fish, cleaned and gutted
  • Olive oil or melted butter
  • Lemon slices
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare your campfire and let it burn down to a bed of hot coals.
  2. Season the fish with salt and pepper both inside and out.
  3. Brush the fish with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.
  4. Place lemon slices and fresh herbs (if using) inside the fish cavity.
  5. Secure the fish in a campfire grill or wrap it in aluminum foil.
  6. Place the grill or foil-wrapped fish over the coals, not directly in the flames.
  7. Cook for about 5-10 minutes on each side, depending on the size and thickness of the fish.
  8. The fish is done when the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.

2. Campfire Foil Packets: Ingredients:

  • Freshly caught fish fillets
  • Sliced vegetables (onions, bell peppers, zucchini, etc.)
  • Olive oil or melted butter
  • Lemon slices
  • Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Lay out a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  2. Place the fish fillet on the foil.
  3. Arrange sliced vegetables around and on top of the fish.
  4. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the fish and vegetables.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
  6. Place lemon slices on top.
  7. Fold the foil to create a packet, sealing it tightly.
  8. Place the foil packet on the campfire coals or on a campfire grill.
  9. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish fillet.
  10. Carefully open the foil packet to release steam before enjoying.

3. Campfire Skewers: Ingredients:

  • Freshly caught fish fillets or chunks
  • Marinade of your choice (lemon, garlic, herbs, etc.)
  • Vegetables (cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, etc.)

Instructions:

  1. Pre-soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
  2. Thread fish pieces and vegetables onto the skewers.
  3. Marinate the skewers in your chosen marinade for at least 15-30 minutes.
  4. Place the skewers directly on the campfire grill or coals.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Remember to adjust cooking times based on the size and type of fish you're cooking. Cooking fish over a campfire adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the dish and makes for a memorable camping meal.