Camp recipes: Cooking fish on the campfire

Cooking fish over a campfire is a delightful experience, combining the thrill of the great outdoors with the satisfaction of a delicious meal. Whether you're an experienced camper or a newbie, cooking your catch in the wild is simpler than you might think. We have 3 easy-peasy methods to cook your catch over the flames or fire pit. We also have a handy article on how to prep and gut your fish to get you started.

The best fish to cook over a campfire

A firm fish is what you want if you are cooking fish directly over the flames, or in the grid method below. Fish that hold together well when cooking include:

• swordfish,
• yellowtail kingfish
• ling

When choosing the skillet or foil method, you can use most types of fish.

Campfire cooking equipment

• Freshly Caught Fish: The star of the show!
• Campfire Cooking Equipment: A grill grate, cast iron skillet, or aluminium foil.
• Cooking Utensils: Tongs, a spatula, and a knife.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, lemon, herbs, or your favourite spices.
• Oil or Butter: To prevent sticking and add flavour.
• Sides: Ingredients for your side dishes

Get the fire right

Resist the urge to cook your fish in a flaming fire. Fish ideally needs to be cooked over a bed of hot coals.

Cleaning and prepping the fish

Make sure to clean and gut your fish properly. Check out our You caught a fish, now what article written by Reflections ambassador Mat Cameron about how to do this easily.

Season your fish generously - rub the fish with oil or butter, then season inside and out with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs or spices.

Cooking methods

Recipe 1: Grilling over the fire

What you'll need:

• Grill grate/grid or a sturdy, clean rock, seasonings or spices.

Method

• Place the seasoned, firm fish on the grill: Lay the fish directly on the grill grate over the hot coals. For fillets, you can use a fish basket to make flipping easier.
• Cook evenly: Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fish. You'll know it's done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
• Add flavour: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish as it cooks for added zest.

Recipe 2: Foil packet cooking

What you'll need:

Aluminium foil, lemon juice, spices

Method

• Prepare the packet: Lay out a large piece of aluminium foil and place the seasoned fish in the centre. Add a pat of butter, some lemon slices, and your favourite herbs.
• Seal it up: Fold the foil over the fish and seal the edges tightly to create a packet.
• Cook in the coals: Place the packet directly on the hot coals. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through. The fish is ready when it flakes easily.

Recipe 3: Fish in the pan

What you'll need:

Cast-iron skillet.

Method

• Heat the skillet: Place the skillet on the grate or directly on the coals to preheat.
• Add oil or butter: Once hot, add a bit of oil or butter to the skillet.
• Cook the fish: Place the fish in the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
• Serve hot: Cast iron retains heat well, so your fish will stay warm while you serve it up.

Once your fish is cooked, there are multiple ways to serve it, from a serving of fish with some fire-baked potatoes (simply wrap potatoes in foil and stick them in the coals), fish casseroles, or flake the fish with some salad into pita breads for an easy dinner. We also love the sound of these cider and pancetta (bacon is an easy swap) mussels in the skillet.

Fish pairings: Side dishes

A fresh salad always works well, potatoes on the skillet to give them a crispy edge or give this beer bread a go - guaranteed to be delish!

Serve and enjoy

Once your fish is cooked to perfection, it's time to dig in! We highly recommend a healthy squeeze of lemon on top, and dig in straight away - it's best fresh and boiling for those delicious smoky flavours.

Our biggest tip is don't be afraid to experiment and try some different combinations for some amazing flavour combinations. Looking for more campsite cooking inspiration? Check out our camp recipes here

Happy camp cooking and bon appétit!