Cooking steak over a campfire is one of the most rewarding outdoor cooking experiences. The smoky flavor, the crackling fire, and the joy of cooking under the open sky all combine to create a magical meal. As an avid camper and outdoor enthusiast, I’m sharing my complete guide to help you cook steak like an expert on your next camping trip. Follow Campcookingtips.com!!!

Table of Contents

Step 1: Preparing for Success

1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak

The key to a perfect campfire steak starts with the right cut. For camping, you want a steak that’s flavorful, tender, and can handle high heat. Some great options are:

Ribeye: Rich in marbling for that buttery texture.
Tenderloin (Filet Mignon): Incredibly tender and lean.
Striploin (New York Strip): A balance of tenderness and flavor.
Sirloin: Affordable and versatile.

Choose steaks that are at least 1-1.5 inches thick to retain moisture during cooking.

2. Gather Your Tools and Ingredients

To make campfire cooking easy and enjoyable, pack the following:

Tools:

A heat-resistant grill grate or cast-iron skillet.
Long-handled tongs for flipping.
Meat thermometer to check doneness.
Aluminum foil for resting steaks.
Firestarter and matches or a lighter.
Gloves for handling hot tools.

Ingredients:

High-quality steak.
Olive oil or butter.
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Optional: garlic, rosemary, or thyme for added aroma.

3. Build the Perfect Fire

Choose the Right Wood: Hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple burn slower and produce steady heat, perfect for cooking.
Create Hot Embers: Stack the wood in a teepee or log cabin shape, allowing airflow for a clean burn. Let the fire burn until the flames die down, leaving glowing embers. This provides the steady, radiant heat needed to cook steak.

Step 2: Cooking Your Campfire Steak

1. Preparing the Steak

Bring to Room Temperature: Take the steak out of the cooler about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking.
Season Generously: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. If you like, add crushed garlic or sprigs of rosemary to infuse flavor.

2. Cooking Techniques

You can cook your steak directly on a grate or in a cast-iron skillet.

Option 1: Grate Cooking

Place the grate about 4-6 inches above the embers.
Lay the steak on the grate and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness.
Rotate the steak 90° halfway through each side for beautiful grill marks.

Option 2: Cast-Iron Cooking

Preheat the skillet over the embers until it’s smoking hot.
Add a splash of oil or a pat of butter.
Place the steak in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side. Spoon melted butter over the steak as it cooks for extra flavor.

3. Checking Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness:

Rare: 125°F (50°C)
Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C)
Medium: 145°F (63°C)
Well Done: 160°F (71°C)

4. Let It Rest

Once cooked, remove the steak from the heat and wrap it loosely in aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

>>> Read more video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xMw5qWhkMQs

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness. Pair with campfire classics like roasted potatoes, grilled corn, or a fresh salad.

How to Cook Steak Like an Expert on the Campfire

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Do I Avoid Burning the Steak?

Ensure the fire has turned into glowing embers before cooking. Cooking over flames can char the outside while leaving the inside raw.

2. Can I Cook Frozen Steak Over a Campfire?

It’s best to thaw the steak completely in a cooler before cooking. A frozen steak won’t cook evenly.

3. How Can I Add Smoky Flavor?

Cooking over hardwood embers naturally adds smoky flavor. For extra depth, throw a small chunk of hickory or mesquite wood onto the embers before cooking.

4. What if I Don’t Have a Grill Grate?

You can cook the steak directly on clean, hot embers (also called caveman-style cooking) or wrap it in aluminum foil.

With these steps and tips, you’re all set to impress your camping companions with a perfectly cooked steak. Whether it’s a family trip or a solo wilderness retreat, a campfire steak is the ultimate way to enjoy the great outdoors. Happy camping!

>>> Read more: 9+ Easy Camping Soup Recipes for Cozy Outdoor Meals