Cooking trout over an open fire while camping is a delightful way to enjoy the fresh catch of the day. It adds a smoky flavor that enhances the taste of the fish and connects you with the primal joy of outdoor cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook trout over an open fire, ensuring a delicious meal in the great outdoors.

1. Preparing the Trout

Cleaning the Fish: Start by cleaning your trout. If you haven’t already done so, gut the fish by making a slit from the gills to the vent and removing the innards. Rinse the cavity thoroughly with clean water.

Seasoning: Pat the trout dry with a paper towel. Season the inside and outside with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you prefer. Lemon slices, garlic, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley can be stuffed inside the cavity for extra flavor.

2. Building the Fire

Choosing the Right Wood: Use hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple for a steady, long-lasting fire that provides good embers. Avoid softwoods like pine as they burn too quickly and produce resinous smoke that can affect the taste of your food.

Creating a Cooking Fire: Build a campfire and let it burn down until you have a bed of hot coals. This provides consistent heat for cooking and reduces the risk of burning the trout.

3. Cooking Methods

Direct Grilling: Place a grill grate over the hot coals. Lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking. Lay the seasoned trout directly on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the size of the fish. The trout is done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Foil Packets: For a more foolproof method, wrap the seasoned trout in aluminum foil. Add a pat of butter and a splash of white wine or lemon juice inside the foil packet. Place the packet directly on the hot coals or on a grill grate. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The foil packet steams the fish, keeping it moist and flavorful.

Stick Cooking: For a rustic approach, use a cleaned green stick (about 3 feet long). Thread the stick through the mouth and out the back of the trout. Hold the stick over the fire, rotating occasionally, until the fish is cooked through. This method requires constant attention but is a fun, traditional way to cook fish.

4. Checking Doneness

No matter the method, always check the trout for doneness. The meat should be opaque and easily flake with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F if you have a meat thermometer handy.

5. Serving

Carefully remove the trout from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the fish with campfire-cooked sides like roasted vegetables or potatoes. Fresh bread or a simple salad can also complement the trout well.

Cooking trout over an open fire is not just about the meal itself but the entire experience of being outdoors, enjoying nature, and savoring a freshly caught fish. With these methods, you can ensure a delicious and memorable campfire cooking adventure.

Image: SouthernKitchen