Campfire Cooking 101: Coals vs Flames (Stop Burning Your Food)

When most folks picture campfire cooking, they think of flames licking the pan and sparks flying into the night sky. Looks good, doesn’t it? Problem is, flames lie to you. They burn hot, fast, and uneven. You end up with food that’s black on the outside and raw in the middle. I’ve been there—trust me, I’ve ruined enough meals to learn the hard way.

In this episode, I talk about learning to cook over coals instead of chasing flames. It’s slower, steadier, and a whole lot better once you figure it out. Coals hold their heat, they cook evenly, and they give you control. That means you can fry your eggs without burning them, slow-cook your beans, or even throw a fish right on the embers without worrying about it turning into charcoal.

I’ll walk you through how I build a two-part fire: one for flames and one for cooking. I talk about using cast iron, Dutch ovens, and the old “scales down” trick for fish. I even get into why I don’t like the so-called “dirty steak” method—it’s not about being picky; I just can’t stand grit between my teeth.

We’ll also open up John 21, where Jesus cooked breakfast for His disciples after the resurrection—on a fire of coals. He didn’t rush. He didn’t bark orders. He met them with patience, warmth, and steady heat. That’s the picture I keep in mind every time I cook outdoors. It’s not just about the meal—it’s about slowing down enough to let the fire, and the moment, do what it’s supposed to.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to manage your heat, build a coal bed that works like a stove, and cook a solid meal without the frustration. More than that, you’ll walk away remembering that steady coals, like steady faith, always bring the best results. Flames flash, but coals endure—and so should we.

So pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee, and let’s talk about how to cook without burning everything you love.

Grab the book, Primitive Camping & Bushcraft, and the Primitive Camping Rations and coffee.

If this helped, share it with someone who keeps burning dinner at camp.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)

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