How to Cook Rice when Camping: Expert Tips and Techniques

Purpose of Camping Rice Cookery

Camping involves a variety of challenges, but cooking rice does not have to be one of them. With the right techniques and tools, cooking rice during your camping adventures can be as satisfying as doing it in your kitchen at home. Whether you are going for a weekend getaway or a longer camping trip, these tips on how to cook rice will ensure your meal is a success.

Conventional Methods of Cooking Rice

The most common method of cooking rice when camping is similar to what you would do at home. You can either buy 90-second rice packets that are designed for instant cooking, or go the traditional route and cook it from scratch.

Using 90-Second Rice Packets

Rice packets are a convenient option, as you can simply place the entire pack in boiling water or in a pan. These packets come in a variety of flavors, and the cooking process is straightforward and quick.

Traditional Method: Pot of Water, Rice, Salt

To cook rice the traditional way, start by filling a pot with water and adding rice and a pinch of salt. Place the pot on a camp stove or over an open fire. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Continue to cook until the rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed. For a perfect result, the ratio of water to rice is typically two parts water to one part rice.

Water Level Measurement: An easy way to ensure you have the right amount of water is to use your middle finger. After rinsing the rice until the water runs clear, fill the pot and place your middle finger at the water level. The water should be about a third of the way up your finger from the top of the rice layer.

Alternative Cooking Methods and Challenges

Regardless of your cooking setup, whether using electricity or wood, the basic principle remains the same: you need to cook the rice until it is tender and the water is absorbed. However, camping introduces a few unique challenges:

Propane Gas Grill Cooking

If you are using a propane gas grill for cooking, the process is similar to that in your kitchen. Use a high-quality pot to prevent steam from escaping through a loose-fitting lid. Boil 2.5 cups of salted water and add one cup of rice. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. For wild or brown rice, this may take up to an hour.

Important Considerations: Preheat your campfire with coals rather than flames. Once the coals are ready, add the pot and occasionally move it to areas with fewer coals to maintain a consistent simmer. Additional methods include using a camp stove or an indoor cooking setup when possible.

Plan B: Boil-in-a-Bag Rice Packets

For those situations where traditional methods are not feasible, there are boil-in-a-bag rice packets available in grocery stores. While convenient, the flavor and texture of these packets are not as appetizing as freshly cooked rice. They are a good backup option, but it is recommended to try traditional methods whenever possible.

Experienced Tips from Personal Experience

From personal experience, regardless of the cooking setup, whether it is a pot over a campfire or an electric stove, it's important to pay attention to the water level and the steam. Too much or too little can significantly affect the final result. Additionally, building and maintaining a good fire or using a reliable stove can make all the difference in your cooking process. As a child, I successfully cooked rice in an old World War Two canteen over an open wood fire using the "drill" method to ignite the fire. This experience taught me the basics of outdoor cooking, which I have carried into my camping adventures.

By following these expert tips and techniques, you can ensure that your rice cooking experience during camping is both successful and enjoyable.