Level Up Your Camp Cooking With This Simple Tip For Delicious, Flavorful Meals

Eating at a campsite doesn't have to mean pork and beans, hot dogs, and sandwiches on repeat (not that there's anything wrong with those). Marinating food before packing it in your cooler is actually a simple step that offers delicious payoffs. This hack is food science and convenience rolled into one.

Marinades typically blend fat, seasonings, and an acidic (like citrus or vinegar) or enzymatic (like pineapple or papaya) component to tenderize meat. Fat, like oil, helps retain moisture, offers lubrication for the grill or skillet, and carries herb and spice flavors to the meat's surface. And beyond flavor, there could potentially be a health bonus. Grilling meat over high heat can create carcinogens, but research suggests that marinating beforehand, especially with antioxidants (think rosemary, thyme, oregano, and citrus), may reduce these compounds (via VeryWellHealth). More research is needed to make any solid claims, but marinating is still a tried-and-true low-effort way to prep foods for high-heat cooking. And it doesn't have to be meat — plant-based alternatives, tofu, tempeh, and veggies all benefit from a flavor-packed soak.

Marinated food can be stored in zip-top baggies or vacuum-sealed packaging to save space in your cooler. Reusable plastic food containers are even better for reducing waste, but you should typically avoid glass while camping for safety and convenience. Pro tip: Costco often carries items that will improve your camping experience, making it a one-stop-shop for handy equipment like tabletop grills, outdoor tables, and food storage — everything you need to take your campground cooking to the next level.

Great marinades can be as varied as any "secret" spice blend or barbecue sauce. Try a mix of bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and Worcestershire for sweet, savory skewers over the fire. For brightness and spice, a honey-citrus-garlic blend or buffalo-lime mix is super versatile. If you're curious about creamy, slow-tenderizing blends, yogurt marinades (think Indian cuisine) offer gentle lactic acid and natural sugars that tenderize meat and develop a flavorful crust when cooked.

Planning your meals is a game-changer for hassle-free cooking while camping, so consider marinating a part of prep. It saves you time and hassle at camp, while adding all the tasty and tenderizing benefits a marinade has to offer. Remember, though, it's possible to overdo it — most meats and tofu can be marinated for up to 24 hours, but shorter times (under 30 minutes) are recommended for delicate foods like fish and shrimp. However, you can freeze marinated meat if you won't be using it right away. This gives a boost to your cooler, while saving space and keeping the food fresh for longer. Just start your "use by" clock from the time it's nearly thawed.

Food safety is important, especially when camping — no one wants food poisoning in the middle of the woods. Experts advise marinating fully in the refrigerator (or cooler), not at room temperature, to keep bacteria in check. Also, never reuse raw marinade as a sauce, unless you've boiled it first for at least five minutes. After cooking, always verify that the internal temperature is safe: 165 degrees Fahrenheit for chicken, 145 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit for steak or pork chops (depending on preference). Ultimately, marinating before heading to the campsite saves time and mess while upgrading your campfire meal to gourmet status.