Campervan Cooking: Tips and Tricks
Getting hungry while on the road? We got you! Living in a van or camper van can be an incredibly freeing and adventurous experience. But one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to cook delicious meals with limited resources. While it may seem daunting at first, there are several cooking tips that will help you make the most out of your vanlife culinary experiences. From stocking up on essentials to mastering new recipes, these van cooking tips will help you get creative in the kitchen and enjoy tasty meals no matter where your travels take you. So whether you’re just starting out or have been living on the road for years, read on to learn more about how to make vanlife cooking easy and enjoyable!
Our top tips for preparing food and cooking in your van
There's no right or wrong way to get the most out of your van, but cooking doesn't have to be a stressor on the road! Here are some of our top tips for buying, storing, and preparing food when you're traveling in a camper van.
- Don't over-pack your van's kitchen or galley area
- Invest in multi-use kitchen appliances
- Take advantage of simple recipes
- Stock up on healthy, shelf-stable items
- Make sure to bring plenty of water
1. Don’t over-pack your van's kitchen or galley area
When space is limited, it's important that you only bring the essential cooking items into your van kitchen. Think about what you'll use most frequently and make sure you put those things on top of the list to take along. It's also important to think about where you choose to store your most-used ingredients, items, or other cooking tools. For example, if you're constantly reaching for salt and pepper, towels, or your favorite shelf-stable sauce, store those items where they're easy to access. Deeper storage bins can be helpful for utensils or appliances that you might not use as regularly on the road.
2. Invest in multi-use kitchen appliances
A small microwave, electric skillet, or slow cooker can go a long way when it comes to cooking in a van! These types of appliances allow you to make a variety of meals with minimal effort and help you save time in the kitchen. If you're really looking to get creative, try investing in an air fryer or Instant Pot—both can be used for cooking everything from roasted vegetables to baked goods. Nothing beats a warm breakfast paired with that morning coffee at camp!
3. Take advantage of simple recipes
Like everything else with vanlife, the name of the game when it comes to cooking in your camper is "simplicity." Simple recipes that don't require too many ingredients or time-consuming steps will be your saving grace while on the road. Look up recipes that use one-pot dishes or pre-made items like frozen veggies or canned beans — these are great for van life because they don't require much preparation, are quick to cook up, and can be stored as shelf-stable goods inside your van. Soups, tacos, and sandwiches are all van-friendly recipes that don't require a lot of fuss.
4. Stock up on healthy, shelf-stable items
Whether you're a regular trekker or a weekend warrior, it's important to stay mindful of how and when you're purchasing food items. Shopping for fresh produce at grocery stores is great if you have access, but it's also worth considering buying things like dried fruits, nuts, oatmeal, or crackers which are shelf-stable items that can easily be stored in your van without taking up too much room. Having a variety of healthy snacks on hand is key since they'll help keep you energized while traveling and make sure your diet stays balanced even when you're away from home (because let's be honest, van life and fast food drive-thrus don't really go together!).
5. Make sure to bring plenty of water
Whether you're spending the day at camp, exploring somewhere new, or driving from one spot to the next, van life can be grueling on the body and mind, so it's important to stay hydrated. Investing in a good-quality water filter for your van is worth the cost because it will save you from having to constantly purchase bottled water or trek long distances for clean water sources. Having enough clean drinking water on hand will also make cooking easier.
Conclusion
Overall, no matter how tricky vanlife cooking may seem at first, these tips will make sure that your van kitchen experience runs smoothly! With some planning and creativity, there’s no limit to what delicious meals you can create while living on the road. Don't forget to bring your favorite cooking utensils and spices, stock up on easy-to-store ingredients, and take advantage of simple recipes to make van life culinary dreams come true! Bon appétit!