Creating a meal plan for any trip for me is exciting. You get to decide the foods and flavors that will accompany your journey over the coming days. But it can be daunting and overwhelming at times for some people. There’s a lot to consider! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this article, we will cover some basics on how to create and pack up a great meal plan for your trip plus 4 easy, economical recipes to consider.
Prepping Top cheap and easy backpacking meals: The Pantry
For any meal plan, I always start in the pantry. I check out what I have. There might be some rice, instant mashed potatoes, pasta, rice/ramen noodles, tortillas, breads, etc in there that are calling to be used up. These are the building blocks for hearty, filling meals.
Flavors
Next I think about what kind of flavors I would like for my trip. Italian, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Traditional or something else. This then guides which spice mixes, seasonings and liquid ingredients I am going to pack.
Thinking Chinese? Pack soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger powder and something spicy
Does Italian sound good? Pack Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chili flake and balsamic vinegar
Or maybe Thai? Pack curry paste, fish sauce, limes, rice noodles/rice and ginger powder.
Pack it up
Once you have your recipes ready, it’s time to pack it up. It’s best to stay organized in your backpack and a little time now will save you some struggle come meal time at camp. I like using stuff sacks or packing cubes for each recipe or each day of meals. You can also pack a spice/flavor kit with all of your spices, oils, vinegars and sauces in one spot for less stress when it’s time to cook.
Here are a couple classic recipes to get your rolling. All of our recipes are easy to scale up for multiple portions or scale down to a single person. They are also easy to customize so if you see an ingredient you don’t love, you can feel free to omit or switch out for your favorite flavor or to be able to hit your dietary specific restriction.
Stroganoff
An absolute classic. I use beef jerky as the protein source and it hydrates really well in dishes. Try some mixed dried mushrooms and foraged herbs to really elevate this dish.
Pad Thai
Another classic to have in the pantry. I absolutely love eating noodles outdoors. I don’t know what it is, but they just taste better outside. And they taste even better when you whittle up some campy chopsticks from some fallen twigs to enjoy. I’ve included 2 versions of this recipe.
One using peanut butter that’s easier to shop for and one using traditional tamarind paste and fish sauce. Don’t be afraid of packing along some snap peas or bell peppers. They last longer than you think away from refrigeration and add some needed texture, crunch, color and micronutrients. This meal also clocks in at about $2.40 per portion
Tropical Oatmeal/Granola
In the United States, maple and apple cinnamon are classic flavors come breakfast time. For me, these flavors have gotten a little tired and I just need something different. I love raiding the bulk aisle in the grocery store for dried mango, papaya, pineapple, banana chips and more for this breakfast recipe.
Add some coconut milk powder, water and top with your favorite granola (or dry granola bar) and you’ve got yourself a tasty way to start your day. Depending on how you shop for your ingredients, the cost could be less than $1.00 per portion.
Mango Fried Rice
This recipe is a new favorite and can actually be made with regular rice, instant rice or precooked grain mixes. It’s a great option for a quick lunch or dinner. I’ve added some ingredients that are really easy to shop for to create a filling bowl of Chinese flavors. Oranges, almonds, chicken and soy sauce are the base. You can also make this a wrap! Cost for this recipe: less than $1.50 per portion
Thanks for coming along for a dive into the pantry. And remember, creating a tasty meal plan for your adventure doesn’t have to be a challenge. Using a few of these tips and a few of our recipes will put you on the path to a fun, memorable and tasty experience. Cheers!
Recipe Cards
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Outdoor Eats: Camping Meals and Camping Recipes!
On this trip I did a variety of trail-tested recipes, using no more than 10 fresh ingredients, you an enjoy anywhere. Try these out, or visit my site at www.outdooreats.com for even more awesome meals!
