Cooking in an RV: Hacks for Easy, Flavorful Travel Meals

Cooking in an RV is more than just the preparation of food. It ultimately becomes a part of your journey that you will never forget. By making use of some clever tricks, it is possible to convert your RV into a great kitchen that is rich in taste. 

Great food can always be enjoyed even if you don’t have a large kitchen. In this article, we are going to help you get the best cooking experience out of the small RV areas with the few tools available, all this while making your meals tasty and fresh.

What Kitchen Gear Do You Need for RV Cooking?

Instead of a variety of tools, only the essential ones should be brought. Since RV cooking requires less to be more. A compact and efficient RV cook still needs a full set of cook gear, though. The following table may help you to decide:

Ways to Prepare Dishes in a Compact RV Kitchen

RV kitchens are not very spacious, but that does not mean you cannot use your imagination in cooking. Below are some cooking methods that you can use in compact RV kitchens:

Single-Pot Meals

The technique of cooking everything in a single pot is a great choice. It saves both the use of kitchen tools and work time. First, the vegetables should be tossed in oil, the protein should be added, and finally, a quick sauce should be made. One-pan meals are always delicious, quick, and great for effortless cleaning if there is not much space in the sink.

Pressure Cooking

A small pressure cooker is a real lifesaving solution for RV life. Within a short time, various vegetarian or meat dishes can easily be prepared. It needs less fuel and allows you to prepare full meals with the least supervision. It is perfect for busy travel days.

Slow Cooking

In case the power supply is available, a mini slow cooker is a good friend. Put the ingredients in the morning and let the cooking take place all day while you travel or visit. When you come back, a hot, ready food item is waiting for you, with no extra effort.

Colder Dishes Without Heat

Hot summer day? Then do not turn the burner on. A wrap, salad, or plain sandwich made of veg and fruit from your mini-fridge is the quick and easy option. Optionally, nutritional shakes or mixed fruit bowls can be prepared. These non-flaming dishes are healthy and quick to prepare. 

Cooking with Small Appliances

Small appliances, such as an air fryer and a toaster oven, can easily fit in the small compartments of RVs. They are useful for roasting vegetables, reheating food, and creating quick snacks. Air fryers are specifically designed to use less oil while still producing crisp, flavorful results. So, it is overall a cleaner and healthier choice.

Using Campfire or Grill

Cooking outside is quite a great option when the weather is nice. A campfire setting or a portable grill enables you to enjoy your outdoor meals of meat, roasted fruits and vegetables, and even toasting of marshmallows while watching the stars. Furthermore, in addition to keeping your RV cool, outdoor cooking adds a smoky flavor that indoor cooking is unable to match.

How to Plan Your Meals Before Your Departure

Meal planning is a time and money saver. Write down what you are going to eat each day before the trip. It prevents food waste and ensures that you only bring what you need. Here is a quick guide:

• Make a simple plan. Schedule the meals of the week, do not pack too much, and do not forget the essentials.
• Do the ingredient preparation early. Clean, slice, and measure the items before the trip to reduce the cooking time.
• Pick multipurpose ingredients. Pack supplies that can be used in different ways in many dishes.
• Storing wisely is important. Leak-resistant small containers will help you make the most of the space.
• Mark and put a label on all things. Tell what it is and when on the containers, so you are aware of what to consume first.
• Try keeping the menu balanced. Have a variety of proteins, carbs, and veggies in your travel plan so that you are not malnourished during the trip.
• Check your storage capacities. Be aware of the size of your freezer and cabinets before making the shopping list to avoid overcrowding.

Pantry Supplies That Every RVer Should Stock

Cooking anywhere will not be a problem if you have a small but well-stocked pantry. Every RV kitchen should have some of the following essential items:

• Canned beans and frozen meals
• Rice, pasta, and bread
• Spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili flakes
• Cooking oil and butter
• Peanut butter or almond butter
• Gluten-free oatmeal and nuts
• Fresh milk or plant-based substitutes

Storing Food in Small Fridge Spaces

Refrigerators for RVs are small. The main objective is to have highly efficient storage. A well-organized storage system will lead to less food wastage and easy access on busy travel days. Here are a few ideas to get you going:

• Group your items by category in clear baskets in order to have easy access.
• Try to portion out the food, which will take less time for reheating.
• Do not pack everything inside so that the cold air can move around inside the fridge.
• Put labels with dates on the containers in order to monitor the freshness.
• Keep dry foods in a separate place in order to free up the refrigerator space.
• Use containers that can be placed together to utilize every single inch of the storage.
• Store the heavier items at the bottom to avoid complications later.
• To keep the freezer’s temperature steady, cool off drinks and food before placing them in it.

Is It Possible to Cook Without an Oven?

Sure, there are numerous RVs that lack ovens, yet it is not an issue at all. You can still perform baking, roasting, or toasting by just applying some innovative techniques. Let the following methods be your guide:

• Stove Top Oven Pan: This accessory acts as a miniature oven with a burner, where baking small portions or reheating food gets done perfectly.
• Toaster Oven Magic: It has a small size, is quick, and runs on less fuel. It is suitable for roasting, toasting, or baking without the vehicle getting warm.
• Foil Sheet Cooking: Cover up your ingredients in foil and set them on a grill or fire for delicious, easy meals.
• Zero-Bake Creations: The main steps are to mix, chill, and serve. This method produces sweet treats that are ideal when you want to avoid the heat and are looking for something quick.

Do Not Forget to Bring a Camp Stove

A camp stove is essential. It is your backup when power or propane runs low. It also lets you cook outside, which keeps your RV cool and smelling fresh. Here’s why it is a necessity:

Pro tip:

Using a windbreak and a stable surface is recommended. Always make sure you are aware of the permission to use the camp stove outdoors.

How to Save Propane While Cooking?

Propane is an important resource when you are away from places where you can refill it. Here are ways to prolong its usage: 

• Cooking with lids on pots increases the heat trapping.
• Faster cooking can be accomplished by cutting the ingredients into smaller pieces.
• An electric cooking device can be used if they are connected to shore power.
• Cooking meals in a batch and then reheating them is better than cooking twice.
• Only make slow-cooked recipes if you are at a full-hookup site.

Cheaper RV Meals That Stay Fresh Longer

Cooking in an RV doesn’t have to be costly, and the food can turn out better than before. You can use ordinary, easily accessible ingredients. Here are some recipes that stay fresh for longer and are also delicious:

1. Chickpea Lemon Mix

It’s a delightful mixture of canned chickpeas, a dash of lemon, and some salt. It remains fresh for several days, is not involved in any cooking processes, and is applicable as either a snack or a light meal.

2. Rice + Veggie Jar

Create a mixture of steamed rice and mixed vegetables, and flavor it with a bit of oil. Keep in a tightly tied jar for quick meals that are always ready. They will remain fresh in the freezer for several days.

3. Tuna Crackers Plate

Pair precooked tuna with a set of crackers, a drop of oil or lemon, and enjoy a perfect dinner. The combo lasts long, requires no cooking, and can be really filling on go travel days.

4. Pasta + Olive Oil Bowl

Let the pasta cook, drain, and lastly stir it with olive oil and a tiny pinch of salt. It is suitable to keep in the fridge. Also, it can be warmed up quickly or eaten cold.

5. Bean Salad Cup

Mix canned beans with pieces of onion, and add vinegar as a flavoring. It remains fresh for hours and is a protein-rich meal that needs almost no prep.

Easy Kitchen Cleanup Hacks For Your RV

Cleaning is part of cooking in an RV, especially for having small spaces. A clean kitchen and knowing how to dump RV waste prevent insects or bacteria from invading. It also makes RV cooking a more pleasant task. Try these clever tips to make your life easier:

• Simply line the pans with foil to reduce the effort of washing.
• Use lightweight, disposable tissues to clean surfaces.
• Make an effort to wash the dishes as soon as possible to avoid them piling up.
• Use foldable cups for washing and rinsing.
• Fast dry with microfiber towels, which are also reusable.

Quick Hack:

Spraying a mixture of vinegar and water on greasy spots is a good cleaning method.

Conclusion

Cooking in an RV is not just an opportunity to save time, it is also an opportunity to bond. It is a process of uniting people after long drives and starry nights. RV cooking turns into a travel tale of its own. A mini RV kitchen can produce huge flavors if it is kept neat and relaxed. No matter where you stop, good food offers comfort, happiness, and a hint of home wherever you go!

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods should I avoid when cooking in an RV?

Try to cut off greasy and smoky food, such as oily curries and fried foods. They are challenging to clean and also emanate strong smells.

How can I prevent smoke and odors while cooking in an RV?

You should open the windows and turn on a vent fan. Otherwise, you can use a camping stove so that you benefit from outdoor cooking.

Is it possible to bake in an RV?

Yes, if you have a convection microwave or toaster oven. An alternative could also be cooking in the Dutch oven over a campfire.

How can I prepare food when there is no power?

You should always have a camp stove that runs on gas or propane. You can also cook on a grill or over a fire pit if permitted.