Skewers

Whether you’re grilling vegetables, chicken, shrimp, or even chunks of marinated steak, skewers are a versatile tool that brings a hint of fun to campsite or RV cooking. Unlike tossing ingredients directly on the grill, skewers help you keep portion sizes manageable and cooking even. They also add an appealing presentation—there’s something delightful about biting tender morsels off a stick under the open sky.

Metal skewers are reusable, durable, and often feature a flat design that prevents food from spinning as you turn them. Some even come with rotating handles, making it easy to get an all-around sear. Bamboo skewers, on the other hand, are inexpensive and biodegradable, but you’ll need to soak them in water before cooking to avoid burning. If you anticipate cooking skewers often, investing in sturdy, stainless steel rods might be worth it in the long run.

Preparation is half the battle. The smaller your chunks of food, the faster they cook—an important factor when you’re juggling multiple dishes on a small portable grill. Marinating meats and vegetables ahead of time can infuse flavors that pop after just a few minutes over the coals or flames. If you’re using different ingredients, aim to group items with similar cooking times on the same skewer. Alternatively, keep meats separate from veggies to ensure you cook each to the perfect doneness.

Rotating kebab racks or specialized baskets can be a game-changer if you’re feeding a crowd. These systems hold multiple skewers in place and sometimes feature notches that let you flip all of them simultaneously. It’s a surefire way to streamline the cooking process while preventing your carefully arranged skewers from rolling around on the grill.

Cleanup varies depending on the type of skewer. Bamboo ones can be discarded or burned in a safe, controlled fire pit (if regulations allow), whereas metal skewers need a quick scrub. A soapy sponge or steel wool can remove any baked-on marinade, and drying them properly prevents rust. Store them in a pouch or wrap them to avoid sharp edges damaging other gear.

All in all, skewers embody the spirit of casual, communal outdoor dining. Each skewer can hold a colorful mix of bell peppers, onions, and succulent meat, encouraging friends or family to gather around the grill and chat while everything cooks. Whether you’re a kebab purist or like to experiment with fruit skewers for dessert, this simple tool can spark endless culinary creativity at your campsite.