Perfect Meals to Cook on a Rocket Stove
There's something about cooking outside that makes food taste better. Maybe it's the smell of the wood smoke, or the sound of a crackling fire. When you’re cooking on a rocket stove, the food is so much more than just food—it's an experience.
Rocket stoves use small amounts of wood, heat up quickly, and pack a punch when it comes to cooking power. So on top of their many uses, they’re awesome for some good old fashioned home cooking! Or… Maybe I should say “camp cooking”?
Anyway… If you’re ready to put that stove to use, here are some of the best meals to whip up on a rocket stove.
Fajitas
Fajitas are already a fun, sizzle-filled meal, but on a rocket stove, they go from fun to fantastic. Imagine the sound of bell peppers, onions, and strips of seasoned steak (or chicken, if you prefer) hitting a hot griddle top, crackling and filling the air with that irresistible smell.
For the rocket stove, all you need is a hot surface and your favorite fajita ingredients. Start by preheating the griddle top attachment. While it’s heating up, slice your veggies and meat into strips. Add a little oil to the griddle, and when it’s hot, toss everything on. The heat from a rocket stove sears the meat quickly, sealing in the juices while the veggies turn soft and flavorful. After a few minutes, scoop your sizzling fajitas into a warm tortilla, add salsa or sour cream, and you’ve got yourself a feast. The best part? The smoke from the wood gives the fajitas a little extra outdoor flavor.
See also: How to Light a Rocket Stove
Cheeseburgers
How could we leave out the classic cheeseburger? It’s hard to beat a good burger cooked over fire, and a rocket stove is just right for the job. For this, the grill top attachment is essential. The flames will add just the right touch of smokiness to your burgers, making them taste like they came right off a campfire.
To get started, make your burger patties. You can go simple with just ground beef and salt, or get fancy with spices, onions, or even bits of cheese mixed in. Fire up the rocket stove and heat the grill top. Once it’s hot, place the patties on the grill and let them cook for about three to four minutes per side. Top with a slice of cheese when they’re almost done, and let it melt to perfection. Serve your burgers with all the fixings—lettuce, tomato, onions, and your favorite sauces. Whether you’re cooking for one or a group, these burgers are sure to be a hit. Plus, the rocket stove’s heat makes it easy to get that perfect char on the outside.
See also: Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Rocket Stove From Amazon
Crawfish Étouffée
If you’re looking to cook something a bit more adventurous, crawfish étouffée is the perfect dish. This Louisiana classic is packed with flavor, and a rocket stove gives you the perfect heat for a rich, savory étouffée.
For this recipe, you’ll need a sturdy pot that can sit on the rocket stove. Begin by making a roux, a mix of flour and oil cooked together until it turns a deep, nutty brown. This part takes patience, but the rocket stove’s heat helps things move along. Once your roux is ready, add in diced onions, bell peppers, and celery—the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking. Cook until the vegetables are soft, then add crawfish tails and seasonings like paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Pour in some broth, let everything simmer, and you’ll soon have a thick, flavorful étouffée. Serve over rice, and get ready to dig in. Cooking étouffée on a rocket stove adds a smoky twist to this Southern classic that’s sure to impress.
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is another Southern favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make on a rocket stove. The dish is creamy, spicy, and just downright comforting. All you need is a pot for the grits and a pan for the shrimp.
To start, bring some water or chicken broth to a boil in a pot on the rocket stove. Slowly add grits, stirring until they’re smooth and creamy. Add butter, salt, and maybe a bit of cheese if you’re feeling fancy. While the grits cook, toss some shrimp in Cajun seasoning and heat a pan on the stove. Once it’s hot, add a bit of oil and cook the shrimp until they’re pink and slightly charred on the edges. Serve the shrimp on top of the creamy grits for a meal that feels like home. The grits soak up the shrimp’s seasoning, and the rocket stove gives it all a delicious, wood-fired flavor.
Pork Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a meal that just feels right for a rocket stove. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s loaded with flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd. With pork, rice, and spices all cooking together, you’re bound to end up with something delicious.
For jambalaya, start by heating some oil in a large pot. Add pork chunks and let them cook until they’re browned on the outside. Then add in onions, bell peppers, and celery (yes, the holy trinity again!). Cook until the vegetables are soft, then add garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings like thyme, cayenne, and bay leaves. Stir in rice and chicken broth, bring it all to a boil, and then let it simmer until the rice is tender and has soaked up all the flavors. The rocket stove’s heat helps the rice cook quickly and evenly, and the smoky flavor gives your jambalaya an extra layer of deliciousness.
Bacon, Eggs, and Pancakes
For breakfast lovers, the rocket stove is a dream come true. With the griddle top attachment, you can cook bacon, eggs, and pancakes all without a pan. This is breakfast the way it was meant to be: outdoors and over a hot flame.
To get started, heat the griddle top until it’s nice and hot. Lay strips of bacon directly on the griddle, and let them sizzle away. The bacon grease will help cook the eggs and pancakes, adding flavor you just can’t get on a stovetop. Once the bacon is crispy, crack a few eggs on the griddle. Scramble them up or cook them sunny-side-up—whatever you prefer. As for the pancakes, pour a little batter on the griddle, wait for bubbles to form, then flip them. The high heat of the rocket stove cooks them quickly, and the bacon grease gives the pancakes a slightly savory edge. Enjoy a hot, hearty breakfast with a side of wood-fired goodness.
Here’s What’s Next!
If these meals have you excited about cooking on a rocket stove, you’re in luck—there’s a whole world of rocket stove recipes to explore. Each dish has its own twist that makes it perfect for the rocket stove, whether it's the smoky flavor or the high, even heat. And if you’re ready to take your outdoor cooking to the next level, we have just the thing.
Check out our book, packed with full recipes and video walkthroughs to guide you. You’ll find new ideas, tips on getting the most out of your rocket stove, and all the details to make cooking over an open flame feel effortless. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for advanced techniques, our guide will make your next meal unforgettable.
And if you’re a welder who happens to be on the more adventurous side, we have the best rocket stove DIY weld kits, so be sure to check them out!
Cooking on a rocket stove is about more than just eating—it’s about gathering, connecting, and making something delicious in the great outdoors. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the rocket stove, and get ready to cook up a meal you’ll remember.