Sizzle and Spice: Irresistible Campfire Recipes for Dubai’s Great Outdoors

Is there anything more magical than gathering around a campfire under Dubai’s starlit sky, the desert breeze carrying the aroma of sizzling food? Whether you’re camping in the golden dunes, by the tranquil beaches, or in the rugged Hajar Mountains, a hearty meal cooked over a crackling fire turns an ordinary night into an unforgettable adventure. Campfire cooking is about creating memories, sharing stories, and savoring flavors that perfectly complement the great outdoors.

Ready to elevate your next camping trip? Dive into these easy and delicious recipes that will make your Dubai campfire experience truly amazing.

Spiced Chicken Skewers

Juicy, tender pieces of chicken marinated in a blend of aromatic spices make spiced chicken skewers a true campfire delight. The smoky char from the fire infuses the skewers with a rich depth of flavor, while the vibrant spices bring warmth and excitement to every bite. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal, these skewers are sure to impress anyone gathered around the campfire.

Ingredients:

500g chicken breast (cubed)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
Skewers (wooden or metal)

How to Prepare: In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken cubes into the mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. Once marinated, skewer the chicken pieces and roast them over the campfire, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked (about 10-15 minutes).

Vegetable Foil Packets

Vegetable foil packets are an easy and flavorful campfire dish perfect for camping in Dubai. Smoky and tender, these roasted veggies make an ideal side for any meal. Simple to prepare and clean up, they’re a must-have for hassle-free outdoor cooking.

Ingredients:

1 potato (sliced thinly)
1 zucchini (sliced)
1 bell pepper (chopped)
1 onion (sliced)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary)

How to Prepare: Start by laying a large sheet of aluminum foil on a flat surface. Add all the sliced vegetables and drizzle with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top before folding the foil into a tightly sealed packet. Place the packet on the campfire coals and cook for about 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The result will be a deliciously smoky and tender veggie dish!

S’mores with a Twist

S’mores are the ultimate camping dessert, but why settle for the traditional when you can give them a gourmet twist? Imagine the gooey marshmallow goodness paired with creamy chocolate, enhanced by the surprise of caramel, peanut butter, or even fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas.

Ingredients:

Graham crackers
Marshmallows
Chocolate (milk or dark)
Optional: peanut butter, caramel sauce, or sliced fruit (like strawberries or bananas)

How to Prepare: Toast the marshmallows over the campfire until they’re golden and gooey. Take a graham cracker and layer it with chocolate, adding a drizzle of peanut butter or caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent. Sandwich the roasted marshmallow between two crackers, and for a fruity touch, add a few slices of banana or strawberry. Serve immediately and enjoy the melty, sweet treat under the stars!

Campfire Fish Tacos

Delight your taste buds with fish tacos, a fresh and flavorful meal perfect for Dubai’s coastal camping adventures. The flaky, smoky fish combined with crunchy cabbage and zesty lime makes for a satisfying bite that’s both light and wholesome. Wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with salsa or guacamole, this dish is a celebration of simple, bold flavors that are easy to create under the stars.

Ingredients:

2 white fish fillets (hammour or kingfish work well)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 lime (zest and juice)
Salt and pepper to taste
Small tortillas
Shredded cabbage
Salsa or guacamole

How to Prepare: Start by seasoning the fish fillets with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill the fillets over the campfire for 6-8 minutes per side until flaky, or wrap them in foil and cook on the coals for an equally smoky flavor. Once cooked, break the fish into pieces, place them on warm tortillas, and top with shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lime juice, and your favorite salsa or guacamole.

Arabic Style Grilled Halloumi

Grilled halloumi is a Middle Eastern favorite that adds a savory touch to any campfire meal. Its firm texture and salty flavor make it perfect for grilling, creating a crispy golden crust while keeping the inside warm and creamy. Paired with the refreshing zest of mint and lemon, this dish is simple yet bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

200g halloumi cheese (cut into thick slices)
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh mint leaves
Lemon wedges
Optional: pomegranate seeds for garnish

How to Prepare: Brush the halloumi slices lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the cheese over the campfire for 3-4 minutes on each side, until it turns golden brown with visible grill marks. Remove from the heat and garnish with fresh mint and a squeeze of lemon juice. For an added twist, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top for a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.

Campfire Chili

A steaming pot of campfire chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights under the stars. With hearty ground meat, beans, and a blend of bold spices, it offers a satisfying, flavorful meal that warms you up from the inside out.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef or lamb
1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 onion (chopped)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare: Start by browning the ground beef or lamb in a pot over the campfire, then add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until softened and fragrant. Next, stir in the chopped bell pepper, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and spices; chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together into a rich, hearty dish.

Grilled Kofta Kebabs

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a smoky, juicy kofta kebab, especially when grilled over an open flame. The fragrant spices of cumin, coriander, and garlic blend perfectly with the rich flavor of ground meat, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

Ingredients:

500g ground lamb or beef
1 onion (finely grated)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp coriander
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Skewers (wooden or metal)

How to Prepare: In a bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well, then shape the mixture into long, sausage-like shapes around the skewers. Grill the kofta over the campfire, turning occasionally, until they are evenly cooked and slightly charred on the outside (about 10-15 minutes). Serve with fresh parsley and warm flatbread for a delicious meal!

Shakshuka

Shakshuka, a beloved Middle Eastern dish, is perfect for cooking over an open fire. The rich, spiced tomato sauce paired with eggs creates a comforting and hearty meal, ideal for those chilly desert nights. With its flavorful base and gooey eggs, this dish is a must-try on your Dubai camping trip.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion (chopped)
1 bell pepper (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
4 eggs
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare: Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over the campfire and sautéing the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft. Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Create small wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into them, then cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are done to your liking. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread to scoop up all the delicious flavors.

Baked Potatoes with Herbed Sour Cream

There’s something magical about the simplicity of baked potatoes cooked over a campfire. The crispy skin paired with the fluffy, perfectly cooked interior creates the ideal base for a creamy, herb-infused topping. When you add a dollop of herbed sour cream, you elevate this humble dish into a satisfying, flavorful treat that’s perfect after a day of adventure under the stars.

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tsp garlic powder

How to Prepare: Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Wrap the potatoes tightly in foil and place them directly on the hot campfire coals. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are soft and fully cooked through. For the herbed sour cream, mix sour cream with chopped chives, parsley, and garlic powder. Once the potatoes are done, slice them open and top with the herbed sour cream for a delicious, creamy finish.

Quesadillas

With a golden, crunchy exterior and a melted, savory filling, campfire quesadillas are perfect for satisfying your hunger around the fire. You can customize them with any fillings you like, from classic cheese and chicken to more adventurous options, making them a crowd-pleasing campfire meal.

Ingredients:

4 flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
1/2 cup cooked chicken (optional)
1/4 cup diced bell peppers
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 tbsp olive oil
Salsa (for serving)

How to Prepare: Heat a skillet over the fire and brush with olive oil. Place a tortilla on the skillet and sprinkle with cheese, chicken, bell peppers, and onions. Top with another tortilla and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping carefully until the quesadilla is golden and crispy. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa for a delicious, easy-to-make treat by the campfire.