Cooking and Kitchen Tips for RV Living

Cooking and Kitchen Tips

Maximize Kitchen Storage

Efficient storage is essential in an RV kitchen, where space is often limited. Organizing your cabinets, drawers, and pantry helps you keep everything you need without feeling cluttered.

Storage Tips:

• Use Stackable Containers: Invest in stackable, clear containers for dry goods and leftovers. They save space and make it easy to see contents.
• Install Shelf Risers and Organizers: Add risers to cabinets to double storage space and use organizers for spices and utensils.
• Magnetic Strips and Hooks: Use magnetic strips for knives and hooks for utensils, pots, and pans to free up drawer and cabinet space.
• Over-the-Sink Cutting Boards: These boards create extra counter space and can be easily stored.
• Collapsible Kitchenware: Collapsible bowls, strainers, and measuring cups are compact and save space when not in use.

Cooking and Kitchen Tips

Essential RV Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools makes cooking in an RV easier and more enjoyable. Look for multi-functional items that can handle multiple tasks.

Must-Have Kitchen Gear:

• Cast Iron Skillet: Great for stovetop and oven cooking, and can be used for various meals from breakfast to dinner.
• Instant Pot or Slow Cooker: Perfect for one-pot meals, and it can cook everything from stews to rice.
• Compact Coffee Maker or French Press: Essential for coffee lovers, especially when boondocking without power hookups.
• Portable Grill or Camp Stove: For outdoor cooking, which helps keep heat and smells out of the RV.
• Silicone Cooking Utensils: Durable, easy to clean, and won’t scratch your cookware.
• Stackable Pots and Pans: Space-saving sets with removable handles are ideal for small RV kitchens.

Cooking and Kitchen Tips

Meal Planning and Prep Tips

Meal planning saves time and reduces stress, allowing you to enjoy your travel days without worrying about what to cook.

Meal Planning Strategies:

• Plan Simple, Versatile Meals: Choose recipes with similar ingredients, which reduces the number of items you need to buy and store.
• Pre-Chop Ingredients: Pre-chop vegetables and marinate proteins in advance to speed up cooking time.
• Freeze Pre-Made Meals: Prepare and freeze meals like soups, stews, and casseroles that can be quickly reheated.
• Store Essentials in Easy-to-Access Bins: Organize staples like rice, pasta, spices, and canned goods in bins so they’re easy to find and store.
• Create a Weekly Menu: Planning meals for the week helps you make a precise shopping list, saving storage space and minimizing waste.

Cooking and Kitchen Tips

Cooking with Limited Power and Resources

If you’re boondocking or conserving power, certain cooking methods and tools can help you make meals without excessive energy use.

Low-Power Cooking Tips:

• Use a Propane Stove or Campfire: These are ideal for cooking without using RV electricity.
• Use Solar Ovens: Solar ovens cook meals slowly using sunlight, making them perfect for boondocking.
• Cook with a Dutch Oven: This versatile cookware allows you to bake, roast, and cook over a campfire.
• Try No-Cook Meals: Salads, wraps, and cold pasta dishes can be made without heating appliances.
• Optimize the Microwave: For quick heating, use the microwave on lower power settings to conserve energy.

Cooking and Kitchen Tips

Manage Water Usage and Clean-Up

Water conservation is essential when boondocking or at campsites with limited hookups. Smart clean-up strategies reduce water usage and keep your kitchen tidy.

Water-Saving Tips:

• Use a Spray Bottle for Dish Rinsing: A spray bottle lets you rinse dishes with less water, especially helpful for quick cleans.
• Cook with Foil Packets: Prepare meals in foil packets when cooking over a fire or grill for easy, mess-free clean-up.
• Keep a Small Bin for Food Scraps: Catching scraps reduces food waste in the sink, minimizing strain on your gray water tank.
• Wipe Dishes Before Washing: Use a paper towel or napkin to wipe excess food off plates to use less water during washing.
• Reuse Dishwater: Use leftover dishwater to rinse outdoor gear or pre-rinse dishes before washing.

Cooking and Kitchen Tips

Utilize Outdoor Cooking Space

Cooking outdoors keeps your RV cooler and minimizes indoor cooking smells. Outdoor grills and campfires are perfect for casual RV meals.

Outdoor Cooking Tips:

• Bring a Portable Grill: Use a portable grill for grilling meats, vegetables, and even breakfast foods like bacon and pancakes.
• Use Cast Iron Over the Campfire: Cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens are ideal for campfire cooking and can handle high heat.
• Try Foil Pack Meals: Wrap ingredients in foil for easy grilling, baking, or roasting on the fire.
• Set Up an Outdoor Kitchen Area: Use a folding table with your portable grill and cooking gear to create an outdoor cooking station.
• Protect Food from Pests: Keep food in sealed containers or coolers to prevent insects from getting into your ingredients.

Cooking and Kitchen Tips

Quick and Easy RV Meal Ideas

Simple, one-pot meals or quick recipes make cooking in an RV easy and convenient, even after a long day of exploring.

Meal Ideas for RVers:

• Breakfast Burritos: Pre-cook ingredients like eggs, sausage, and vegetables, then wrap in a tortilla for an easy breakfast.
• One-Pot Pasta: Add pasta, water, and sauce ingredients into one pot, cook until done, and enjoy minimal clean-up.
• Foil Packets: Layer ingredients like salmon, potatoes, and veggies in foil packets, then grill or bake until cooked.
• Taco Bowls: Combine rice, beans, veggies, and protein in a bowl with your favorite toppings.
• Stir Fry: Cook vegetables, protein, and rice in a single skillet with a flavorful sauce for a quick dinner.

Tip: Choose meals that require minimal prep and clean-up for the easiest RV cooking experience.

Cooking and Kitchen Tips

Tips for Keeping Your RV Kitchen Smelling Fresh

Odors can linger in small spaces, so it’s essential to manage food smells in your RV kitchen.

Odor Control Tips:

• Cook Smelly Foods Outside: Frying fish, cooking bacon, or boiling certain vegetables can create strong smells; consider cooking these outdoors.
• Use Vinegar and Baking Soda: Clean countertops and cooking surfaces with vinegar to neutralize odors, and place open boxes of baking soda in the fridge and pantry.
• Ventilate While Cooking: Open windows, turn on roof vents, and use an exhaust fan if you have one to keep air circulating.
• Dispose of Trash Frequently: Regularly empty your trash to avoid lingering food odors, especially in warm weather.
• Store Food in Airtight Containers: Seal foods to prevent smells from escaping and attracting pests.

Cooking and Kitchen Tips

Key Takeaway: Make the Most of Your RV Kitchen

Cooking in an RV can be fun and rewarding, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homemade meals while traveling. With the right organization, planning, and tools, you can make the most of your RV kitchen space and create delicious meals without hassle.

RV Expeditioners Pro Tip: Start meal planning, stock up on the essentials, and try out some new recipes on your next trip. With these tips, you’ll be ready to tackle RV cooking with confidence and enjoy tasty meals on the road.