Need help?How to barbecue on a fire pit
After a long harsh winter, the sun is shining again!
And if you’re anything like us, that means one thing – sizzling burgers on the BBQ!
But have you ever thought about barbecuing on a fire pit?
Cooking on a fire pit is a thrilling experience, and with a few tips and tricks, you’ll wonder why you never tried it sooner.
So grab your friends and family, cosy up around the flames and toast your BBQ favourites to perfection with our guide to fire pit cooking.
Is a fire pit the same as a BBQ?
Barbecues come in a wide range of types, including charcoal, gas and American BBQs designed to rival your indoor setup!
But one thing they all have in common is their primary purpose: cooking.
Fire pits, on the other hand, aren’t predominantly designed for cooking, but many models include grills and fire pit accessories to make your own BBQ.
But fire pits do have advantages over barbecues, namely their versatility and unparalleled social vibes.
Let’s take a closer look:
Fire pit menu
Fire pit food is incredibly versatile – anything you can grill; you can cook on a fire pit.
Fire pit cooking is incredibly versatile – anything you can grill on a barbecue can be cooked on a fire pit.
From searing steaks, burgers and hot dogs to frying seafood and vegetables in a pan over the flames, the options are endless. If your fire pit includes a lid, you can also roast a wide range of foods, from whole poultry and game birds to larger cuts like lamb or even suckling pig.
Throw a pan over the flames to fry seafood, veggies; anything that takes your fancy!
And if your fire pit has a lid, you’ll open a whole world of roasting, letting you cook things like whole chickens too.
Fire pit cooking: the social aspect
Barbecues are as synonymous with British summers as Pimm’s and Wimbledon.
But fire pit cooking is more involved, more inclusive than traditional barbecuing.
Think about a BBQ party – there’s usually one person flipping burgers and searing sausages while everyone else laps up the beers and vino.
But fire pit cooking gets everyone involved.
Give it a go, because few of life’s pleasures are more enjoyable – and primal – than eating with loved ones around a fire at sunset.
Tips for cooking on a fire pit
Cooking on a fire pit is alien to many, but it’s a pretty simple cooking method. You just need to bear a few things in mind to make the most of the experience.
How to use a fire pit for barbecuing
It’s tempting to start cooking as soon as flames appear, but fire pit cooking works best over hot embers, not open flames.
Use a mix of wood and coals, then let the fire burn down for 30–40 minutes until the embers are glowing. Once the heat has settled, you’re ready to start cooking!
Best fuel for a fire pit
Burning wood can be captivating, but when cooking on a fire pit, a wood-coal combo is best.
Why? Two simple reasons:
The coals bring the heat, the wood provides the flavour.
You can pick up coal from several specialist retailers, while cherry, almond, hickory, and mesquite wood have quick burn times and bold, intense flavours.
If these materials aren’t available, charcoal is a great substitute, but avoid artificial fire starters – they’re not fire pit compatible.
Fire pit safety
To stay safe while enjoying your fire pit, keep these safety tips in mind:
While fire pits are designed to contain flames, they occasionally spit, so always keep a water bucket or fire extinguisher nearby.
Only light a fire pit in an open space – there should be no overhanging trees or structures in the vicinity.
Never light a fire pit under a gazebo or in a tent.
5 ways to cook on a fire pit
Here are five simple methods:
1. Grilling
Grilling is a common way of cooking on a fire pit and probably the simplest.
You already know the method and timings, and everyone can have a go of the grill!
As mentioned, some fire pits come with a grill, but if yours doesn’t, explore our range of best firepits here.
Alternatively, lay out the raw ingredients and let your guests cook their own food in a grill basket – it frees you up to host and adds a bit of theatre.
2. Skewering
Skewering – the quintessential cooking method for happy campers – is a great way to cook on the fire pit.
It’s quick, easy, and keeps the conversation flowing.
Sausages are a given but try experimenting with other chunks of meat and veg to create tasty fire pit kebabs!
One thing to remember – always ensure the skewer you’re using is metal.
3.Pot cooking
Pot cooking is a great way to expand what you can cook on a fire pit. While it requires a bit more equipment, it allows you to prepare a wider range of dishes with ease.
One-pot recipes like curries and stews work particularly well - simply pre-cook at home, transfer to a pot and reheat over the fire using a tripod. Pot cooking also provides even heat distribution, making it ideal for drinks like mulled wine.
4.Frying
To fry, put a pan or pot on the fire pit grill and cook as normal.
For faster-cooking dishes and those that need boiling, rake the coals and wood to one side and pop your pot into the empty space.
5.Spit roasting
Spit roasting is a traditional fire pit cooking method that delivers rich, smoky flavour. While it requires time and attention, the results are well worth it.
Most fire pits aren’t suitable for large cuts like whole hogs, but smaller options—such as game birds or chicken—work particularly well. As you gain confidence, you can move on to larger birds like turkey.
For best results, turn the spit regularly and follow recommended cooking times to ensure even cooking.
Now you’re a fire pit cooking maestro, let us know how you got on in the comments below!
Also, don’t fret if your fish don’t fry or sausages don’t sizzle – fire pit cooking is one of those easy to learn, tricky to master skills.
Fortunately, with a long hot summer ahead, you’ve got plenty of time to hone your skills and find your ideal fire cooking method!
For more tips and tricks, handy hacks, and interior inspiration, head over to our blog.
