6 Quick and Nutritious Survival Food Recipes for Any Situation

It doesn’t matter if you are talking about hiking, camping, or end-of-the-world situations—unexpected emergencies can occur anytime. This is why having a well-thought-out plan is crucial, and nourishment or food is one of the key elements of this plan. We can be preparing for a natural disaster, power outage, or just being prepared in general for the outdoors. We have survival food recipes for you. These essential examples of survival food include non-perishable items, nutritious meals, and easy-to-make dishes. They all have a long shelf life and can be canned, dehydrated, or ready to eat. The main thing is that they can sustain us when resources are scarce.

Understanding Survival Food

Now, we need to define survival food. This is a specially selected and prepared type of food meant to be stored for longer periods. Its goal is to have a longer shelf life and be consumed in emergencies or scarcity. Of course, this does not mean you can’t use it when there isn’t an emergency, but when facing low ration levels at camp, hiking, or backpacking. 

These are generally non-perishable foods packed with calories and full of nutrients that will provide sufficient energy when out and about. They play a crucial role when food sources are unavailable. This is why survival food can include anything from canned goods and dehydrated meals to even freeze-dried options—packaged options that are ready to eat. They maintain their quality and safety over very long periods, which can last up to 20 years, depending on the type of food and how it is stored. 

6 Survival Food Recipes

1. Instant Noodles

A classic that most of us love is instant noodles. To prepare this recipe, you will need one package of instant noodles, one cup of hot water, and half a cup of freeze-dried vegetables. Of course, the vegetables are optional, but they add to the richness of your meal. Place the instant noodles and freeze-dried vegetables into the hot water and stir to prepare it. Let it sit for around 5 minutes so the freeze-dried vegetables rehydrate properly. This recipe will offer you around 400 calories per serving.

2. Rice and Beans

The next recipe is rice and beans, which uses canned beans and instant rice. Most people use black beans. To prepare it, cook the instant rice by adding one cup of rice and two cups of water; the preparation should take around 15 minutes. Then, add the canned beans, olive oil, and cumin to the pan. Most people like to add salt and pepper to taste. This will offer around 350 calories per serving.

3. Canned Tuna Salad

Canned tuna salad is a great option that uses minimal space. You will need one can of tuna, mayonnaise, and some relish. Most people also add salt and pepper to taste. Drain your tuna and mix it with the mayonnaise and relish, then add seasoning to your liking. This preparation will take around 2 minutes and offer 300 calories per serving.

4. Instant Oatmeal

Another quick breakfast bite is instant oatmeal, which you can buy in pre-packaged servings. The preparation is quick: add one cup of hot water per serving and, optionally, dried fruit. Pour the hot water into the oatmeal, stir, and wait 2-3 minutes. It’s a quick and easy breakfast offering 150 calories per serving.

5. Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is something you need after a long day of hiking to replenish your electrolytes. To make your emergency soup, combine dehydrated vegetable mix, 4 cups of water, a bouillon cube, and half a cup of instant rice. Optionally, you can also add extra dehydrated vegetables. To prepare it, bring the water to a boil, add the bouillon cube and dehydrated vegetable mix, then the instant rice, and cook for 5 minutes. This recipe will take around 15 minutes and provide 150 calories per serving and many electrolytes you might have lost throughout the day.

6. Emergency Chili

Another high-quality meal you can prepare in survival situations is emergency chili, which combines one can of kidney beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and possibly beef stew if you have some. Chili seasoning is a great addition if you have it. To prepare it, combine all the ingredients in a pot, heat over medium heat, and ensure everything is warmed for about 15 minutes. With simple ingredients, this hearty meal will give you 400 calories per serving.

5 Essential Ingredients for Survival Meals

What does every survival food recipe need? Of course, it’s basic ingredients. Here’s what these essential ingredients need to have and what you can prepare with them:

• Canned Goods: Canned goods include beans, vegetables, meats, etc. They have a long shelf life and are ready to eat with minimal preparation, making them suitable for emergencies. While they can be heavy, they are quite long-lasting and easy to use.

• Dehydrated Vegetables and Fruits: Dehydrated vegetables and fruits are lightweight and have a long shelf life if not kept in humid environments. They rehydrate quickly and are easy to prepare, making them perfect for survival.
• Instant Rice and Pasta: Instant rice and pasta are quick and easy ingredients that can be prepared in just five minutes. They can be combined with almost anything to quickly create a filling, nutritious meal at home, outdoors, or even in a survival situation.

• Freeze-Dried Meals: Freeze-dried meals are lightweight and compact but can be expensive. They have a longer shelf life and often need water to rehydrate. In emergencies, water isn’t always easy to come by.

• Bouillon Cubes: Bouillon cubes add flavor and enhance meals. They can be added to soups and stews, are lightweight, and have a long shelf life. Most people love them because they add seasoning to each meal.

Our Survival Food Idea: KAMUI Mixed Rice

The KAMUI Mixed Rice is a perfect meal for outdoor camping, backpacking, emergencies, and survival situations. Made with 100% Japanese rice, this classic Gomoku dish features a seafood stock base, mixed vegetables, and mushrooms. It delivers an umami-rich meal made from natural, premium ingredients, pre-cooked, dehydrated, and packed in Japan.

Since the KAMUI Mixed Rice is free from 28 common allergens, it ensures a safe and flavorful experience for everyone. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it on its own or as a delicious complement to other dishes. Lightweight and easy to carry, just add hot water, and your meal is ready in 15 minutes. Using room-temperature water requires a wait of 60 minutes.

With a 5-year shelf life and no need for refrigeration, this meal is ideal for emergency storage and natural disaster preparedness. Packaged in a user-friendly food pouch with an included spoon, the KAMUI Mixed Rice pouch stands securely on its own, ready to provide a nourishing meal whenever needed.

Conclusion

Your food storage should include numerous emergency food options, such as canned, freeze-dried, dehydrated, and other non-perishable items such as peanut butter, dried meat, and other ingredients. Ensure you have other cooking essentials, such as baking powder, melted butter, flour, and other dry ingredients. 

No matter the emergency or challenge you might face during your outdoor adventure, these survival food recipes offer a nutritious and long-lasting solution. They are designed to provide sustenance without the need for frequent replacement, ensuring you’re prepared for any situation.