Sizzling Ninja Shrimp off the Wood Fire Grill - Tips and Tricks

The Origin of the Ninja Shrimp

The ninja shrimp is a phenomenon that has taken the grilling world by storm in recent years. But where did this colorful crustacean come from? The origins of the ninja shrimp can be traced back to the seaside grills of Southern California in the early 2010s.

Beachside restaurants in cities like Los Angeles and San Diego were looking for new and exciting flavors to offer their customers. Chefs began experimenting with various seafood preparations using their wood fire grills, which were growing in popularity at the time. One fateful day, a creative cook tossed a batch of shell-on shrimp directly onto the hot grates of the wood fire grill.

The result was a revelation - the shells charred and blackened beautifully, creating an eye-catching black and red striped exterior. But even more impressive was the flavor - the smoky, charcoal kissed shrimp meat inside was juicy, tender and packed with sweet ocean brine. The chefs knew they had struck gold, and the blackened grill shrimp became a signature menu item at these restaurants.

As social media began to boom, photos and videos of these charcoal colored beauties flooded feeds with their dramatic visual appeal. A buzz began building around the dish, which became known colloquially on Instagram and blogs as "ninja shrimp." The name stuck, spreading like wildfire among backyard grill masters and professional chefs alike. Soon the ninja shrimp was taking over grilling trends, becoming one of the most popular items to make for gatherings, holidays and parties.

How to Make Ninja Shrimp

While grilling ninja shrimp took off originally in trendsetting kitchens, it's easily achievable at home with minimal effort. Here's a simple guide to making perfect ninja shrimp every time:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, shells on
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Lemon wedges for serving

Directions:

1. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, garlic and Cajun seasoning. Add shrimp and toss to coat completely.
3. Heat your grill to high heat. When hot, carefully place shrimp directly onto grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until shells are charred black.
4. Serve shrimp immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing fresh juice over top.

The key is getting your grill hot enough to char the shells properly without overcooking the shrimp. Use tongs to flip the shrimp halfway through - don't be afraid of char, as it adds both flavor and aesthetic appeal!

Tips & Tricks

• Leave shells on for maximum flavor and effect.
• Pat shrimp very dry so the seasoning adheres.
• Get your grill as hot as possible. The shell charring happens quickly.
• Use a blend of seasonings like Cajun for spice and complexity.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over shrimp when they come off the grill.

Serving Suggestions

A plateful of ninja shrimp fresh off the grill makes for an impressive appetizer or protein-packed main. Here are some delicious ways to serve up your charred shrimp:

Ninja Shrimp Cocktail

For a party-ready appetizer, serve peeled ninja shrimp over ice with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.

Tacos & Bowls

Chopped ninja shrimp are amazing in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and power bowls. Pair with your favorite taco toppings and sauces.

Shrimp Salad

Toss grilled ninja shrimp into a fresh salad for the perfect summer main dish. Greens, vegetables, nuts and a vinaigrette pair nicely.

Pasta & Risotto

Add extra flavor and protein to pasta dishes and creamy risottos by topping them with chopped grilled ninja shrimp.

Seafood Boil

For an easy, impressive spread, boil up a combination of sausage, corn, potatoes and ninja shrimp for a Southern-inspired cookout.

Why Wood Fire Grilling is Key

While you can make grill shrimp on any outdoor cooker, using a wood fire grill really elevates the ninja shrimp to the next level. Here are some of the benefits of wood fire grilling:

High Heat

Wood fires burn significantly hotter than gas or charcoal, allowing you to char the shrimp shells properly without overcooking.

Better Flavor

The smoke from fragrant wood like oak or hickory infuses the shrimp with intoxicating depth and character you can't get from gas or charcoal.

Temperature Control

Moving shrimp to hotter or cooler areas of the grill lets you easily control heat and cook times for optimal doneness.

Impressive Presentation

Seeing shrimp grilling over a live fire is an exciting visual for guests that adds an experience to the meal.

While a gas grill will certainly get the job done, using real wood fire to create your ninja shrimp unlocks their full potential. The flavors and aesthetics can't be beat by the convenience of turning a knob.

Safety Tips

When wood fire grilling, there are some important safety considerations to remember:

• Grill should be in an open outdoor area away from homes, trees and debris.
• Never leave a wood burning grill unattended.
• Have a hose and fire extinguisher nearby in case of flare ups.
• Allow grill to cool down completely before moving or covering.
• Dispose of ashes carefully in metal container once completely cooled.

Always practice common sense fire safety when wood fire grilling and never attempt to move a grill that hasn't fully cooled. With some basic precautions, you can safely enjoy the unmatched flavor of wood fire ninja shrimp!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I remove the shells from shrimp before grilling?

The shells should be left on for grilling ninja shrimp, as the shell provides protection for the delicate shrimp meat and is necessary for getting the blackened charcoal effect. Just remember to peel before eating!

What is the best wood for grilling shrimp?

Oak and hickory are two of the best woods for grilling shrimp. They burn hot and provide an amazing flavor profile. Fruit woods like apple and cherry also pair beautifully with seafood.

How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Be sure shrimp are patted very dry before seasoning and oiling. Use a grill basket or perforated grill pan to keep delicate shrimp from sticking and falling through grates.

Should I flip shrimp more than once?

Shrimp cook very quickly, so you should only need to flip them a single time to char both sides. Avoid overflipping, which can lead to overcooked, rubbery shrimp.

What is the best drink pairing for ninja shrimp?

A crisp lager or pilsner beer works great with spicy grilled shrimp. A sauvignon blanc or other light white wine is also an excellent pairing.

Get Grilling!

Backyard chefs looking for show-stopping new recipes need look no further than ninja shrimp. Deceptively simple, visually stunning and irresistibly delicious, these blackened beauties are sure to be a hit at your next cookout, dinner party or weeknight meal. Fire up the grill and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I grill ninja shrimp on a gas grill?

While it is possible to make ninja shrimp on a gas grill, it will be more difficult to achieve the proper high heat and wood smoke flavor. Opt for wood pellets in a smoker box for best results on gas.

What's the difference between ninja shrimp and regular grilled shrimp?

Ninja shrimp get their signature blackened charcoal look from direct high heat grilling in the shell. The shells protect the meat while also forming the crisp, smoky char that sets them apart.

How spicy are ninja shrimp?

The level of spice is customizable based on the seasoning used. While Cajun seasoning provides some heat, you can increase or decrease the spiciness to your taste by adjusting the blend.