
Firebirds-Style Grilled Shrimp & Strawberry Salad
Knock-off of the Firebirds Wood Fired Grill – grilled shrimp & strawberry salad based on published ingredient lists and restaurant demos.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Pecans
- Mix ingredients in a bowl, coating the pecans with all ingredients
- Toast in a skillet 3–4 minutes until glossy and fragrant.
- Set aside and let cool
Instead of making the candied, spiced pecans you can buy them at stores like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods
Mix the Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Mix ingredients in a bowl
- Whisk until emulsified then transfer to a Vinaigrette bottle
Instead of making the dressing you can use a store bought Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette or similar
Prepare the Shrimp
- Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on or off (your choice).
- Pat them very dry with paper towels.
- Toss with olive oil and seasonings.
Important: Wet shrimp = steaming, not grilling.
Preheat the grill properly
- Heat grill to medium-high (about 400–450°F).
- Clean grates thoroughly.
- Oil the grates right before cooking (paper towel + tongs + oil).
You want a hot surface so shrimp sear fast and don’t stick.
Grill timing (this is critical)
- Place shrimp on hot grill.
- Cook 2–3 minutes first side
- Flip and cook 1–2 minutes second side
You’re looking for: Pink color turning opaque, Light char marks, Slight curl into a “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp = tight “O” shape and rubber texture.
Optional Firebirds trick – Right at the end:
- Brush lightly with a mix of: 1 tsp melted butter, tiny pinch smoked paprika, drop of honey. This gives that slightly glossy, restaurant finish.
Rest the Shrimp (don’t skip)
- Remove shrimp immediately to a plate.
- Rest 1–2 minutes only (they keep cooking from heat).
Assemble the Salad
- Toss greens lightly with vinaigrette. Top with strawberries, jicama, goat cheese, and spiced pecans. Add hot grilled shrimp on top.
Video
Notes
To Get Even Closer to the Restaurant Version:
- Use a slightly sweet balsamic dressing.
- Don’t overdress the greens.
- Grill the shrimp hard and fast for char.
- Goat cheese is important — feta changes the flavor too much.
- Candied/spiced pecans are one of the key signature flavors.
Leave a Reply