If you’re craving a comforting Southern classic with a healthy twist, you’re in for a treat with this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe. This dish delivers all the creamy, cheesy satisfaction of traditional shrimp and grits, but swaps out the carb-heavy grits for velvety cauliflower, making it a perfect meal for anyone embracing a ketogenic lifestyle. The juicy, buttery shrimp paired with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese come together for a meal that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll keep it in your dinner rotation again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients that pack a big punch in taste and texture. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s creating the creamy base of the cauliflower grits, adding richness, or layering vibrant flavors with the shrimp and bacon.
- Cauliflower (1 medium): The star low-carb substitute for traditional grits, providing a creamy and slightly nutty foundation.
- Butter (4 tablespoons total): Adds a rich, silky smoothness to both the grits and the shrimp, creating a luscious mouthfeel.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated): Sharp and melty, this cheese makes the cauliflower grits irresistibly creamy and satisfying.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and freshly ground pepper (¼ teaspoon): Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- Medium shrimp (2 lbs, peeled and deveined): The protein powerhouse of the dish, contributing tender, juicy bites with a slight sweetness.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked crispy and chopped): Brings smoky crunch and depth to the shrimp mixture.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, zesty note to balance the richness of the dish.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): A secret umami bomb that enhances the savory flavors of the shrimp.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory punch.
- Green onions (4, sliced): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and crisp texture.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a herbaceous finishing touch and lovely green color.
How to Make Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Grits
Start by cutting your cauliflower into chunks. Steam it just until soft, about 5 to 7 minutes, so it’s tender but not mushy—this is key to achieving that perfect grit-like texture. Drain any excess water to avoid watery grits later on.
Step 2: Grate the Cheddar Cheese
While your cauliflower steams, grate the sharp cheddar cheese. Having this ready makes the next steps quicker and keeps the heat in the cauliflower so the cheese melts perfectly.
Step 3: Blend Cauliflower Mixture
With your cauliflower hot, toss it into a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of butter, the grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Use a hand blender or food processor to blend everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and tweak the seasoning or add more cheese for extra indulgence.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook your bacon until it’s crispy but not burnt. Remove the bacon, reserve the flavorful bacon grease in the pan, and chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bacon grease in the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, turning at least once so they turn almost pink and start to curl, but don’t cook them all the way through yet—this keeps them juicy.
Step 6: Add Flavorings and Finish Cooking Shrimp
Now stir in the fresh lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and chopped bacon. Let everything cook together for another couple of minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Serve Your Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe
Spoon generous portions of the creamy cauliflower grits onto your plates. Top with the shrimp mixture and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve right away for the best experience.
How to Serve Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley enhances not only the look but also offers an herbaceous pop that balances the richness. For an extra zing, a small wedge of lemon on the side lets everyone add a fresh squeeze of citrus.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with a simple, crisp green salad or sautéed greens like spinach or kale. The freshness and crunch cut through the creamy, savory shrimp and grits perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this low carb keto shrimp and cauliflower grits recipe in mini cast iron skillets or even hollowed-out bell peppers for an elegant presentation. A sprinkle of smoked paprika on top adds vibrant color and a hint of smoky warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover shrimp and cauliflower grits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate helps preserve the texture of both components when reheating.
Freezing
The cauliflower grits freeze well, but shrimp can become rubbery after freezing and reheating, so it’s best to freeze only the grits if necessary. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before warming gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth for extra moisture.
Reheating
Reheat cauliflower grits slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, and add a bit of butter or cream if the mixture feels stiff. For the shrimp, warm them gently in a skillet just until heated through to maintain tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get a nice sear and prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
Is there a dairy-free way to make the cauliflower grits?
You can substitute dairy butter and cheddar cheese with vegan butter and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How spicy is this shrimp and cauliflower grits recipe?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly as written, but if you like heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce when cooking your shrimp.
Can I use other cheese varieties?
Definitely! While cheddar cheese adds a classic sharpness, Monterey Jack or smoked gouda can provide wonderful flavor twists to your low carb keto shrimp and cauliflower grits recipe.
What’s the best way to steam cauliflower?
Cut cauliflower into evenly sized chunks and steam them over boiling water using a steamer basket or colander for about 5–7 minutes. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness—soft but still structured is the goal.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite but fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, so I encourage you to give it a try soon. You might just find your new favorite comfort food that everyone at your table will love!
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Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits recipe offers a delicious, healthy twist on the classic Southern dish by replacing traditional stone-ground grits with creamy cauliflower grits. Packed with succulent shrimp, crispy bacon, and bold flavors from garlic, lemon, and Worcestershire sauce, this meal is perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a satisfying dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Grits
- 1 medium cauliflower (Approx 907g / 2lb)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese (226g / 8oz) – grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Shrimp Mixture
- 2 lbs medium shrimp (907g) – peeled and deveined
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower Grits: Cut the cauliflower into chunks and steam them for 5-7 minutes until they are soft but not overcooked, ensuring they retain some texture.
- Grate Cheese: While the cauliflower steams, grate the Cheddar cheese so it’s ready to use when you blend the grits.
- Blend Cauliflower Mixture: Drain any excess water from the cooked cauliflower. While still hot, add 2 tablespoons of butter, grated cheese, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Use a hand blender to blend everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more cheese, salt, or pepper if desired.
- Cook Bacon: In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving bacon grease in the pan. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, turning at least once, until the shrimp turn almost pink but are not fully cooked yet.
- Add Flavorings: To the skillet, add fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons butter, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and chopped cooked bacon. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and all the ingredients meld together.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy cauliflower grits onto serving plates. Top with the shrimp mixture and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can steam the cauliflower in a steamer basket or microwave it covered with a little water until tender.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the shrimp while cooking.
- Make sure not to overcook the cauliflower to keep the grits creamy and not mushy.
- Leftover shrimp and grits can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2 days but tastes best fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southern
