If you have been searching for a delightful meal that perfectly balances comfort and low-carb nutrition, you are in for a treat. This Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe transforms classic Southern flavors into a keto-friendly feast bursting with creamy texture and vibrant tastes. Imagine succulent, garlicky shrimp served atop luscious, cheesy cauliflower grits—a dish so satisfying that it quickly became one of my absolute favorites to make any day of the week. It’s a celebration of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients that comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is easy and rewarding. Each component plays a key role in creating the rich, creamy base or the perfectly seasoned shrimp topping, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
- Cauliflower (1 medium): Acts as a low-carb stand-in for traditional grits, providing a healthy, fiber-rich base with a mild flavor.
- Butter (4 tablespoons total): Adds a velvety richness to both the grits and shrimp, enhancing flavor and mouthfeel.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated): Delivers sharpness and creaminess that makes the cauliflower grits irresistibly cheesy.
- Salt and freshly ground pepper (½ and ¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Medium shrimp (2 pounds, peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and sweet, that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked and chopped): Provides a smoky crunch that contrasts with the tender shrimp and creamy grits.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright zing that lifts the dish and balances richer elements.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings umami depth and complexity to the shrimp mixture.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuse fragrant warmth and a little bite to the shrimp topping.
- Green onions (4, sliced): Introduce freshness and subtle onion flavor to the dish.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Used as a garnish to add a pop of color and herbal brightness.
How to Make Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Grits
Start by cutting your cauliflower into chunks: this allows for even cooking. Steam it for 5 to 7 minutes until soft but firm enough to hold its shape. Steaming preserves nutrients and keeps the veggies moist, which is key for the creamy texture of your “grits.”
Step 2: Grate the Cheese
While the cauliflower steams, grate your sharp cheddar cheese. Having it ready to go means you can smoothly combine it into the grits as soon as the cauliflower is ready. Freshly grated cheese melts better and offers a more appealing texture and flavor.
Step 3: Blend Cauliflower Mixture
After steaming, drain any excess water from your cauliflower to avoid watery grits. While it’s still hot, blend in 2 tablespoons of butter, the grated cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper using a hand blender. The heat melts everything together for that silky, cheesy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning—this step gives you control to nail the perfect balance.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
Next, crisp up the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This crispy, smoky component adds wonderful texture and flavor contrast. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel, drain the excess grease, and chop it into small pieces to sprinkle over the finished dish.
Step 5: Cook Shrimp
Using the bacon grease left in the skillet imparts a delicious smoky undertone to the shrimp. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for about 3 minutes, turning once, just until they begin to turn pink but are not fully cooked—this prevents overcooking in the next step.
Step 6: Add Flavorings and Finish Cooking
Now add fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of butter, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and the chopped bacon back into the skillet. Let the shrimp finish cooking in this flavorful sauce for an additional couple of minutes, allowing all those incredible flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 7: Serve Your Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe
Spoon those creamy cauliflower grits onto plates first, then generously top with the luscious shrimp mixture. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over everything to add a touch of herbal brightness and color. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a simple but impactful garnish that adds a splash of green and fresh flavor. You might also consider a few lemon wedges on the side for a zesty twist at the table or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add color and a subtle smoky note.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is already hearty and full of protein and healthy fats, lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli tossed with garlic would complement it beautifully without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the shrimp and cauliflower grits in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, comforting vibe. Alternatively, try plating in a layered fashion: a neat mound of grits topped with shrimp, then drizzled with the pan juices and garnished elegantly for a restaurant-worthy look at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp and cauliflower grits can be stored together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it a great option for next-day meals.
Freezing
While the grits freeze well separately, shrimp tends to become rubbery after freezing. For best quality, freeze the cauliflower grits alone in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then prepare fresh shrimp or reheat the shrimp portion separately without freezing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the grits creamy. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and avoid drying out the shrimp.
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 avoid excess moisture in the skillet, which could prevent browning and affect the texture.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute with a dash of soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little lemon juice for that similar umami depth, though the flavor won’t be exactly the same.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free butter and substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese that melts well. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This version is mild, but feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture if you like a little kick. It complements the richness of the dish beautifully.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it makes a great meal prep option. Portion out lunches into containers with the cauliflower grits on the bottom and shrimp on top, adding fresh parsley when reheating just before eating for freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels indulgent but fits beautifully into a health-conscious lifestyle. The balance of creamy grits with savory, flavorful shrimp makes every bite a little celebration on your plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how effortlessly this dish can become a standout favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- 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 grits with creamy cauliflower grits. Featuring tender sautéed shrimp cooked with bacon, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, this dish is perfect for a flavorful, quick keto-friendly meal that can be ready in just 35 minutes.
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 soft but not overcooked, ensuring a perfect texture for blending.
- Grate Cheese: While the cauliflower is steaming, grate the Cheddar cheese so it’s ready to use when blending 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 pepper. Use a hand blender to blend everything together until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more cheese, salt, or pepper as desired.
- Cook Bacon: In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan, keeping the bacon grease in the skillet. Then chop the bacon into small pieces for topping the shrimp mixture.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, turning at least once, until shrimp are almost pink but not fully cooked to retain tenderness.
- Add Flavorings: To the skillet, add fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons butter, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and chopped cooked bacon. Cook for another couple of minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and all the ingredients are well combined, creating a rich and flavorful shrimp mixture.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy cauliflower grits onto plates, top with the shrimp mixture, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Steaming the cauliflower just until tender prevents watery grits and maintains a creamy texture.
- Adjust cheese and seasoning in cauliflower grits to suit your taste preference.
- Keep the bacon grease in the skillet to add flavor when cooking shrimp.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- This dish can be served with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
