Get ready to fall in love with a dish that packs all the Southern comfort food charm without any of the carb-laden guilt! This Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe transforms everyone’s favorite classic into a dreamy, creamy meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Fluffy cauliflower grits smothered in buttery cheese form a luscious base for spicy, garlicky shrimp, and if you’re feeling festive, a sprinkle of crispy bacon and fresh parsley on top brings the whole thing together. Whether you’re new to keto or just craving lighter Southern flavors, this dish serves up pure coziness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role, from adding velvety texture to bringing bold flavor or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why every part matters in this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe.
- Cauliflower: The perfect low-carb stand-in for grits, cauliflower soaks up all the cheesy goodness and turns incredibly creamy when blended.
- Butter: Adds a rich depth to both the “grits” and the shrimp – don’t be shy, it’s essential for that Southern touch.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the faux grits extra silkiness and a decadent mouthfeel without extra carbs.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the cauliflower, delivering bold, tangy flavor and amazing stretch.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that make all the ingredients sing.
- Large Shrimp: They cook quickly, soak up spice, and add juicy bite as the star of the show.
- Olive Oil: Helps the shrimp sear just right while introducing a touch of fruitiness.
- Garlic: Packs aromatic punch into every forkful; fresh is always best here.
- Smoked Paprika: Brings warmth, color, and a hint of smokiness reminiscent of true Southern fare.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those who love a little heat, this awakens your taste buds; adjust to your spice preference.
- Fresh Parsley: A pop of green that brightens the plate and adds fresh, clean flavor.
- Bacon (optional): Crumbled bacon delivers that irresistible salty crunch – totally worth it for extra Southern soul.
How to Make Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Grits
Start by steaming or microwaving your cauliflower florets until they are fork-tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is key: the softer your cauliflower, the smoother and more luxurious your “grits” will be later. Don’t rush this – give the florets time to get really tender so they blend up nice and creamy.
Step 2: Blend the Grits Base
Once your cauliflower is ready, drain off any excess moisture and transfer it to a food processor. Add the butter, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse everything together until you reach a velvety, spoonable consistency that resembles real grits. Scrape down the sides as needed to catch every creamy bit. Taste and adjust your seasoning so every bite pops with flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, toss in your shrimp, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne if using, plus a dash of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they curl up, turn pink, and develop a deliciously golden edge. Don’t overcook them – you want tender, juicy shrimp as the crown jewel!
Step 4: Plate and Finish
Spoon your cozy cauliflower grits into bowls or onto plates, smoothing them out for a soft bed. Top generously with sautéed shrimp and drizzle over every last bit of that garlicky pan sauce. Sprinkle over chopped parsley for freshness, and don’t hold back on those crumbles of crispy bacon if you opted for them. Serve it all hot, and get ready for some serious Southern comfort.
How to Serve Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a must for bright color and a fresh, herbal lift. If you’re a fan of bold Southern flavor, crumbled bacon makes this dish absolutely irresistible, adding salty crunch to every bite. You could even finish with a dusting of extra cheddar or a touch of smoked paprika for a pop of visual flair. The right garnish makes the Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This hearty recipe stands tall on its own, but if you want a little more at the table, pair it with simple sautéed greens like spinach or collard greens. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also perfectly balances the creamy, rich flavors here. And for true Southern hospitality, serve with lemon wedges – a little squeeze of citrus takes everything up a notch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving for brunch? Try layering the cauliflower grits and shrimp into cocktail glasses or mini bowls for an elegant starter. Hosting a dinner? Plate up with the shrimp fanned out in a circle and a swirl of sauce. For family-style dining, you can bring the skillet to the table for everyone to scoop their own generous serving. However you present it, the Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe looks as great as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the cauliflower grits and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more overnight, so don’t hesitate to save some for tomorrow’s lunch or dinner. Enjoy within three days for best texture and taste.
Freezing
For longer storage, the grits base freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and store for up to one month. The shrimp are best when cooked fresh, but if you need to freeze them, lay them in a single layer to avoid clumping. Thaw both the grits and shrimp in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring everything back to its creamy glory, reheat the cauliflower grits gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of cream or water if needed. Warm the shrimp just until heated through in a skillet, or in short bursts in the microwave, so they stay tender. Assemble as usual, and you’ll never guess it was made ahead!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps them sear nicely and avoids extra moisture in the pan.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese in the grits?
Feel free to swap in your favorite melty cheese! Pepper jack adds some kick, gouda is excellent for richness, or a touch of Parmesan can amp up the umami. Just keep the total amount to about half a cup for smooth, creamy results.
How spicy is the finished dish?
This Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe is as spicy as you want it to be. The smoked paprika gives warmth, but the cayenne is totally optional – add just a pinch or skip it altogether to suit your taste.
Can I make this dairy free?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream and a dairy-free butter substitute in the grits, and your favorite plant-based cheese. Make sure your cooking fat for the shrimp is also dairy free – olive oil works perfectly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. Prepare the cauliflower grits and shrimp in advance, store them separately, and assemble just before serving. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers extra delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe takes comfort food to new, guilt-free heights. Savory, creamy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a lighter version of a Southern classic. Give it a whirl – your next cozy meal is just a skillet away!
Print
Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delicious low-carb twist on a classic Southern dish with this Keto Shrimp and Grits recipe. Succulent shrimp paired with creamy cauliflower ‘grits’ make for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
For the ‘Grits’:
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ‘Grits’: Steam or microwave the cauliflower florets until very soft, about 8–10 minutes. Drain well and place in a food processor. Add butter, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth and creamy. Set aside and keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter. Add the shrimp, garlic, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Assemble: Spoon the cauliflower ‘grits’ onto plates or into bowls. Top with sautéed shrimp, fresh parsley, and crumbled bacon if using. Serve hot.
Notes
- To thicken the cauliflower ‘grits’ more, add a bit of grated Parmesan or reduce the cream slightly.
- This dish is perfect for a hearty low-carb breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
