If you’re craving the rich, comforting flavors of a classic Southern dish but want to keep things light and keto-friendly, this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe is your new best friend. It perfectly swaps traditional corn grits for creamy cauliflower, delivering that luscious texture you love without the carbs. Paired with perfectly sautéed shrimp kissed by garlic and smoked paprika, it’s a symphony of taste and texture that satisfies every craving while staying true to a low-carb lifestyle. Whether for brunch, dinner, or a special weekend treat, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe plays an important role, from the creamy “grits” base to the spice-rich shrimp topping. Each one is simple, easy to find, and essential for delivering that perfect combination of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors on your plate.
- Cauliflower (1 small head, about 4 cups florets): The low-carb star that becomes creamy, luscious grits.
- Butter (2 tablespoons for grits, 1 tablespoon for shrimp): Adds richness and a velvety texture to both components.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Creates the silky smoothness that mimics traditional grits.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1/2 cup shredded): Gives the grits a tangy, melty flavor and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and juicy with every bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps crisp up the shrimp while adding depth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses a fragrant punch that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a smoky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A gentle heat boost to enliven the shrimp.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brightens the flavors and adds a fresh pop of green.
- Bacon slices (2, cooked and crumbled, optional): For an extra layer of smokiness and crunch.
How to Make Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Grits
Start by steaming or microwaving the cauliflower florets until they are very soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. This softness is crucial to getting that creamy grits texture without any graininess. Once cooked, drain well to remove excess moisture—this keeps the “grits” thick and rich instead of watery.
Step 2: Blend the Cauliflower Base
Place the drained cauliflower in a food processor, then add butter, heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mixture a few times until it becomes smooth and creamy, resembling the texture of classic grits. If you want a thicker consistency, you can add some grated Parmesan or reduce the cream slightly for a firmer base that holds up under the shrimp perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the shrimp alongside minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and become opaque. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy without drying out.
Step 4: Assemble Your Dish
Ladle the creamy cauliflower grits onto your serving plates or into warm bowls. Spoon the hot sautéed shrimp directly on top, allowing the juices to mingle with the grits. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and crumbled bacon over everything to brighten the dish and add delightful bits of texture and flavor. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy every comforting bite.
How to Serve Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Garnishes
The best garnishes for this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe are fresh and simple. Chopped parsley adds a fresh herbaceous note and a pop of green color that livens the plate. Crumbled bacon not only brings a smoky crunch but creates a wonderful contrast against the creamy grits and tender shrimp. A light drizzle of lemon juice can add an extra zing if you want to brighten up the dish further.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is rich and filling, pair it with light, crisp accompaniments to balance the meal. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables work beautifully. For low-carb cravings, sautéed asparagus or garlic green beans are fantastic side choices offering texture contrast without adding carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or elevate your weeknight dinner? Serve the grits in small cast-iron skillets or rustic bowls with shrimp piled high—this makes for a beautiful, hearty presentation. You can also add edible flowers or microgreens on top for a restaurant-style finish. For brunch, serve alongside poached eggs to turn this into a luxurious meal that’s both keto and indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the cauliflower grits and shrimp separately if possible to maintain texture and freshness. This way, the grits won’t become watery, and the shrimp won’t get rubbery.
Freezing
You can freeze the cauliflower grits portion for up to 1 month. Just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. The shrimp, however, don’t freeze as well after cooking because they can become tough and lose their delicate texture. For best results, freeze only the grits and cook shrimp fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the cauliflower grits gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the texture. Warm the shrimp separately, either in a skillet or microwave, just until heated through to avoid overcooking. Combining both right before serving will give you the closest experience to enjoying the dish freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cauliflower works well as a convenient and budget-friendly option. Just thaw and dry it thoroughly before processing to avoid extra moisture that could make the grits watery.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk or cream can be a great keto-friendly substitute that still provides creamy richness without changing the flavor too much.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter alternatives and nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute instead of cheddar cheese. This keeps it keto-friendly and accommodates dairy sensitivities.
How spicy is this dish with the cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper adds just a subtle warmth and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor. The smoked paprika gives a smoky undertone without heat, so the spice level is easily adjustable to your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Preparing the cauliflower grits in advance and cooking shrimp fresh when ready to eat makes this recipe perfect for quick, tasty meal prep. Just remember to store components separately for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe enough for anyone looking to enjoy a classic comfort food without the carb overload. It’s packed with flavor, quick to prepare, and perfect for any meal of the day. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want something cozy, satisfying, and keto-friendly. Go ahead and treat yourself—you’ll thank me later!
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: Low-Carb
Description
A delicious low carb keto shrimp and grits recipe featuring creamy cauliflower ‘grits’ and perfectly sautéed shrimp. This Southern-inspired dish is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, offering a healthier alternative to traditional shrimp and grits without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Cauliflower 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
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 Cauliflower Grits: Steam or microwave the cauliflower florets until very soft, about 8–10 minutes. Drain well to remove excess moisture and place the cooked cauliflower in a food processor. Add the butter, heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Set aside and keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Sauté the shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the creamy cauliflower grits onto plates or into bowls. Top with the sautéed shrimp, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and add crumbled cooked bacon if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- To thicken the cauliflower grits more, add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese or reduce the amount of heavy cream slightly.
- This dish is perfect for a hearty low-carb breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp before serving.
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp to save prep time and ensure even cooking.
