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 purée. Packed with flavorful shrimp cooked in bacon and spices, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for keto and low-carb diets, providing a satisfying main course that’s rich, savory, and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Bacon
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Cauliflower Grits
- 1 head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower Grits: Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until they are tender, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the cauliflower well to remove excess moisture, then transfer it to a food processor. Add the butter, heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Keep the cauliflower grits warm while you prepare the shrimp.
- Cook Bacon and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside. Discard most of the bacon grease from the pan, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon for cooking the shrimp. Add butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Sauté the mixture for about 30 seconds to release the flavors, then add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Stir in the lemon juice and cooked bacon for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy cauliflower grits onto plates and top each serving generously with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can prepare the cauliflower grits in advance and gently reheat them before serving to save time.
- For added richness, consider topping the dish with a little more shredded cheddar cheese or a fried egg.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
