Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe
If you have been craving a comforting Southern classic but want to keep it low carb and delicious, this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe is your new best friend. It perfectly replaces traditional grits with creamy cauliflower grits, keeping the soul of the dish while embracing a keto-friendly lifestyle. The juicy shrimp, smoky bacon, and cheesy cauliflower base come together to create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious, with every bite bursting with warmth and flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple yet impactful, featuring fresh, wholesome ingredients that each add their own magic to the dish. From the velvety texture of cauliflower grits to the bold, savory punch of bacon and spices, every item is essential for building layers of flavor and texture.
- Cauliflower (1 medium): The low-carb substitute for traditional grits, providing creaminess and body without the carbs.
- Butter (4 tablespoons total): Adds richness and helps meld flavors in both the grits and shrimp.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated): Gives the cauliflower grits a decadent, cheesy depth that’s utterly satisfying.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and freshly ground pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other tastes.
- Medium shrimp (2 lbs, peeled and deveined): The star protein, offering a tender, juicy seafood bite.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked and chopped): Brings smoky crunch that complements the creamy grits and shrimp perfectly.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens and lifts the rich flavors with a hint of citrus zing.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and umami complexity to the shrimp mixture.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): For savory aroma and a little punch of flavor.
- Green onions (4, sliced): Provide freshness and subtle crunch to the dish.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A final herbaceous note to finish and brighten your plate.
How to Make Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Grits
Start by cutting your cauliflower into chunks and steaming them for about 5 to 7 minutes. The key is to cook them until they are soft enough to mash smoothly but not waterlogged or mushy. This gives you a perfect base that’s creamy without being runny, setting the stage for your cheesy grits replacement.
Step 2: Grate the Cheddar Cheese
While your cauliflower is steaming, take this time to grate the Cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and blends seamlessly into your cauliflower grits, turning them into a luscious, cheesy delight that’s rich and satisfying.
Step 3: Blend the Cauliflower Mixture
Drain any excess water from your sticky cauliflower and while it’s still warm, add 2 tablespoons of butter, the grated Cheddar, salt, and pepper. Using a hand blender, blend everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is your moment to adjust seasoning—add more cheese or pepper to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
Next, in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon slices until they get nice and crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the pan but keep the glorious bacon fat. It’s going to flavor the shrimp beautifully. Chop the bacon into small pieces for sprinkling over the final dish later.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp right to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook them over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Turn them once or twice—look for the shrimp turning pink but not fully cooked yet. This step ensures they remain juicy and tender once all the flavors meld later on.
Step 6: Add Flavorings and Finish Cooking
Time to build those incredible flavors. To the skillet, add fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons butter, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and your chopped crispy bacon. Stir everything together and cook for a couple more minutes. This allows the shrimp to finish cooking while soaking up all the savory, buttery, tangy goodness.
Step 7: Plate and Serve
To serve, spoon generous portions of the creamy cauliflower grits onto your plates, top with the shrimp mixture, then sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately for the best experience of contrasting textures and vibrant flavors that make this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a burst of color and fresh notes that cut through the richness. A lemon wedge on the side offers an optional citrus boost for those who love that bright zing. Crumbled crispy bacon on top adds an extra crunchy texture that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with simple low-carb sides like sautéed kale, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides provide needed greens and contrast to the creamy, cheesy grits and savory shrimp, keeping your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this shrimp and grits recipe in shallow bowls to highlight the beautiful layers of creamy grits beneath the vibrant shrimp topping. Alternatively, try stacking the shrimp atop a neat circular mold of cauliflower grits for an elegant presentation perfect for special occasions or impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe should be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated. The flavors actually meld beautifully after resting overnight, but it’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days for freshness and texture.
Freezing
While the cauliflower grits freeze well, shrimp textures tend to change upon freezing and thawing. For best results, freeze the cauliflower grits separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat and prepare fresh shrimp when ready to serve.
Reheating
Gently reheat your leftovers in a covered pan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water or butter to loosen the cauliflower grits if they thicken too much. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as low heat and slow stirring preserve the creaminess better.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce. Frozen shrimp gives you a convenient and affordable option without sacrificing flavor.
Is cauliflower grits a good replacement for traditional grits?
Yes, cauliflower grits offer a wonderfully creamy texture and mild flavor that mimics traditional grits while being low in carbs and keto-friendly. The addition of cheddar cheese ensures richness and indulgence in every bite.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and swap cheddar cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, though this will slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, try a splash of soy sauce or tamari mixed with a little lemon juice for a similar tangy, umami kick that compliments the shrimp.
How spicy is this dish?
This particular version isn’t spicy—it’s more about rich, savory, and tangy flavors. However, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in Step 6 to add your desired level of heat!
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe truly stands out as a meal that satisfies both your cravings for comfort food and your commitment to a low carb lifestyle. With its creamy cauliflower grits, savory shrimp, and smoky bacon, it’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly healthy. I encourage you to try it soon—you might find it becoming a regular favorite that you recommend to friends and family as a go-to keto classic.
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Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A low carb keto-friendly twist on the classic Southern dish shrimp and grits, using creamy cauliflower grits topped with flavorful sautéed shrimp, crispy bacon, and fresh herbs. This recipe offers a satisfying, healthy alternative that’s rich in flavor yet low in carbohydrates.
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 and Toppings
- 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 the pieces are soft but not overcooked, ensuring they retain some structure for blending.
- Grate Cheese: While the cauliflower is steaming, grate the Cheddar cheese so it’s ready to be incorporated into the grits.
- Blend Cauliflower Mixture: Drain any excess water from the steamed cauliflower. While still hot, combine the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons butter, the grated Cheddar cheese, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Use a hand blender to puree the mixture until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Cook Bacon: In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces for topping.
- Cook Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes, turning the shrimp once or twice, until they start to turn pink but are not fully cooked yet.
- Add Flavorings to Shrimp: Add fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons butter, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and the chopped bacon directly to the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and infused with the combined flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the warm creamy cauliflower grits onto serving plates, top with the sautéed shrimp mixture, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure not to oversteam the cauliflower to avoid watery grits.
- If you prefer, substitute Cheddar cheese with another hard cheese like Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best brightness and acidity.
- Keep the bacon grease in the pan to enhance the shrimp’s flavor.
- This dish is best served immediately to maintain the creamy texture of the grits and the juiciness of the shrimp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
