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
Scale
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
