Description
A low-carb, keto-friendly twist on classic shrimp and grits using creamy cauliflower grits instead of traditional corn grits. This recipe combines tender shrimp cooked with bacon, garlic, and flavorful seasonings served over cheesy, buttery cauliflower grits for a comforting, nutritious meal.
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 Mixture
- 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 soft but not overcooked. This ensures the cauliflower is tender and ready for blending.
- Grate Cheese: While the cauliflower is steaming, grate the Cheddar cheese so it is ready to mix in with the cooked cauliflower.
- Blend Cauliflower Mixture: Drain any excess water from the cauliflower. While still hot, add 2 tablespoons of butter, grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Use a hand blender to blend everything until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning by adding extra cheese, salt, or pepper to taste.
- Cook Bacon: In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon slices until crisp. Remove from the skillet, drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces. Keep the bacon grease in the skillet for cooking the shrimp.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, flipping at least once, until the shrimp are almost pink but not fully cooked.
- Add Flavorings: To the skillet, add fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of butter, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and the chopped crispy bacon. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and flavors are well combined.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy cauliflower grits onto plates, top with the shrimp mixture, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- To keep this recipe fully keto-friendly, avoid adding high-carb sides or thickening agents.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with other hard cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda if preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning and cheese quantity in the cauliflower grits to your taste preference.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp while cooking.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
