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Creamy Low-Carb Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits

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A comforting, buttery shrimp and cauliflower grits dish that is low-carb and perfect for keto diets, delivering creamy texture and bold flavors without the carb overload.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 4 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (use full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional if dairy-free)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Chop the cauliflower into uniform florets (about 4 cups). Pulse in a food processor until it resembles coarse grits or small rice grains, being careful not to over-process.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the cauliflower pulses and stir to coat.
  3. Pour in 1/2 cup water and cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking. The cauliflower should become tender but not mushy.
  4. Remove the lid and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep warm on very low heat.
  5. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter foams, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until shrimp curl and are opaque but juicy.
  8. Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the shrimp.
  9. Spoon cauliflower grits onto plates, top generously with shrimp and pan sauce. Garnish with extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

If cauliflower grits seem too thick, add a splash more cream or water to loosen. Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender. Let cauliflower grits rest covered off heat for a few minutes before serving to improve texture. Use fresh cauliflower for best texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: low-carb, keto, shrimp, cauliflower grits, creamy, easy, quick, comfort food, gluten-free

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/creamy-low-carb-shrimp-and-cauliflower-grits-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-keto/