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Creamy Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits

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A light and creamy twist on traditional shrimp and grits using cauliflower as a low-carb base, fresh herbs, and tender pan-seared shrimp. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a comforting yet healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups grated or riced)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Rice the cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower, remove leaves and core, cut into florets and pulse in a food processor until coarse grains (about 4 cups). Alternatively, grate using a box grater.
  2. Prepare the cauliflower grits: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add riced cauliflower and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and lower heat to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender and creamy, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on very low heat.
  5. Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  6. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add shrimp in a single layer, sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  8. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly charred, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until just cooked through.
  9. Add fresh herbs: Stir chopped parsley, thyme, and chives into the shrimp, toss gently to combine and warm the herbs. Remove skillet from heat.
  10. Assemble and serve: Spoon creamy cauliflower grits onto plates or shallow bowls, top generously with herbed shrimp, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

If cauliflower grits are too thick, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender; they should curl into a loose ‘C’ shape. Fresh herbs added at the end preserve brightness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and vegan butter, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, cauliflower grits, low carb, creamy shrimp, easy dinner, fresh herbs, healthy comfort food

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/creamy-shrimp-and-cauliflower-grits-recipe-easy-homemade-with-fresh-herbs/