Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe

I absolutely love this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe because it satisfies that craving for comfort food without derailing your low carb lifestyle. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, yet it keeps things light and wholesome thanks to cauliflower replacing traditional grits. Whether you’re craving cozy weekend brunch or a fuss-free dinner, this recipe always hits the spot for me.

When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how much the cauliflower mimicked real grits, and the shrimp cooked in bacon fat and garlic elevates the whole meal to something really special. You’ll find that this recipe is simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve to guests, making it a versatile staple in your keto repertoire.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to balance creamy, tangy, and savory flavors perfectly. Using fresh and quality shrimp makes a big difference, and don’t skimp on the cheddar cheese—it’s the star that makes those cauliflower grits truly shine.

• Cauliflower: Use a fresh medium head, ideally firm and white, which mashes up beautifully as grits.
• Butter: Adds richness; I recommend using unsalted so you can control the salt level better.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that tangy, creamy lift to the cauliflower base.
• Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper really wakes up the flavors.
• Shrimp: Medium-sized peeled and deveined shrimp work best—they cook evenly and absorb the sauce perfectly.
• Bacon: Crisp, chopped bacon adds smoky depth and fat for cooking shrimp.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten the shrimp mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds umami and complexity.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses fragrant flavor throughout.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, subtle bite.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for color and a mild herbaceous note.

Variations

I love to play around with this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe depending on what’s in the fridge or the season. It’s flexible enough to welcome your favorite keto-friendly additions or swaps, so feel free to make it your own!

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the shrimp while cooking for a fiery twist—I tried this for a game day spread and it was a hit.
• Cheese Swap: Swap cheddar for Parmesan or a creamy blue cheese for different flavor profiles—each variation brings something unique to the grits.
• Herb Variations: Use fresh thyme or chives in place of parsley to switch up the herbaceous notes.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach in the shrimp mixture for an extra nutrient-packed meal.

How to Make Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Grits

Start by cutting your cauliflower into evenly sized chunks to ensure even steaming. Steam the cauliflower for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s tender but not mushy—oversteaming makes the texture watery, which you want to avoid. While it’s steaming, grate your cheddar cheese so it’s ready to be mixed. Once steamed, drain the cauliflower well (this step is key to avoid watery grits), then while still warm, blend it together with butter, cheddar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. I use a hand blender which makes this step quick and easy—feel free to add more cheese or seasoning to taste.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Shrimp

In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook your bacon until crispy. This not only gives you that smoky crunch but the rendered bacon fat becomes your shrimp’s secret flavor booster. Remove the cooked bacon to a plate, leaving the bacon grease in the pan. Add shrimp to the pan and sauté for about 3 minutes, turning at least once, until they’re almost pink but not quite done. Shrimp cooks fast, so keep an eye on them to avoid rubbery texture.

Step 3: Finish the Shrimp with Flavor

Now add fresh lemon juice, butter, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and sliced green onions to your shrimp. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce is fragrant and silky. Stir in the crispy bacon pieces last for that beautiful crunch. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

Spoon your warm cauliflower grits onto plates, then generously top with the shrimp mixture. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over everything for a nice pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

How to Serve Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh parsley on top because it adds a bright, herbal note that balances the richness beautifully. Sometimes, I’ll add a few thin lemon slices or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra color and zing. Green onions also double as both an ingredient and garnish, lending a mild bite and great texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe pairs perfectly with simple green veggies like sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus. For a heartier meal, I love serving it alongside a fresh cucumber and avocado salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette—light, refreshing, and keto-friendly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the grits in small ramekins topped with shrimp and garnished with edible flowers or microgreens to impress guests. Layering the shrimp over the grits in a clear glass bowl creates a stunning visual too, especially if you let the parsley and green onions peek through for a fresh pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and try to eat them within 2 days for best flavor and texture. The cauliflower grits tend to firm up a bit when chilled, but they reheat beautifully with a touch of added butter or cream to bring back creaminess.

Freezing

While I rarely freeze this dish because it tastes best fresh, you can freeze the cooked cauliflower grits separately and thaw them in the fridge before reheating. The shrimp aren’t ideal for freezing as they can get a bit rubbery, so I recommend cooking fresh shrimp when serving leftovers.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the grits in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously and adding a splash of butter or cream to loosen the texture. Reheat shrimp separately in a skillet on medium-low heat just until warmed through, to avoid overcooking. Combining everything right before serving keeps that fresh, satisfying texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Recipe has become a true comfort food favorite in my kitchen, balancing indulgence and healthy eating without compromise. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s a fantastic way to impress yourself with how satisfying keto meals can be. Give it a try and share it with the people you care about—you’ll be glad you did!

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