Shrimp and grits has always held a special place in our hearts. It’s one of those soul-warming Southern dishes that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but comforting enough for a lazy Sunday meal. Of course, traditional versions are far from keto-friendly with all the corn-based grits and rich roux—but we weren’t about to give up on the idea of enjoying this classic in a low-carb lifestyle.
That’s where this Keto Shrimp & Grits recipe comes in. We swapped the grits for a creamy, cheesy cauliflower mash that’s so smooth and satisfying, it might just become your new go-to side. The shrimp are sautéed in garlic butter with just the right amount of smoky heat, then spooned over that dreamy cauliflower base. The result is a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and hits every comforting note, without a single kernel of corn in sight.
Keto Shrimp & Grits with Cheesy Cauliflower Grits
Sautéed garlic butter shrimp served over ultra-creamy cauliflower grits packed with cheesy goodness. This keto-friendly version of shrimp and grits is rich, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight comfort or impressing guests.
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Cauliflower Grits:
For the Shrimp:
Instructions
Make the Cauliflower Grits:
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Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until fork-tender, about 8–10 minutes.
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Drain well and transfer to a food processor.
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Add butter, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm while you prepare the shrimp.
Cook the Shrimp:
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
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Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Toss in the shrimp, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
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Sauté for 3–4 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
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Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to coat.
Assemble the Dish:
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Spoon a generous portion of cheesy cauliflower grits onto each plate or bowl.
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Top with sautéed shrimp and drizzle with any leftover garlic butter from the pan.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 ServingCalories:365kcalTotal Fat:25gSaturated Fat: 13gTotal Carbohydrate:9gDietary Fiber: 3gSugars: 2gProtein:27g
Note
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach or kale alongside the shrimp.
- Mild Version: Skip the cayenne pepper for a more family-friendly version.
- Smoky Kick: Add a splash of hot sauce or extra paprika for bolder flavor.
