Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe

If you’re craving Southern comfort food but want to keep it low carb, this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe is absolutely a game changer. I love this recipe because it swaps traditional corn grits with creamy cauliflower grits, so you get all the rich, cheesy goodness without blowing your carb count. Plus, the shrimp cooked with bacon and a zesty, buttery sauce makes every bite feel like a special occasion.

When I first tried this, I was amazed at how satisfying it was, especially as someone who’s done keto for a while and sometimes misses hearty meals. You’ll find that this recipe works perfectly for a cozy weeknight dinner or whenever you need a quick but impressive meal that feels indulgent yet fits your macros. Trust me, once you make it, it quickly becomes a favorite you want to repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a creamy, flavorful dish with tons of texture. When shopping, look for fresh, medium-sized shrimp and a nice, firm cauliflower for the best results.

• Cauliflower: Choose a medium head with firm, white florets to yield smooth cauliflower “grits.”
• Butter: Adds richness both in cauliflower grits and shrimp sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild — shredded freshly makes the creamiest mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all layers of flavor.
• Shrimp: Medium-sized, peeled and deveined, for perfect bite-sized pieces.
• Bacon: Crispy cooked bacon provides smoky depth and crunch.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the buttery, savory flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Gives a subtle umami kick that’s essential for that classic shrimp and grits vibe.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes the shrimp sauce fragrant and savory.
• Green Onions: Adds freshness and color to the shrimp topping.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a mild herbal note.

Variations

I love tweaking this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. You can absolutely personalize it and still keep it just as delicious and keto-friendly.

• Use Different Cheese: Sometimes I swap cheddar for smoked gouda or parmesan for a different flavor twist — both work beautifully.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or some hot sauce to the shrimp for those days I want a little heat.
• Herb Variations: Swap parsley for fresh cilantro or basil if you want a bright, fresh note that changes the profile subtly.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the cauliflower grits for extra nutrients and flavor.

How to Make Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Step 1: Cook Cauliflower Grits Until Smooth and Creamy

Start by cutting the cauliflower into chunks and steaming it for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender but not mushy. It’s important not to overcook because too much water will make your grits runny. While that steams, grate your cheddar cheese — fresh shredding really enhances the creaminess.

Once steamed, drain any excess water, then quickly blend the hot cauliflower with butter, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper using a hand blender or food processor. The warmth helps everything melt together for the perfect silky texture. I often taste and add more cheese or seasoning here — this step really sets the flavor base.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Shrimp and Bacon Mixture

Cook your bacon slices in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Don’t dump that bacon grease! Leave it in the skillet to cook your shrimp.

Next, add shrimp to the same pan with the bacon grease. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, turning once until shrimp are mostly pink but not fully cooked through. This keeps them juicy and tender. Then add fresh lemon juice, butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, sliced green onions, and your chopped bacon. Let it cook a couple more minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce is nice and saucy.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve Immediately

Spoon a hearty portion of the warm cauliflower grits onto your plate, then top generously with the shrimp mixture. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve this right away while everything’s hot and the textures are perfect. I promise you’ll love how the creamy grits cradle the flavorful shrimp — it’s pure comfort food magic, keto style!

How to Serve Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping this dish with freshly chopped parsley because it adds that fresh, bright note and a pop of color. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra sharp cheddar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten the flavors even more. A dusting of smoked paprika can also add a luscious smoky touch if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe is quite hearty on its own, but if you want to round it out, I often pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a bit of crunch and freshness. Roasted asparagus or sautéed garlic green beans also work great for adding some vibrant greens without breaking keto.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this dish in individual shallow bowls, layering the creamy cauliflower grits first and building a neat mound of shrimp topping. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens also elevates the presentation beautifully. If you’re hosting brunch, try plating alongside poached eggs for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover shrimp and cauliflower grits separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the textures and flavors fresh and prevents the shrimp from overcooking when reheated. You can enjoy leftovers within 2 to 3 days with no problem.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the shrimp mixture often, the cauliflower grits freeze quite well. Just thaw completely in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to bring back creaminess. Freezing shrimp can affect texture, so I recommend only freezing grits if possible for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the cauliflower grits in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or cream, stirring occasionally to maintain silky texture. I reheat the shrimp separately in the skillet for just a minute or two to prevent rubberiness. Then combine and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe quickly became one of my go-to meals because it hits that sweet spot of comforting and healthy perfectly. It reminds me that eating low carb doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or soul food favorites. So, next time you want a dish that feels indulgent but keeps you on track, give this a try—I promise you’ll come back to it again and again, just like I do!

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