Name: Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 slices bacon (chopped); 2 tablespoons chopped green onions; 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into florets); 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons cream cheese; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Say hello to pure Southern comfort made healthy with this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe! This dish takes all the cozy flavors you love in classic shrimp and grits, but gives them a low carb, keto-friendly makeover. Think creamy, cheese-laced cauliflower grits topped with juicy, spiced shrimp, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions — it’s a total flavor explosion and the kind of weeknight dinner that tastes like a treat. Whether you’re new to keto or just looking for delicious ways to eat more vegetables, you’ll fall in love with every bite of this inventive take on a Southern staple.

Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This foolproof recipe comes together with simple, whole ingredients that don’t skimp on taste or nutrition. Each one plays a key role, bringing pop, creaminess, or punchy flavor to our Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe.

Large Shrimp: Go for peeled and deveined shrimp for easy prep and a tender, juicy bite every time.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the seasonings stick to the shrimp as they sizzle.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic transforms the shrimp with bold, aromatic flavor.
Smoked Paprika: A dash lends sultry smokiness and beautiful color to the shrimp.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): Sprinkle in for subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for boosting every flavor in the dish—don’t skimp!
Butter: Stirred into the shrimp and grits to make both decadently silky.
Bacon: Crispy bites of bacon add crunch and smoky depth—real Southern flair.
Green Onions: Bright pops of color and a gentle onion zing to finish the dish.
Cauliflower: The base for our keto “grits”—once steamed and blended, it’s shockingly creamy!
Heavy Cream: Whips the cauliflower into lush richness without adding carbs.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts right into the grits for toasty, cheesy notes.
Cream Cheese: The secret to ultra-smooth, tangy cauliflower grits.

How to Make Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Grits

Start by getting your cauliflower super tender. Steam or boil the florets until you can easily pierce them with a fork, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off any excess water—dry cauliflower means extra creamy grits! Pile the cooked florets into a food processor, add the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, cream cheese, butter, salt, and pepper, then blend until everything is beautifully smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, and keep those grits warm for later.

Step 2: Get the Bacon Crispy

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your chopped bacon pieces until they’re gorgeously crisp and golden. Scoop them out onto a plate lined with paper towels, but here’s the trick: keep that bacon grease in the skillet for maximum flavor in the next step!

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Add olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease, and once it’s shimmering, toss in your shrimp. Season liberally with garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne if you crave heat, plus salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side; you’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. This method keeps them juicy and bursting with flavor from all the spices.

Step 4: Make the Flavorful Sauce

Toss in the butter and green onions with the cooked shrimp, giving everything a good stir. The butter melts into a silky sauce that coats the shrimp, while the green onions soften slightly and add freshness. The smell at this point is enough to call everyone to the table!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon your velvety cauliflower grits into bowls, top generously with the hot shrimp mixture, then scatter over your crispy bacon and extra green onions for a final flourish. Every bite will bring that rich, Southern-inspired comfort you crave—without all the carbs.

How to Serve Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Garnishes

This dish really shines with the right final touches. Sprinkle extra green onions over the top for a dash of color and a gentle bite, and don’t forget the crispy bacon crumbles! If you adore a little extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne right before serving for that Southern kick.

Side Dishes

While this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, it pairs beautifully with a bright, simple salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Sautéed greens (like collard or spinach) or roasted asparagus on the side bring out the flavors and keep things extra fresh and healthy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little dinner party flair, try serving the grits and shrimp in small ramekins or martini glasses as individual appetizers. Or, pile the shrimp on top of mini “grits cakes” formed and seared from leftover cauliflower grits for a fun twist. These little changes make the Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe the star at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the shrimp and cauliflower grits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them apart ensures the shrimp don’t get rubbery and the grits stay creamy for up to three days.

Freezing

The cauliflower grits freeze surprisingly well—just cool them completely, scoop into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, wait to prepare the shrimp fresh, as they can become tough after freezing and thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the cauliflower grits in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream if they’ve thickened. Reheat the shrimp quickly in a skillet with a dab of butter until just warmed through. This keeps everything tasting as fresh as the day you made it!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for the Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps them sear beautifully and stay juicy.

Is there a dairy-free version of the cauliflower grits?

Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use your favorite dairy-free cheeses for both the cheddar and cream cheese. The grits will be just as creamy, with a slightly different flavor profile.

What’s the best way to get super smooth cauliflower grits?

Using a food processor or high-speed blender makes a big difference for silky texture. Don’t skip draining the cauliflower thoroughly—excess water can make the grits runny.

Can I substitute turkey bacon in the recipe?

Of course! Turkey bacon is a great lighter alternative to regular bacon, and still provides that lovely crunch and salty bite in the finished dish.

How spicy is the Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe?

It’s only as spicy as you make it! The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can add more, less, or skip it altogether based on your heat preference. A splash of hot sauce will also spice things up in a flash.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’ve been craving comfort or just want a fun, healthy twist on a Southern classic, this Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe fits the bill perfectly. You won’t believe how much flavor you can pack into one skillet—and it’s so easy, too! Make it your own, gather your loved ones, and let this dish bring some genuine joy to your dinner table.

Low Carb Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a delectable low-carb twist on a classic Southern favorite with this Keto Shrimp and Grits recipe. Succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful sauce served over creamy cauliflower ‘grits’ – a satisfying and healthy dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

For the shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 slices bacon (chopped)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions

For the cauliflower grits:

1 medium head cauliflower (cut into florets)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the cauliflower grits: Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until very tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a food processor. Add heavy cream, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside and keep warm.
Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan. Add olive oil and shrimp to the skillet. Season with garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Add butter and green onions, stirring to coat the shrimp in the flavorful sauce.
Assemble: Spoon cauliflower grits into bowls and top with shrimp mixture. Sprinkle with crispy bacon and extra green onions, if desired.