Description
Spicy Shrimp with Cauliflower Grits is a flavorful low-carb dish that combines zesty seasoned shrimp with creamy, comforting cauliflower grits. This quick and easy recipe delivers bold heat, rich creaminess, and nutritious ingredients, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
Cauliflower Grits
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 oz cream cheese
- Pinch of salt
Spices
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Others
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower Grits: Steam the cauliflower florets until very tender. Then, blend them with butter, cream cheese, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy, mimicking the texture of traditional grits.
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the peeled shrimp in this spice mix to coat evenly, giving your shrimp that signature spicy kick.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and translucent, which builds a savory base for the shrimp.
- Cook the Spicy Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook each side for 2-3 minutes until pink and slightly charred, ensuring they are juicy and perfectly cooked.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon a generous portion of creamy cauliflower grits onto your plate, then top with the spicy shrimp mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overblend cauliflower grits to maintain some chunkiness for better mouthfeel.
- Adjust cayenne pepper gradually to suit your spice preference.
- Toast spices in the pan before adding shrimp to enhance their aroma and flavor.
- Let cooked shrimp rest for a minute to lock in juices before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: spicy shrimp, cauliflower grits, low carb, gluten free, quick dinner, healthy recipe, keto friendly