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Healthy High-Protein Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits Remix

Healthy High-Protein Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits - featured image

A creamy, low-carb twist on traditional shrimp and grits using cauliflower as a base, packed with protein and flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners that are both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups riced) – fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you prefer)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: chopped green onions or chives
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Rice the cauliflower by cutting it into florets and pulsing in a food processor until it resembles coarse cornmeal (about 4 cups). Alternatively, grate the florets on a box grater. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add riced cauliflower and stir well. Pour in almond milk and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until cauliflower is tender and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. (15 minutes)
  3. Remove pan from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. (2 minutes)
  4. Toss peeled shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add shrimp in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp immediately after cooking. (10 minutes)
  5. Spoon cauliflower grits onto plates, top with seasoned shrimp, and garnish with fresh parsley and optional green onions. Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if desired. (2 minutes)

Notes

If cauliflower grits seem watery, cook uncovered a few more minutes to evaporate excess moisture. Avoid overcrowding shrimp in the pan to get a good sear. Stir cheese in off the heat to keep creamy texture. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese and vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, low-carb dinner, high-protein, cauliflower grits, healthy dinner, quick recipe, weeknight meal