Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits recipe is a delightful twist on a Southern classic, offering a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. The dish starts with cauliflower rice, which is a fantastic low-carb substitute for traditional grits. By sautéing the cauliflower in butter and adding cream cheese, you achieve a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
The shrimp, seasoned with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, cooks quickly in a hot cast-iron pan, ensuring it remains tender and juicy. The addition of garlic and scallions enhances the flavor profile, making each bite a savory delight.
As the shrimp cooks, the residual bits in the pan create a rich sauce that adds depth to the dish. This recipe is not only quick to prepare, taking under 15 minutes, but it also showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty yet light, this dish is sure to impress.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Melt a couple tablespoons of butter in a pan.
Add cauliflower rice to the melted butter and cook down together.
Put grits on the heat to cook down.
Heat a cast-iron pan for the shrimp.
Tip: Use a cast-iron pan for cooking shrimp to maintain high heat.
Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the shrimp.
Add shrimp to the hot pan and stir to ensure even cooking.
Tip: Let the butter turn brown before adding shrimp for optimal cooking.
Smash and chop garlic and scallion roots, then add to the shrimp.
Add cream cheese to the cauliflower rice.
Add garlic, scallion bottoms, and chicken stock to the shrimp.
Use an immersion blender to blend the cauliflower and cream cheese mixture.
Add grated cheese to the cauliflower grits off the heat.
Tip: Add cheese off the heat to ensure it melts evenly and doesn't become grainy.
Plate a big pile of cauliflower grits.
Add shrimp with sauce on top of the grits.
Tip: Shrimp is cooked when it curls into a 'C' shape and the tail touches the head.
Garnish with scallions and a sprinkle of cayenne.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Cream Cheese
Ingredient: Shellfish
→ Substitution: Tofu
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, making it a popular choice for those on a diet.
- •Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in just a few minutes, making it an ideal protein for fast meals.
- •Adding cream cheese to cauliflower grits enhances the creaminess without the need for traditional dairy.
- •Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor to shrimp dishes, elevating the overall taste.
