Low-Carb Shrimp and Grits Recipe - Simply So Healthy (2024)

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This delicious low-carb shrimp and grits recipe uses cheesy cauliflower puree instead of grits. The “grits” are topped with andouille and shrimp in a creamy sauce with a kick of spice.

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These low-carb shrimp and grits are creamy and dreamy. The “grits” are cheesy goodness with butter, cream and garlic. A bit of heat from a jalapeño pepper and a pop of flavor from green onions makes them a dish people from the Lowcountry dream about. With “grits” this flavorful, no one will know that these “grits” aren’t really grits, but, in fact, a low-carb cauliflower puree. Top off the “grits” with shrimp, bacon and andouille sausage in a rich, creamy sauce with loads of flavor and a hint of heat and we have an amazing low-carb dish.

Shrimp and grits are a traditional dish of the Lowcountry. It seems like every town and every restaurant makes a slightly different version and each considers their recipe the best. We visit the Lowcountry several times a year and my husband considers himself quite a shrimp and grits connoisseur. He orders the dish several times on each trip. While I usually order something more low-carb, thankfully my husband doesn’t mind me taking a taste from his plate each time–as long as I don’t take too much. I have used these tastings, as well as lots of research on shrimp and grits recipes, and taken what I like best about each recipe and compiled it in this one. Yep, this recipe contains the best of the best.

While there are loads of variations in recipes for shrimp and grits, usually there are two things you can count on when you order this dish–shrimp and grits. However, with this recipe, I admit, I’ve taken a bit of an artistic license by using cauliflower instead of grits.

The reason for this variation is that grits are by nature, not low carb. In fact, they are rather loaded with carbs. Due to this, I had to find a suitable substitute. I found that cauliflower makes a very believable stand-in for the grits. The vegetable’s subtle flavor takes on the cheesy and spicy flavors beautifully. Consequently, the final dish turned out even better than I hoped. In fact, even my husband, self-proclaimed shrimp and grits connoisseur, gave it two thumbs up.

Enjoy!

-Annissa

Low-Carb Shrimp and "Grits"

This delicious low-carb shrimp and "grits" recipe uses cheesy cauliflower puree instead of grits. The "grits" are topped with andouille and shrimp in a creamy sauce with a kick of spice.

Servings 8

Author Annissa Slusher

Ingredients

For the cauliflower "grits"

one head cauliflower cut into florets
1/4 cup grass-fed heavy cream
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated
2 Tablespoon grass-fed butter
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 jalapeno pepper finely chopped
1 Tablespoon parsley chopped
1 green onion thinly sliced

For the shrimp

4 slices of bacon chopped
2 links about 1/2 pound andouille sausage, quartered lengthwise, then sliced in 1/2 inch pieces cross-wise
1 Tablespoon grass-fed butter
1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
2 green onion white part only finely chopped; green part sliced and reserved
1 clove garlic crushed
1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream
dash red chili flakes
sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 Tablespoon parsley chopped

Instructions

For the cauliflower "grits"
Steam the cauliflower florets in a covered steamer until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
In a food processor, add steamed cauliflower florets, cream, cheese, butter, salt and pepper.
Process until smooth.
Add jalapeño and parsley. Pulse a few times to combine.
Pour into a bowl and stir in green onion.

For the shrimp

Place paper towels on a plate and reserve for draining bacon,sausage and shrimp.
Heat a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon pieces.
Cook bacon, stirring occasionally until crisp. Remove to prepared plate.
Discard all but one tablespoon bacon grease.
Add sausage to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly brown and cooked through. Remove to the prepared plate.
Melt the butter in the skillet.
When butter no longer foams, add the shrimp. When shrimp has browned on one side, flip to brown the other side. Season lightly with sea salt. When both sides of the shrimp are brown, and they are cooked through, remove them from the pan and place on the plate with the bacon and sausage.
Add white part of the green onion to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until edges are browned. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for one minute.
Add vinegar to the pan and boil, stirring up browned bits until it is a syrupy consistency.
Add white wine to the pan and bring to a boil. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to a light syrup consistency.
Add cream, chili flakes, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce is thickened.
Return bacon, sausage and shrimp to skillet with the cream sauce. Stir in parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.

To serve

Pour the shrimp mixture over a dollop of cauliflower "grits". Garnish with addition green onions or parsley if desired.

Recipe Notes

Per serving: Calories: 428
Fat 30.6 grams
Carbs 18.1grams
Fiber 6.5 grams
Net carbs: 11.6

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Low-Carb Shrimp and Grits Recipe - Simply So Healthy (2024)

FAQs

Are grits OK for low carb diet? ›

Are Grits High in Carbohydrates? As mentioned above, grits are made solely from corn—a high starch, high carb food. A typical serving size of our Creamy White Corn Grits contains 32 grams of total carbohydrates.

Learn More Now ›

How many carbs are in shrimp and grits? ›

Calories in Homemade Shrimp and Grits

Calories	280.0
Potassium	473.0 mg
Total Carbohydrate	31.0 g
Dietary Fiber	2.0 g
Sugars	1.0 g

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What is a healthy substitute for grits? ›

I found that cauliflower makes a very believable stand-in for the grits.

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What are keto grits made of? ›

Most keto grits recipes use cauliflower as a replacement for cornmeal. Unfortunately, cauliflower grits don't taste like real grits. It tastes like cheesy cauli rice. Using lupin meal instead will be your go-to recipe for grits instead of cauliflower grits.

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Can you lose weight eating grits everyday? ›

Can grits help with weight loss? If losing weight is your goal, grits may not be the best food. They are high in carbs and are often served with high-calorie foods like cheese, butter, and milk. For weight loss, it may be better to turn to other whole grains or high-protein foods.

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How many carbs should I eat if I want to lose weight? ›

Losing weight requires you to burn more calories than you consume. Experts say you should aim to burn 500 calories more than what you eat each day. As far as how many carbohydrates to eat, Pratt says 100 to 150 grams of carbohydrates is safe for most people who are trying to lose weight.

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Is shrimp good for low carb? ›

So, is shrimp low-carb? Definitely. Shrimp has just 0.2 grams of carbs in a 3-ounce serving; although shrimp come in different sizes, this is roughly 3-5 shrimp. Shrimp has less than a gram of fat per serving that comes from omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats that are beneficial to your body.

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Which has less carbs rice or grits? ›

Grits, like all whole grains, have three main components in their kernels: the hull, germ, and inner starch. Corn has more sugars and protein, but rice is higher in calories and carbohydrates because of its starch content.

Are Quaker Instant grits healthy? ›

While stone ground grits provide all the nutrients of a whole grain, the most commonly consumed grits are regular and instant versions that have been processed—They have less fiber, vitamins and minerals.

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What can I use as a substitute for grits? ›

Polenta and grits can be substituted for each other with comparable results, though polenta tends to be a more refined, slightly finer product than grits.