Cajun Shrimp and Cauliflower “Grits”
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cauliflower head, riced OR 2 10oz packed of riced cauliflower (I use Birds Eye) 🍚
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup water 💧
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded 🧀
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed 🍤
- 3 tsp Cajun seasoning (I use a mix of Tony’s and Slap Ya Mama hot blend) 🌶️
- Sprinkle of garlic powder and onion powder 🧅 🧄
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- Chopped scallions, parsley, or cilantro for garnish (optional) 🌿
Directions:
1. If starting with a whole cauliflower head, cut the cauliflower into quarters. Use a grater to 'rice' the cauliflower into small rice-like pieces. Otherwise, just use two 10-oz packages of riced cauliflower.
2. Add the riced cauliflower, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and ¼ cup water to a large pot or large skillet with high sides. Cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. The cooking time depends on how cooked you like your cauliflower. 5 minutes will yield crunchier cauliflower 'grits, 10 minutes will get you softer cauliflower.
3. Stir in the shredded cheese and continue to cook and stir until the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning (3 teaspoons or to taste). Add garlic powder and onion powder to taste. (NOTE: Some Cajun seasonings already contain salt so you might not need to add any additional salt.)
5. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil (1 tablespoon) in a large skillet. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook about 2-3 minutes per side over high heat, or until the shrimp is fully cooked. (I cook my shrimp a little longer because I like my shrimp on the crispier side). Serve the Cajun shrimp over the Cauliflower "grits" and garnish with scallions, chopped parsley, or cilantro if you’d like.
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If you're looking to enjoy classic shrimp and grits but want a healthier, low-carb alternative, cauliflower "grits" paired with Cajun-spiced shrimp is a fantastic choice. Cauliflower, when riced and cooked, mimics the texture of traditional grits but with far fewer calories and carbs, making it popular among those following keto or paleo diets. Using mild cheddar cheese adds a creamy richness that balances the bold Cajun spice mix, often a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder—which provides a distinct Southern flavor. When preparing the cauliflower, the cooking time is key to achieve your desired texture: a shorter cook time retains some crunch, while longer cooking softens the "grits" to a more traditional consistency. The shrimp should be seasoned generously and cooked quickly over high heat to get a slightly crispy exterior while keeping them juicy inside. For garnishes like scallions, parsley, or cilantro, not only do they add a pop of color, but these herbs also offer fresh, herbaceous notes that complement the rich and spicy flavors beautifully. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to include other veggies or spice levels depending on your preference. Incorporating this dish into your meal rotation is a great way to enjoy Southern-inspired comfort food without overdoing carbs. Plus, it's packed with protein and nutrients from the shrimp and cauliflower. Whether you're cooking for a family meal or meal prepping for the week, the combination of Cajun shrimp and cheesy cauliflower grits is sure to impress and satisfy.
