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Healthy Cajun Shrimp and Creamy Cauliflower Grits Skillet

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A quick, low-carb dinner featuring spicy Cajun shrimp paired with creamy, cheesy cauliflower grits for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups chopped)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne or hot sauce
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Roughly chop the cauliflower into florets, then pulse in a food processor until it resembles coarse cornmeal or grits (about 1-2 cups).
  2. In a skillet or medium saucepan, add cauliflower bits and broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but not mushy.
  3. Remove lid, stir in butter, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar. Cook uncovered for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a creamy consistency.
  4. Season cauliflower grits with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if desired. Set aside and keep warm.
  5. In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in the skillet. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Cook in batches if needed.
  7. Lower heat to medium-low. Spoon creamy cauliflower grits into the skillet around the shrimp or serve side by side on plates.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

If cauliflower grits are too watery, stir in more cheese or cook uncovered longer to evaporate excess liquid. Marinate shrimp ahead for deeper flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent rubbery shrimp. Reheat leftovers gently with broth to loosen grits.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, cauliflower grits, low-carb dinner, healthy skillet, creamy grits, spicy shrimp, keto dinner

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/healthy-cajun-shrimp-and-creamy-cauliflower-grits-skillet-easy-low-carb-dinner-recipe/