Keto Cajun Shrimp and Cheesy Grits – Easy Low-Carb Southern Comfort

A Creole Journey, Keto Style (Low Carb Southern Comfort)

If you’ve ever been to Louisiana, you know that food is more than food — it’s rhythm, soul, and family all stirred into one pot. This dish brings that feeling home. Our Easy Keto Cajun Shrimp and Cheesy Grits delivers all the butter-kissed, spice-dancing comfort of the South — without the carb crash.

Scott has always loved New Orleans — the brass bands, the laughter spilling out of courtyards, and the aroma of garlic and cayenne wafting through the streets. On our first trip together, we learned that Louisiana doesn’t just serve meals; it tells stories. Every bite says classic ‘Nawlins.

Some of our favorite memories revolve around food: dinners at K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, Chef Paul Prudhomme’s iconic restaurant that set the bar for bold Cajun flavor. It closed during the pandemic, but the legacy lives on through chefs carrying his torch — like those at Brigtsen’s and Gabrielle.

And then there’s Commander’s Palace — that turquoise jewel of the Garden District — where Southern elegance meets a wink of mischief. We’ve toasted birthdays there and learned that butter, laughter, and a bit of jazz fix almost anything.
Closer to home, we’re lucky enough to have a Brennan’s in Houston for nights out with friends — maybe not shrimp and grits on the keto plan, but still plenty of joy on the plate.

So this recipe is our way of honoring all of that — New Orleans’ warmth, spirit, and spice — in a keto-friendly dish that feels just as indulgent.

❤️ Why We Love It

Keto comfort food — rich, creamy, and satisfying.

Protein-packed — shrimp + cheesy cauliflower grits = a macro dream team.

Flexible heat — mild, medium, or fiery… it’s your call.

Ready in about 40 minutes — perfect weeknight comfort.

💡 Chef’s Tip

We’re saucy — and we like our shrimp that way too. If you want extra sauce to soak into those cheesy grits, double the cream (½ cup instead of ¼) and the other add ins.  It makes the dish silky, decadent, and even more irresistible. Just boost the seasoning slightly to keep that Cajun punch balanced.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

(Full recipe card below — here’s your quick peek)

• Wild shrimp (we love Argentine red shrimp for their sweet, lobster-like flavor)
• Cauliflower
• Cream cheese + cheddar
• Butter + garlic
• Cajun seasoning blend
• Heavy cream
• Worcestershire + Frank’s RedHot
• Fresh green onions for garnish

👩‍🍳 Let’s Make It

Step 1: Steam the Cauliflower

Steam or boil cauliflower florets for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy.

Step 2: Mash the Grits

Drain well, then lightly mash or pulse in a food processor — leave a little texture to mimic real grits. Stir in cream cheese, cheddar, butter, salt, and pepper. Keep covered and warm.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

Mix your Cajun spice blend: paprika, Italian seasoning, onion and garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Sauté

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter, add garlic, then shrimp. Sprinkle seasoning evenly and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Add more butter, heavy cream, Frank’s, and Worcestershire. Simmer 8–10 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.

Step 6: Assemble

Spoon cheesy cauliflower grits into bowls. Top with shrimp and sauce, then garnish with green onion. Cue the jazz.

💡 Tips for Success

• Use raw shrimp — not pre-cooked — for the best flavor.
• Don’t over-blend your cauliflower; rustic texture feels more like real grits.
• Add a splash of broth if your sauce gets too thick.
• For meal prep, store shrimp and grits separately so the texture stays perfect.

Watch the Recipe

See how Scott whips up this creamy Cajun shrimp and cheesy grits in under 30 minutes!

Scott’s Cajun Shrimp & Cheesy Grits

Love Gratitude Joy

A Southern classic made keto! Juicy Cajun shrimp sautéed in butter and garlic are served over creamy, cheesy cauliflower grits for the perfect low-carb comfort meal. This version uses half the usual grits batch for a lighter, lower-carb dish that’s still rich, flavorful, and satisfying.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 475 kcal

Equipment

• Large stockpot or steamer
• Food processor or blender
• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Serving bowls

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Cheesy Cauliflowr Grits

• Cheesy Cauliflower Grits 4 Servings
• 1 head cauliflower about 4 cups florets / 600 g
• 2 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup about 4 oz / 112 g shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp 14 g butter
• ¾ tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp pepper or to taste

Cajun Shrimp

• 1 lb shrimp peeled & deveined (we prefer tails off)
• 2 garlic cloves (welike the Dorot frozen minced)
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp roasted red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp black or white pepper
• 2 tbsp butter divided(1 tbsp for cooking, 1 tbsp for sauce)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or up to ½ cup for extra sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp Frank’s RedHot (about12 shakes)
• 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershiresauce (about 11 shakes)
• 1 green onion sliced for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the Cauliflower:
• In a large stockpot, fill the bottom with about 2 inches of water. Steam cauliflower florets over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm.
  
• Make the Grits:
• Drain well, then lightly mash or pulse cauliflower in a food processor — leave it chunky for that classic grits texture. Stir in cream cheese, cheddar, butter, salt, and pepper. Cover to keep warm.
  
• Prepare the Cajun Seasoning:
• In a small ramekin, mix paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, roasted red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
• Cook the Shrimp:
• Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, then shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  
• Make the Sauce:
• Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter, heavy cream, Frank’s RedHot, and Worcestershire. Stir to coat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
  
• Assemble and Serve:
• Spoon cheesy cauliflower grits into bowls, top with shrimp and sauce, and garnish with sliced green onion.
  

Notes

Serving Ideas

• Top with extra sliced green onions for a pop of freshness.
• Pair with a simple side salad (because balance, right?).

Save leftover cauliflower grits—they reheat beautifully as a snack or side dish.

Final Thoughts

Food should be fun, flavorful, and maybe a little cheeky. These Cajun shrimp and cheesy cauliflower grits prove you can take a Creole journey, keep it keto, and never miss the carbs. So grab your shrimp, crank up some jazz, and let the good times roll—right in your kitchen. 🎷✨

•  6 g Net Carbs
• Add more cream if you love extra sauce — we often do!
• Leftover grits reheat beautifully with a splash of cream or butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 475kcalCarbohydrates: 9.5gProtein: 34gFat: 33gFiber: 3g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

📌 Pin + Share This Recipe

📌 Pin this recipe for later — creamy, spicy, and totally keto!

Save it on your Cajun Comfort or Keto Dinner board and share the Southern flavor!

❤️ More You’ll Love

• Keto Crab Cakes with Dipping Butter
• Easy Keto Pizza Omelet
• Grilled Steak Diane
  

⚙️ Storage & Freezing

• Store leftovers separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of cream or butter.
• Freeze grits separately for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Pro tip: freeze in individual portions for quick weeknight dinners.

From Our Kitchen to Yours

Food has a rhythm — and when we listen, it leads us back to balance. Every dish can be healing when it’s made with Love, Gratitude, and Joy.

It’s a vibe.
It’s a lifestyle.
It’s Love Gratitude Joy.

Nutrition info is an estimate only — it’ll vary based on your exact ingredients and brands used.

With love and gratitude,
 Kristy and Scott (supervised, of course, by Jack 🐾)
 Love Gratitude Joy — it’s a lifestyle.