Lemon Basil Shrimp With Cauliflower Grits (Printable)
Tender lemon basil shrimp over creamy low-carb cauliflower grits for a satisfying Southern-inspired meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ For the Cauliflower Grits
01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
02 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ For the Lemon Basil Shrimp
08 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - Zest of 1 lemon
12 - Juice of 1 lemon
13 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
17 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Steps:
01 - Steam or microwave cauliflower florets until very tender, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer cauliflower to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add butter, Parmesan, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend again until creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed. Keep warm.
02 - Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove from heat and toss with fresh basil.
03 - Spoon cauliflower grits onto plates. Top with lemon basil shrimp. Garnish with additional basil and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get all the creamy satisfaction of traditional grits without the heavy carb coma afterward
- The bright lemon and fresh basil make shrimp feel special enough for company but easy enough for Tuesday
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast—pull them the second they turn pink and opaque
- Cauliflower holds a shocking amount of water, so steam it longer than you think you need to
03 -
- Work in batches if your shrimp crowd the pan—seared, not steamed, is the goal
- Reserve a few basil leaves to scatter on top for that picture-perfect finish