Garlic Butter Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Low Carb Recipes with Jennifer on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $13.44 total, $3.36 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Shrimp (peeled and deveined, frozen; thawed before use)
- 20 ounces Riced Cauliflower (frozen, thawed; 2 x 10‑oz bags)
- 1 stick Butter (salted butter, melted (½ cup))
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (fresh minced garlic)
- 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 teaspoon Dried Parsley
Instructions
Thaw Ingredients
Place the frozen shrimp and frozen riced cauliflower in separate bowls and let them thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes, then pat dry any excess moisture.
Time: PT5M
Melt Butter
Microwave the stick of butter for 30‑45 seconds or melt it gently in a small saucepan over low heat until fully liquid.
Time: PT2M
Combine Ingredients
In the mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Add the thawed cauliflower rice and shrimp, then toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Sheet Pan
Spread the shrimp‑and‑cauliflower mixture onto a sheet pan in a single, even layer. No additional oil or spray is needed because the butter provides the needed moisture.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Place the sheet pan in a pre‑heated oven and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the cauliflower is tender.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 400°F
Serve
Remove the pan from the oven, let it sit for a minute, then serve the garlic butter shrimp and cauliflower rice hot. Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 8 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Low-Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Shrimp: Scallops, Firm white fish cubes
- Instead of Riced Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower riced at home, Broccoli rice
- Instead of Butter: Ghee, Olive oil
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Dried Parsley: Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped)
Equipment Needed
- Sheet Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Oven
- Slotted Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensure shrimp and cauliflower rice are fully thawed before mixing.
- Do not over‑mix the cauliflower rice to keep its texture.
- Spread the mixture in a single layer for even cooking.
- Watch the shrimp closely; they finish cooking quickly.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after baking for extra brightness.
- If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the butter mixture.
- Use parchment paper on the sheet pan for easier cleanup.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp turn rubbery.
Remove the pan as soon as the shrimp are pink and opaque; do not exceed 15 minutes.
Cauliflower rice releases too much liquid.
Pat the thawed cauliflower rice dry with a clean kitchen towel before mixing, or spread the mixture a little thinner on the pan.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended; texture of cauliflower rice may become mushy.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix the shrimp, cauliflower, and seasoning up to 24 hours ahead and keep refrigerated; bake when ready.
- Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet for 2‑3 minutes to restore crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of garlic butter shrimp in American low‑carb cuisine?
Garlic butter shrimp has become a staple in American low‑carb and keto cooking because it combines quick, protein‑rich seafood with a flavorful fat source, fitting the high‑fat, low‑carb macro profile. It reflects the modern trend of simplifying classic butter‑based seafood dishes for health‑focused diets.
What are traditional regional variations of shrimp with butter sauce in American cuisine?
In the Southern United States, shrimp are often sautéed in a Cajun‑spiced butter sauce, while New England recipes may add lemon and herbs. The low‑carb version swaps starchy sides for cauliflower rice, keeping the buttery flavor while reducing carbs.
How is garlic butter shrimp with cauliflower rice traditionally served in low‑carb meals?
It is typically served hot straight from the sheet pan, sometimes garnished with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. The dish is often paired with a simple green salad or roasted low‑carb vegetables.
What occasions or celebrations is garlic butter shrimp with cauliflower rice associated with in modern American keto culture?
The dish is popular for quick weeknight dinners, meal‑prep for the workweek, and low‑carb potlucks because it can be made in under 30 minutes and scales easily for larger groups.
What other low‑carb American dishes pair well with garlic butter shrimp and cauliflower rice?
It pairs nicely with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, or a side of avocado slices. For a fuller meal, add a low‑carb cauliflower mash or a cheese‑filled stuffed mushroom.
What makes garlic butter shrimp with cauliflower rice special in low‑carb cuisine?
The dish delivers the classic indulgence of buttery shrimp while keeping the carbohydrate count low by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or pasta. It also requires only one sheet pan, making cleanup minimal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic butter shrimp with cauliflower rice?
Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery, and using frozen cauliflower rice that isn’t fully thawed, causing excess water and soggy butter. Also, crowding the pan prevents proper browning.
Why does this recipe use a sheet pan instead of a skillet for garlic butter shrimp and cauliflower rice?
A sheet pan spreads the ingredients in a thin, even layer, allowing the shrimp to roast quickly and the cauliflower to steam‑roast without becoming mushy. A skillet would trap moisture and could lead to soggy cauliflower.
Can I make garlic butter shrimp with cauliflower rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can mix the shrimp, cauliflower, and butter mixture up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Bake it fresh when ready; leftovers store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet or oven.
What does the YouTube channel Low Carb Recipes with Jennifer specialize in?
The YouTube channel Low Carb Recipes with Jennifer specializes in quick, easy, and budget‑friendly low‑carb and keto meals that use simple ingredients and minimal equipment, often featuring sheet‑pan and one‑pot recipes.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
