If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, you’ve got to try this Simple Shrimp & Cauliflower Mash Recipe. It masterfully balances tender, spiced shrimp with a creamy, cheesy cauliflower mash that feels indulgent without any heaviness. This dish is perfect when you want something quick to whip up after a busy day but still crave dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with protein and veggies, making it a wonderful option for those looking to eat cleaner without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s so great about this recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the mildly sweet shrimp to the rich parmesan-infused cauliflower mash, every element contributes to making this dish a standout.
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled: Fresh or thawed shrimp bring succulent seafood flavor and protein to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a beautiful sear on the shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the shrimp with cozy, savory notes that complement the mash.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Offers a gentle warmth that balances the creamy mash.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a subtle depth of flavor, boosting the shrimp’s seasoning.
- Dash of cayenne: Adds just a hint of spicy kick to wake up your taste buds.
- Pinch of salt: Essential for brightening all the flavors.
- 1 large cauliflower: The star of the mash, providing creamy texture with fewer carbs.
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth: Steams the cauliflower to tenderness and infuses gentle savory notes.
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed: Infuses fragrant aroma and flavor directly into the mash.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty richness and silky texture to the mash.
- Salt & pepper to taste: To season the mash perfectly, balancing all flavors.
How to Make Simple Shrimp & Cauliflower Mash Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by removing the stem and leaves from your large cauliflower. Chop it into large florets to ensure even cooking. This step helps the cauliflower soften quickly and blend smoothly later, creating the perfect base for your mash.
Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower
Place the chopped cauliflower in a large pot along with the broth, crushed garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. It’s totally fine that the broth doesn’t fully cover the cauliflower because the steam will do the work. Cover the pot and cook over medium-high heat for about 10 to 15 minutes until the cauliflower is beautifully tender.
Step 3: Blend the Cauliflower Mash
Once soft, pour the cauliflower mixture into a blender or food processor. Pulse for about 8 to 10 seconds until everything is blended into a creamy, consistent texture. Transfer your smooth mash back into the pot and stir in that gorgeous parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the mash, making it irresistible.
Step 4: Prep the Shrimp
While your cauliflower cooks, rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures they’ll sear nicely without steaming. Prepping while the mash cooks saves time and keeps things moving efficiently.
Step 5: Season the Shrimp
On a clean plate, mix the garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this spice blend over the shrimp and toss gently until all pieces are well coated. This spice combination brings vibrant flavor without overwhelming the shrimp’s natural taste.
Step 6: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 minutes so they get a lovely sear. Then flip the shrimp and cook for another 3 minutes until they’re pink and perfectly tender.
Step 7: Plate and Enjoy
Spread a generous scoop of that creamy cauliflower mash onto plates, then top with your beautifully cooked, spiced shrimp. This straightforward finishing touch transforms your Simple Shrimp & Cauliflower Mash Recipe into a stunning dinner that’s both healthy and downright delicious.
How to Serve Simple Shrimp & Cauliflower Mash Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest brighten this dish wonderfully. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving can elevate the flavors and add a lovely fresh touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp garden salad or a side of roasted asparagus work beautifully. Light, green vegetables provide a contrasting crunch and freshness that pairs nicely with the creamy mash and succulent shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant twist, serve the shrimp atop individual portions of the cauliflower mash in small ramekins or hollowed-out halves of colorful bell peppers. You can also turn this recipe into a filling for lettuce wraps, making it perfect for a casual dinner or entertaining guests with a low-carb option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the shrimp and cauliflower mash separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps the textures and flavors maintain their integrity so your next meal tastes just as great.
Freezing
The cauliflower mash freezes beautifully, so you can prepare a larger batch ahead of time. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. The shrimp, however, is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze as well because it can lose texture.
Reheating
Reheat the cauliflower mash gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. For the shrimp, a quick sauté over medium heat will revive their perfect texture without overcooking. Combining the two right before serving ensures every bite is delightful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps achieve the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?
If you prefer or need a substitute, Pecorino Romano or Asiago work well to provide a similar salty, nutty flavor. For dairy-free options, nutritional yeast can impart a cheesy taste.
Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes! Cauliflower mash is a fantastic low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, and shrimp is naturally low in carbs, making this recipe a great fit for keto or low-carb diets.
Can I add other vegetables to the mash?
Definitely! Steamed cauliflower mixed with cooked broccoli or parsnips can add interesting flavor and nutrition twists. Just be sure to adjust broth amounts as needed for consistency.
How spicy is this dish?
The dash of cayenne and chili powder add gentle warmth, but the heat level is mild overall. You can always adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your preferred spice tolerance.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love how this Simple Shrimp & Cauliflower Mash Recipe turns everyday ingredients into a special meal that’s bursting with flavor and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, it’s a perfect dish that’s quick, healthy, and downright delicious. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
Simple Shrimp & Cauliflower Mash Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring seasoned sautéed shrimp served over creamy cauliflower mash, offering a low-carb, delicious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Shrimp Seasoning
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- dash of cayenne pepper
- pinch of salt
Cauliflower Mash
- 1 large cauliflower
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Remove stem and leaves from the cauliflower and chop into large florets to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets, broth, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper into a large pot. Cover and cook over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes until the cauliflower becomes tender.
- Blend Cauliflower: Transfer the cooked contents into a blender or food processor. Pulse for 8-10 seconds until smooth and creamy. Return the mash to the pot and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Prepare Shrimp: While the cauliflower cooks, rinse the shrimp thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely.
- Season Shrimp: On a plate, sprinkle all the spices (garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt) over the shrimp and toss to evenly coat.
- Heat Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
- Cook Shrimp (First Side): Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 3 minutes without stirring, allowing them to develop a slight crust.
- Cook Shrimp (Second Side): Flip all the shrimp and cook for an additional 3 minutes until fully cooked through and opaque.
- Serve: Spread the cauliflower mash onto plates and top with the sautéed shrimp. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, comforting meal!
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly though shrimp remains a non-vegetarian ingredient.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving.
- If you prefer a smoother mash, blend longer but avoid over-processing to maintain some texture.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp to ensure even cooking and good sear.
- This dish can be adjusted to be low-carb and gluten-free as it contains no grains or gluten-containing ingredients.
