Spicy Shrimp with Cauliflower Mash and Garlic Kale

If you’re craving a healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Spicy Shrimp with Cauliflower Mash and Garlic Kale is your new best friend. It’s a vibrant, satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is packed with wholesome ingredients.

The spicy shrimp brings the heat, the creamy cauliflower mash offers a comforting base, and the garlic kale adds a nutritious, savory touch. Together, they create a harmonious plate that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.

Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish is a testament to how healthy eating can be both delicious and exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Shrimp Dish

• Quick and Easy: It’s ready in under 45 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.

• Flavorful: A delightful combination of spicy, creamy, and garlicky goodness.

• Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower Mash:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup milk

• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 can (14 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/2 cup cornmeal

• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Havarti cheese

• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Garlic Kale:

• 1 tablespoon bacon fat or olive oil

• 3 cups chopped kale

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Spicy Shrimp:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1.5 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Garlic salt, chili powder, cayenne, and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cauliflower Mash:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cauliflower and garlic; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Pour in milk and 2 cups of broth. Simmer for 10 minutes or until cauliflower is tender.

3. Add white beans and mash everything roughly using the back of a spoon.

4. Stir in cornmeal and cook until the mixture thickens.

5. Gradually add the remaining cup of broth until the desired consistency is reached.

6. Stir in cheese and salt.

Garlic Kale:

1. In a skillet, heat bacon fat over medium-low heat.

2. Add kale and garlic; sauté until tender.

3. If needed, add a splash of water to the steam. Remove from the pan. Dreamstime

Spicy Shrimp:

1. In the same skillet, heat olive oil.

2. Pat shrimp dry and season with garlic salt, chili powder, cayenne, and black pepper.

3. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes until opaque.

4. Add a splash of water or broth to create a light sauce. Stir to coat the shrimp.

To Serve:

Plate the cauliflower mash, top with garlic kale, and finish with spicy shrimp.

Cooking Tips

• Shrimp: Ensure shrimp are dry before seasoning to get a good sear.

• Cauliflower Mash: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender.

• Kale: Adding a splash of water helps steam the kale, making it tender.

A Personal Touch

This dish has become a staple in my kitchen. The first time I made it, the combination of spicy shrimp, creamy mash, and garlicky kale was an instant hit. It’s now my go-to recipe when I want something comforting yet healthy.

What to Serve with Spicy Shrimp

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to add more:

• Salad: A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the flavors.

• Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce.

• Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

• Freeze: Cauliflower mash and kale can be frozen separately for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Can I substitute the cheese?

Absolutely! Parmesan or Gouda would also work well.

Is there a vegetarian option?

You can replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.

Embrace the bold flavors and nourishing ingredients of this Spicy Shrimp with Cauliflower Mash and Garlic Kale. It’s a dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.

Spicy Shrimp with Cauliflower Mash and Garlic Kale

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• Author: Olivia Hartwellen
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Spicy Shrimp with Cauliflower Mash and Garlic Kale is a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Creamy cauliflower mash forms a comforting base for garlicky kale and spicy shrimp, creating a perfect harmony of textures and taste. Great for weeknights or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cauliflower Mash:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup milk

• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 can (14 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/2 cup cornmeal

• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Havarti cheese

• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Garlic Kale:

• 1 tablespoon bacon fat or olive oil

• 3 cups chopped kale

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Spicy Shrimp:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1.5 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Garlic salt, chili powder, cayenne, and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Make the Cauliflower Mash:

• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté cauliflower and garlic for 1–2 minutes.

• Add milk and 2 cups broth; simmer for 10 minutes until cauliflower is tender.

• Stir in white beans and roughly mash with the back of a spoon.

• Add cornmeal and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens.

• Gradually stir in remaining broth to reach desired consistency.

• Mix in shredded cheese and salt. Keep warm.

2. Cook the Garlic Kale:

• In a skillet, heat bacon fat or olive oil over medium-low heat.

• Add kale and garlic; sauté until tender.

• Add a splash of water if needed to help steam the kale. Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the Spicy Shrimp:

• In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Pat shrimp dry and season with garlic salt, chili powder, cayenne, and black pepper.

• Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes until opaque.

• Add a splash of water or broth to create a light sauce; stir to coat.

4. Serve:

• Plate the cauliflower mash, top with sautéed kale, and finish with the spicy shrimp. Serve warm.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before seasoning for best sear.

Use an immersion blender for a smoother cauliflower mash.

Steam kale slightly with a bit of water for a tender finish.

Swap out the cheese if preferred—Parmesan or Gouda works well.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Spicy shrimp, cauliflower mash, garlic kale, healthy dinner, weeknight recipe, shrimp dinner, keto friendly, low carb dinner