Description
Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish that pairs golden-brown scallops with a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices. Perfect for a gourmet dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add scallops and sear for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and opaque in the center. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook briefly to release the spices.
- Add broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return scallops to the skillet to warm through, spooning sauce over the top.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh, dry-packed scallops for best searing results.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred heat level.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, risotto, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: seared scallops, cajun scallops, spicy cream sauce, seafood dinner, scallop recipe