Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

If you’re looking to impress your guests—or just treat yourself to a luxurious, restaurant-worthy meal at home—Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is where it’s at! The scallops are perfectly seared to golden-brown perfection, and when paired with that rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce, every bite is pure indulgence. This dish is packed with flavor, and the sauce has just the right amount of heat and creaminess that’ll have you coming back for more.

You won’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or a whole lot of time to whip up this delightful dish. Plus, it looks and tastes like something straight out of a fine dining menu. So grab those scallops, and let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish.

Why You’ll Love Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Elegant Yet Simple: Scallops have this natural elegance that makes any dish feel fancy, but don’t worry—this recipe is so easy to make! Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you can nail this.

Rich and Flavorful: The creamy Cajun sauce is the star here, packed with smoky spices, a touch of heat, and a luscious creamy texture that perfectly complements the delicate scallops.

Impressive but Quick: It’s the best of both worlds! You get a show-stopping dish, but it only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether it’s a date night or a dinner party, this recipe is your secret weapon.

Perfect Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp salad, some buttered rice, or even roasted veggies. It’s versatile and just screams “fancy dinner time.”

Ingredients

For this decadent dish, you’ll need:

• Fresh Scallops: The main event! Make sure they’re fresh for the best texture and flavor. Pat them dry before cooking for a beautiful sear.
• Olive Oil: For searing the scallops and creating that golden crust.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps balance out the heat from the Cajun seasoning.
• Heavy Cream: The base of the creamy sauce. It creates a luscious texture and smoothness that brings everything together.
• Cajun Seasoning: For that signature spicy, smoky kick.
• Garlic: A bit of minced garlic adds depth to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and complements the richness of the sauce.
• Parsley: For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Time to cook up this delicious dish! Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Scallops:

Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. This step is important to get that perfect sear. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Scallops:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the scallops. Don’t overcrowd the pan—sear them in batches if needed. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and opaque in the center. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the butter and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and lemon juice, adjusting the seasoning to taste. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Combine:

Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, return the seared scallops to the pan, gently spooning some sauce over the top. Let them heat through for another minute or so.

5. Serve:

Transfer the scallops to serving plates, drizzle with the spicy Cajun cream sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 490mg
Total Carbohydrates: 5g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 34g
Vitamin A: 20% DV
Vitamin C: 15% DV
Calcium: 8% DV
Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

This dish is rich and flavorful on its own, but here are some great ways to elevate your meal:

With Roasted Vegetables:

Pair the scallops with roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a balanced and colorful plate.

Over Rice or Pasta:

Serve the scallops on a bed of buttered rice or even pasta to soak up that incredible creamy sauce.

With a Side Salad:

A light salad with mixed greens, a tangy vinaigrette, and some avocado slices balances out the richness of the dish beautifully.

Crusty Bread:

Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up the delicious Cajun cream sauce. It’s the perfect complement to the dish.

Additional Tips

• Scallop Quality: For the best results, use dry-packed scallops (which are not treated with any chemicals) for a superior sear and flavor.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your spice tolerance. If you prefer it milder, you can start with less and add more as needed.
• Don’t Overcook the Scallops: Scallops cook quickly, so be sure to watch them carefully. Overcooked scallops become rubbery, and we want them to stay tender and juicy.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of broth or water to the cream. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish with frozen scallops?
A1: Yes, you can, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to get a good sear.

Q2: Can I use a different seasoning instead of Cajun?
A2: Absolutely! You can try Old Bay seasoning or even smoked paprika and garlic powder for a different flavor profile.

Q3: How do I know when my scallops are done?
A3: Scallops should be opaque and firm when cooked through. A good rule of thumb is 2-3 minutes per side on high heat.

Q4: Can I make the Cajun sauce ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can make the sauce in advance, and just reheat it gently before adding the scallops.

Q5: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A5: To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter.

Q6: Can I use this sauce on other seafood?
A6: Absolutely! This Cajun cream sauce pairs wonderfully with shrimp, crab, or even fish fillets.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q8: Can I freeze the sauce?
A8: Yes, the sauce can be frozen in a separate container for up to 2 months. Just reheat when ready to use.

Q9: Can I make this a one-pan meal?
A9: Definitely! You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the pan while making the sauce for an all-in-one dish.

Q10: Can I use this recipe for a large group?
A10: Yes! Just increase the number of scallops and adjust the sauce quantities accordingly. You might need to sear the scallops in batches.

Conclusion

Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a dish that combines elegance, bold flavor, and ease—all in one plate. It’s perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to something special. The balance of rich, creamy sauce and tender scallops creates an unforgettable meal that’s both comforting and exciting. You won’t believe how simple it is to make something so gourmet—give it a try, and you’ll be hooked!

Print