Description
Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a quick, elegant seafood dinner bursting with bold flavor. This creamy Cajun scallop recipe is perfect for date nights or entertaining, with a luscious sauce made from garlic, cream, and Cajun spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy skillet dish is a weeknight gourmet delight.
Ingredients
1 lb large sea scallops (dry-packed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
3. Once hot, add scallops without overcrowding. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and opaque. Remove and set aside.
4. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in Cajun seasoning, then pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add lemon juice and stir.
7. Return scallops to the pan and spoon sauce over them. Let them warm for 1 minute.
8. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Always use dry scallops for a perfect sear—wet scallops won’t caramelize properly.
Don’t move scallops while they’re searing; leave them untouched for a solid crust.
Taste your Cajun seasoning first—some blends are saltier or spicier than others.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 90mg