Description
Bold, buttery, and bursting with flavor, this Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce recipe is a knockout dish you can make in under 30 minutes. With perfectly pan-seared scallops and a smoky, spicy Cajun cream sauce, it’s the perfect combination of elegance and comfort. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a quick but fancy seafood option, or a creamy Cajun delight, this easy recipe checks every box. Ideal for special occasions or an impressive weeknight meal, it’s also a standout among healthy snacks or food ideas that feel indulgent without a ton of effort.
Ingredients
12 large sea scallops
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more for seasoning scallops)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter (divided)
2 cloves garlic minced
1⁄2 cup chicken or seafood broth
3⁄4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
1. Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a small pinch of Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot and foaming.
3. Sear scallops for 2–3 minutes per side, undisturbed, until a golden-brown crust forms. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Add Cajun seasoning and stir to coat the garlic, then pour in broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
6. Simmer the broth for 1–2 minutes, then stir in heavy cream. Cook until sauce thickens slightly (about 3–5 minutes).
7. Return scallops to the pan and spoon sauce over them to warm through for another 1–2 minutes.
8. Finish with fresh parsley and optional lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make sure the scallops are as dry as possible for the best crust.
Always taste the Cajun sauce before serving to adjust salt and spice to your preference.
For dairy-free, sub coconut cream and use oil instead of butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (of 4)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: seared scallops, creamy Cajun sauce, easy dinner, seafood recipe, spicy scallops, weeknight dinner, food ideas