Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe
A delightful dish featuring perfectly seared sea scallops complemented by a rich and spicy Cajun cream sauce. This recipe balances the sweetness of fresh scallops with the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, finished with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley for garnish. Ideal for an elegant dinner or special occasion, it’s simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
For the Seared Scallops:
- 1 pound sea scallops (fresh or thawed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for seasoning)
For the Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops: Pat the sea scallops dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Scallops: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the scallops in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken and allow flavors to meld.
- Combine: Return the seared scallops to the skillet with the cream sauce. Warm them through for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the scallops to absorb the spicy flavors. Finish by stirring in lemon juice for brightness and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top as garnish before serving.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are patted dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect sear.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your spice preference.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing scallops to avoid steaming instead of searing.
- Use fresh lemon juice to brighten and balance the richness of the sauce.
- Serve immediately after combining scallops and sauce for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 5 ounces scallops with sauce)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: seared scallops, Cajun cream sauce, spicy seafood recipe, easy scallop recipe, dinner seafood
