Description
Tender, golden seared scallops are paired with a bold and creamy Cajun sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare. This spicy and rich seafood dish is perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or when you crave something indulgent yet simple.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Scallops:
- 1 lb fresh scallops
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp oil or butter (for searing)
For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth (for deglazing)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, sautéed mushrooms
Instructions
- Prep the Scallops:
Remove the side muscle from each scallop. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Lightly season with salt and pepper, then coat generously with Cajun seasoning. Let rest 5–10 minutes. - Sear the Scallops:
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil or butter. Sear scallops in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, flipping only once to achieve a golden crust. Set aside. - Make the Cajun Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Deglaze with white wine or chicken broth. Stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened. - Finish the Sauce:
Add lime juice and fresh herbs. Stir in Parmesan if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. - Assemble and Serve:
Spoon sauce onto plates or shallow bowls, top with seared scallops, and garnish with extra herbs, cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- Use high-quality Cajun seasoning for best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; sear in batches to prevent steaming.
- For dairy-free: substitute coconut cream and plant-based butter.
- Scallops cook quickly don’t overcook or they’ll become rubbery.
- Store scallops and sauce separately for best texture when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: ~430
- Sugar: ~1g
- Sodium: ~680mg
- Fat: ~32g
- Saturated Fat: ~18g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Protein: ~28g
- Cholesterol: ~80mg