Sizzling Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe

Crispy golden seared scallops dance with vibrant cajun flair on your plate, promising an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Coastal flavors burst through each delicate morsel, inviting pure sensory delight.

Maritime magic meets southern spice in this elegant dish that whispers adventure.

Creamy sauce blankets tender seafood with robust, zesty personality.

Rich nuances of pepper and cream create complex layers of satisfaction.

Skilled home cooks can masterfully craft this restaurant-worthy masterpiece with surprising ease.

You’ll savor every luxurious bite of this irresistible ocean-inspired sensation.

Scallops With Bold Cajun Cream

• Combine rich, creamy Cajun sauce with delicate scallops, creating a mouthwatering blend of spicy and smooth taste sensations that dance on your palate.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for searing scallops and creating an incredible sauce, making this recipe both delicious and convenient for busy home cooks.
• Adaptable recipe works wonderfully for romantic dinners, special celebrations, or when you want to elevate a weeknight meal with gourmet flair.

What’s In Cajun Cream Scallops

• Scallops: Tender, delicate seafood perfect for searing.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and creamy base for the sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne: Spicy and bold flavor enhancers.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Create golden sear and add rich flavor.
• Garlic, Lemon Juice: Provide bright, aromatic notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing taste.

• White Wine, Broth: Helps deglaze the pan and add depth.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh herb finish.

Cooking Seared Scallops With Cajun Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Scallops

Pat the scallops completely dry using paper towels.

Allow them to reach room temperature for 15-20 minutes, which helps ensure even cooking and a perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Season the Seafood

Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the scallops, creating a simple but flavorful exterior.

Step 3: Preheat the Cooking Surface

Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil and butter, allowing the mixture to heat up and create a perfect searing environment.

Step 4: Create Golden Perfection

Carefully place scallops into the hot skillet.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes.

Transfer scallops to a separate plate.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Base

Reduce the skillet heat to medium.

• Minced garlic

Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 6: Deglaze and Release Flavors

Pour wine or broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 7: Create Spicy Cream Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and develop.

Step 8: Finish the Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice

Continue simmering until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 9: Combine and Serve

Return scallops to the skillet, gently spooning the spicy cream sauce over them.

Warm through briefly.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips For Scallops With Creamy Sauce

• Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a golden-brown sear and preventing steaming during cooking.
• Let scallops sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking to promote even heating and achieve a beautiful caramelized exterior.
• Cast iron provides the best heat distribution and creates a perfect golden crust on delicate scallops.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning and cayenne to match your heat preference, making the dish mild or fiery.
• Sear scallops briefly to maintain their tender, delicate texture and prevent overcooking.

How To Reheat Cajun Scallops

• Store leftover scallops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate scallops from sauce to prevent sogginess.
• Transfer cooled scallops and sauce to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Avoid freezing as cream-based sauces can separate when thawed.
• Gently warm sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add scallops last minute to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
• Reheat in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Use 50% power to prevent rubbery texture and ensure even warming.

Sides That Match Cajun Scallops

• Perfectly Balanced Wine Match: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy Cajun sauce and cut through the richness of the scallops.
• Zesty Side Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the spicy cream sauce and provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the seafood.
• Texture-Enhancing Carb Partner: Serve with creamy parmesan risotto or garlic-roasted herbed potatoes to soak up the decadent Cajun cream sauce and add a complementary starchy element.
• Spice-Cooling Beverage: Pour a cold, light beer like a pilsner or wheat beer to calm the Cajun spice and refresh the palate between rich, buttery bites of scallops.

Style Tweaks For Creamy Scallops

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Use gluten-free Cajun seasoning blend to maintain authentic flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip wine or broth, use chicken stock instead. Reduce cream quantity and substitute with coconut cream for lighter sauce. Add extra spices to boost flavor intensity.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace scallops with large king oyster mushroom slices. Slice mushrooms thick, press to remove moisture, and sear similarly to scallops. Season identically for comparable texture and taste experience.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use olive oil exclusively instead of butter. Select dairy-free Parmesan substitute or omit cheese completely. Enhance sauce with additional herbs and spices to compensate for reduced creaminess.

FAQs

• Why should I pat the scallops dry before cooking?

Patting scallops dry helps remove excess moisture, which allows them to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust when seared. Wet scallops will steam instead of creating that perfect crispy exterior.

• What type of pan works best for searing scallops?

A cast iron skillet is ideal because it provides even, high heat and helps create a perfect golden-brown crust. It also retains heat well and allows for excellent caramelization of the scallops.

• How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Scallops are done when they have a golden-brown crust and are slightly translucent in the center. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so aim for 2-3 minutes per side at medium-high heat.

• Can I substitute the Cajun seasoning?

While Cajun seasoning gives the dish its signature flavor, you can use other spice blends like Old Bay or create your own mix with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if needed.

Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce transport diners straight to New Orleans’ rich culinary landscape. Delicate sea scallops dance with bold Cajun spices, creating a luxurious seafood experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) large sea scallops (dry-packed)

Seasonings and Spices:

• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Cooking Fats:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Ensure scallops are thoroughly dried using paper towels, allowing them to reach ambient temperature for optimal searing (15-20 minutes).
2. Apply generous seasoning of salt and pepper across both surfaces of the scallops.
3. Prepare cast iron skillet by heating olive oil and butter over medium-high temperature until shimmering.
4. Carefully place scallops into hot skillet, creating a golden-brown crust for 2-3 minutes without moving them.
5. Flip scallops and cook additional 1-2 minutes until edges turn opaque; transfer to a holding plate.
6. Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce fresh butter, quickly sautéing minced garlic until fragrant (approximately 30 seconds).
7. Deglaze pan with wine or broth, using a wooden spatula to release caramelized flavor bits from bottom of skillet.
8. Pour heavy cream into skillet, incorporating Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper; allow sauce to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes.
9. Integrate Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice, stirring continuously until sauce reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
10. Reintroduce seared scallops into warm sauce, coating them evenly and heating through for 1 minute.
11. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while sauce remains luxuriously warm.

Notes

• Ensure scallops are completely dry to achieve a golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Let scallops rest at room temperature for even cooking and a perfect caramelized exterior.
• Choose fresh, high-quality sea scallops with a sweet, mild ocean flavor for the best results.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning levels to control heat and suit different spice tolerances.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream.
• Use a cast iron skillet for superior heat distribution and beautiful caramelization.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high heat and prevent soggy scallops.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or dill for added brightness and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg