Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is the kind of dish that stops conversations at the table. It’s bold, creamy, spicy, and downright luxurious. If you’ve been craving something fancy without spending hours in the kitchen, this Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce recipe is your golden ticket. The best part? It’s deceptively easy to make. Whether it’s date night, a dinner party, or just treating yourself, these Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce are a knockout. Yes, I said it five times because once you taste it, you’ll say it ten.
Why You’ll Love These Scallops
Scallops are like the filet mignon of the sea tender, sweet, and delicate. But when paired with a spicy Cajun cream sauce, they turn into a firework of flavor. The creamy base hugs every golden bite, and the Cajun spice brings the right amount of kick. We’re not just pan-frying here we’re creating edible poetry.
- Quick cooking time: 10 minutes, start to finish.
- Restaurant-style flavor at home.
- Rich, creamy, zesty Cajun sauce.
- Perfect for low-carb and keto meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To pull off these perfect Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce, gather the following:
- 1 pound sea scallops (about 1 inch thick, fresh or thawed)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ tablespoon butter
- ½ tablespoon oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- ½ cup heavy or whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Cajun mustard (or grainy mustard)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Perfectly Sear Scallops
Scallops can be intimidating until you master the sear. Here’s how I do it:
- Pat scallops dry. Moisture = enemy of a golden crust.
- Season the scallops on both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and oil.
- Sear scallops for 1½ to 2 minutes per side, or until a golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.
⏰ Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Give your scallops room to breathe and sizzle.
Make the Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
Now, for the magic the sauce. It’s where all the flavor drama unfolds.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Add cream, Dijon mustard, and Cajun mustard.
- Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Return scallops to the pan just to warm through.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
That sauce… oh, that sauce. Creamy, spicy, zesty it’s lick-the-plate good.
What to Serve with Seared Scallops
Pair these Cajun beauties with sides that won’t overshadow them:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or buttery grits (southern style)
- Lemon rice or creamy risotto
- Steamed asparagus, broccolini, or a simple arugula salad
Tips from Chef Linda
- Dry scallops thoroughly before searing. A wet scallop will steam, not sear.
- High heat, short time. Overcooked scallops turn rubbery.
- Fresh scallops are best, but thawed frozen scallops work if dried well.
Variations You Can Try
Want to mix things up? Here are a few spicy ideas:
- Swap Cajun seasoning with Old Bay for a Maryland twist.
- Add crushed red pepper for extra fire.
- Stir in a spoonful of parmesan to the sauce for creamy richness.
- Use shrimp instead of scallops if preferred.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid moisture ruining the sear.
What’s the best pan for searing?
A heavy stainless steel or cast iron pan gives the best crust.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
You can! Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat and add a splash of cream if needed.
Storing Leftovers
Scallops are best fresh, but if you must store:
- Refrigerate: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat gently over low heat to avoid toughening.
- Do not freeze. The texture changes too much after thawing again.
Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce – My Final Thoughts
This dish is elegance made easy. It’s packed with flavor, ready in minutes, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or just craving something out of the ordinary, Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce delivers every time.
🔥 So grab your scallops, turn up the heat, and bring a little Cajun fire to your kitchen tonight.
Don’t Miss Out!
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