If you love bold flavors and tender seafood, this Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly marries the delicate sweetness of perfectly seared scallops with a rich, spicy cream sauce bursting with Cajun spices. Every bite delivers a satisfying contrast of textures and a delightful kick of heat that makes it ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet powerful enough to create deep flavors and beautiful textures in this dish. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s building the creamy sauce or ensuring those scallops get a flawless golden crust.
- 1 pound sea scallops: Dry scallops are key to achieving that perfect sear.
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasoning to enhance natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a high-heat base for searing.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds rich, creamy undertones to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon minced shallots: Delivers a sweet, subtle onion flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Forms the luscious base of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: Packs the perfect punch of spice and herbs.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings smoky richness and vibrant color.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds extra heat if you dare.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into a creamy, savory finish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of green.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A splash of citrus to brighten the entire dish.
How to Make Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Scallops
First things first, pat your scallops dry to ensure they brown perfectly. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet until shimmering. Place scallops carefully into the pan, making sure they don’t touch each other. Sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until a beautiful golden crust forms, and the scallops are just cooked through. Then set them aside — don’t crowd the pan or you’ll lose that coveted crust!
Step 2: Build the Flavors in the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to your skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced shallots and garlic, letting them soften and release their delicious aroma for 1 to 2 minutes. This is where the kitchen starts to smell divine and sets the foundation for the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to give the sauce its signature spicy kick. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken just enough to coat a spoon lovingly. Finally, fold in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts seamlessly into this rich, luxurious sauce.
Step 4: Combine Scallops and Sauce
Return the seared scallops to the pan, nestling them into the creamy Cajun sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each scallop, allowing them to soak up those spicy, buttery flavors. Let everything simmer together for another 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. A generous wedge of lemon on the side is essential — a quick squeeze right before eating elevates the whole dish by cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
Side Dishes
This dish shines paired with simple sides like fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, both great for soaking up the spicy Cajun cream sauce. For a lighter touch, try sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus which add freshness and a hint of earthiness to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the scallops atop a bed of garlic-infused risotto or creamy polenta. For a fun twist, present them on crispy toasted baguette slices as an elegant appetizer. A drizzle of extra sauce artistically poured on the plate always makes the dish feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the scallops and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the scallops from getting rubbery and keeps the sauce’s flavor intact. Consume within 1 to 2 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish since scallops tend to lose their delicate texture after freezing and reheating, and the cream sauce can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add the scallops last and heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking. This careful reheating helps maintain the creamy texture and tender scallops without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them fully overnight in the fridge and pat them very dry before searing to get that perfect crust. Excess moisture can prevent proper browning.
How spicy is this Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe?
The spice level is moderate and adjustable. You can skip the crushed red pepper flakes for milder heat or add more Cajun seasoning and flakes if you like a serious kick. The creamy sauce also helps balance the spices nicely.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, half-and-half can work well, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut milk might be experimented with, but it will change the flavor profile substantially.
How do I know when the scallops are cooked perfectly?
When seared properly, scallops will have a golden-brown crust and be opaque in the center but still tender and slightly springy to the touch. Overcooking makes them tough, so aim for about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve more people. Just be careful not to overcrowd your pan when searing the scallops—cook them in batches if needed to maintain that essential golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy yet comes together quickly with ingredients you likely have on hand. It’s a wonderful way to treat yourself or impress friends without fuss. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a delicious favorite you’ll love making again and again.
Print
Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and elegant seafood dish featuring seared sea scallops served with a rich and spicy Cajun cream sauce. This recipe perfectly balances the sweetness of scallops with the smoky, spicy flavors of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, finished with a creamy Parmesan-infused sauce and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced shallots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season Scallops: Season the sea scallops on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Heat Oil and Sear Scallops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add scallops in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear them for 2–3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and they are just cooked through. Then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Add minced shallots and garlic, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Prepare Cajun Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, then stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce, enriching the texture and flavor.
- Return Scallops to Pan: Place the seared scallops back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve the scallops immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges to brighten the dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version of this dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed spinach for a complete meal.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your taste.
