Name: Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce: Elegant, Bold & Packed with Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb sea scallops (dry-packed preferred); Salt and black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat); ½ cup chicken broth or seafood stock; ¾ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; Juice of ½ lemon; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Description

These Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce are buttery, golden, and packed with bold Southern flavor. Perfectly seared scallops are nestled in a smoky, creamy Cajun sauce that’s spiked with garlic, paprika, and a little heat. It’s a quick and elegant dinner you can make in under 30 minutes—great for date nights, seafood lovers, or any time you want to serve up something that looks fancy but is totally doable.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Seared Scallops:

1 lb sea scallops (dry-packed preferred)
Salt and black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:

1 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
½ cup chicken broth or seafood stock
¾ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Instructions

Prep Scallops: Pat scallops dry with paper towels—this helps create a golden crust. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear Scallops: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add scallops in a single layer (don’t crowd). Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and just opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Lower heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne. Add broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Pour in cream, parmesan, and lemon juice. Simmer until slightly thickened.

Combine: Return scallops to the sauce just to warm through. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Dry scallops give the best sear—avoid “wet” scallops if possible.
Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for more kick.
Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy grits for a complete meal.

Works beautifully with shrimp or lobster if you want to mix up your shellfish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner, Seafood
Method: Stovetop, Pan-Seared
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern-Inspired

Keywords: Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce