Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream

Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce features succulent sea scallops seared to golden perfection and paired with a bold, creamy Cajun sauce. This impressive yet quick seafood dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table—ideal for special occasions or a weeknight treat.

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This recipe balances the delicate sweetness of sea scallops with the smoky heat of Cajun seasoning and paprika, creating a sophisticated main dish that is surprisingly easy to prepare in a single skillet.

Ingredients

• Scallops: 12 large sea scallops, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
• For Searing: 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sauce: 2 tablespoons butter, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, ¾ cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon paprika
• Garnish: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1

Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in Cajun seasoning and paprika. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 5

Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6

Return the scallops to the pan. Spoon the sauce over them and warm through for about 1 minute.

Step 7

Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best sear, use dry-packed scallops and ensure they are completely dry before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain a high heat; cook in batches if necessary.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce. You can also adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these scallops over a bed of fluffy rice, with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or alongside sautéed greens for a complete meal.

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This 20-minute seared scallop recipe is a quick yet luxurious way to enjoy high-quality seafood at home, delivering bold Cajun flavors and a rich, creamy finish.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do I get the best sear on scallops?

Pat scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning. Use a hot skillet with medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear for 2 minutes per side until a golden crust forms.

→ Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight. Pat them extremely dry before cooking to remove excess moisture for proper searing.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Reduce the Cajun seasoning to ½ teaspoon for milder flavor. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce along with the paprika.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

White rice, garlic mashed potatoes, crusty bread for the sauce, sautéed spinach, or roasted asparagus complement the rich flavors beautifully.

→ How do I know when scallops are done?

Scallops are perfectly cooked when they're opaque throughout and firm to the touch. Overcooking makes them tough, so remove from heat as soon as they're done.