Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce. This dish features perfectly golden-seared sea scallops enveloped in a velvety, spicy cream sauce that combines Cajun seasoning with garlic and smoked paprika for an unforgettable taste experience. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant date night. Serve it over a bed of fresh greens, alongside garlic bread, or with pasta to soak up every delicious drop of sauce. Treat yourself to this gourmet meal at home and impress your guests with restaurant-quality flavors!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large dry-packed sea scallops
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by patting the scallops dry with paper towels and letting them rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the scallops for 2–3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another minute or two until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, add remaining butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze with a splash of white wine or seafood broth.
- Stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if desired). Simmer for about 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Return the scallops to the skillet to warm through while spooning sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 scallops (150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg