Description
Looking for a dinner idea that’s fast, flavorful, and fancy? This Easy Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table — without the hassle. Perfectly seared scallops are bathed in a rich, zesty Cajun cream sauce, bursting with garlic, smoked paprika, and a kick of heat. It’s a must-try for fans of bold flavors, seafood lovers, or anyone seeking easy dinner inspiration. This dish makes an excellent quick dinner, is elegant enough for a date night, and easily adapts into low-carb or keto-friendly meal plans.
Ingredients
1 pound sea scallops
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
1. Rinse scallops and remove side muscles if needed. Pat dry completely with paper towels. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
2. Season scallops lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high until hot.
3. Place scallops in skillet without crowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes until golden on one side, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes. Remove from pan.
4. Lower heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to same pan, then sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
5. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Stir in cream and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Return scallops to pan and spoon sauce over them. Let warm for 1–2 minutes without overcooking.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Notes
Always pat scallops dry before searing for the best golden crust.
Simmer the cream sauce — don’t boil — to keep it smooth and luscious.
If serving over pasta or rice, double the sauce ingredients for extra coverage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3–4 scallops with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy dinner, scallop recipe, spicy cream sauce, seafood dinner, quick seafood meal