Description
Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a flavorful seafood dish featuring tender sea scallops pan-seared to a golden crust and served with a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick yet elegant main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Scallops
- 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the scallops: Pat the sea scallops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper evenly to taste.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Allow the oil to become hot for proper searing.
- Sear the scallops: Add scallops in a single layer without crowding. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and scallops are just cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet. Sauté minced shallots and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add cream and spices: Pour in heavy cream. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until it melts smoothly, creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Combine scallops and sauce: Return the seared scallops to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and simmer gently for another 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, 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 varying the amount of Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
