Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce 🍤🔥

If you’re looking to impress with a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, these Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce are calling your name. Perfectly seared sea scallops—tender on the inside with a golden, caramelized crust—are bathed in a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy Cajun sauce that’s bursting with bold flavors. It’s a dish that feels decadent but comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for date night, special occasions, or when you simply want to treat yourself.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering seafood masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Restaurant-Quality at Home: Buttery, perfectly seared scallops paired with a creamy, spicy sauce.
Quick & Easy: Ready in 20–25 minutes with simple ingredients.
Bold Flavors: Smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning balanced by rich cream and tender scallops.
Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.

What Do They Taste Like? 🤤

Imagine biting into a scallop with a crispy, golden crust that gives way to a tender, buttery center. The scallops are delicately sweet, perfectly seasoned with smoky paprika, a hint of garlic, and just a touch of salt to let their natural flavor shine. Then comes the Cajun cream sauce—rich, velvety, with layers of smoky heat, tangy undertones, and a luscious creaminess that ties it all together. It’s a bold, satisfying dish with just the right amount of spice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Scallops:

1 lb sea scallops, patted dry 🍤 (fresh or thawed from frozen)
1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒 (for searing)
1 teaspoon paprika 🌶️ (smoked or sweet, depending on your preference)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂

For the Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter 🧈
1 small shallot, finely diced 🧅 (or substitute with 1/4 cup finely chopped onion)
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 cup heavy cream 🥛
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 🌶️ (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat) 🔥
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 (adds umami and richness)
Juice of 1/2 lemon 🍋 (for brightness)
Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂

Optional Garnishes:

Chopped fresh parsley 🌿
Lemon wedges 🍋
Extra Parmesan 🧀

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel for a good sear)
Tongs or spatula
Small saucepan (for the cream sauce)
Paper towels (for drying the scallops)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Scallop Swap: Try shrimp or chicken breast medallions if scallops aren’t available.
Lighter Sauce: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the sauce.
Cajun Kick: Add a splash of hot sauce for even more heat.
Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free as written!

How to Make Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Scallops

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels—this is key for a good sear. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Season both sides of the scallops evenly with the spice mix.

Step 2: Sear the Scallops

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully add the scallops in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if needed).

Sear the scallops without moving them for about 1.5–2 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another minute until opaque in the center. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside on a plate, loosely covered with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, then sauté the shallot until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (flavor gold!). Stir in the Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Return the seared scallops to the pan, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let them warm through for about 1 minute.

Step 5: Serve

Plate the scallops with a generous drizzle of the Cajun cream sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and a wedge of lemon. Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve with Seared Scallops

Pasta: Linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair tossed with a bit of olive oil or butter.
Rice: Jasmine or wild rice to soak up that luscious sauce.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up every drop of the creamy goodness.
Roasted Veggies: Asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach for a fresh contrast.
Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Tips for Perfect Seared Scallops

Pat Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Make sure the scallops are very dry before seasoning.
Hot Pan: The skillet should be hot enough to sizzle when the scallops hit the pan.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give the scallops space to sear properly—overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of brown.
Quick Cook: Scallops cook fast! Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat Gently: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream to prevent the scallops from drying out.
Not Freezer-Friendly: Scallops can become rubbery when frozen and reheated, so enjoy them fresh if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Removing excess moisture is key for a good sear.

2. What’s the difference between sea scallops and bay scallops?
Sea scallops are larger and perfect for searing, while bay scallops are smaller and often used in stews or pasta dishes. For this recipe, stick with sea scallops.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the Cajun cream sauce in advance and reheat it gently before serving. However, sear the scallops fresh for the best texture.

4. How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild to medium kick, depending on your Cajun seasoning. Adjust the spice level with more or less red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Wrapping It Up 🍤🔥

This Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for impressing guests—or just treating yourself to something special. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this dish is pure indulgence with a spicy kick.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest or Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. 🍤✨

Craving More Seafood Delights?

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Blackened Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

Happy cooking, and enjoy every buttery, spicy bite! 😊🍋🌶️