This dish features juicy scallops cooked to a perfect golden brown, topped with a lively spicy Cajun cream sauce. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that will make your taste buds dance!
Cooking scallops can feel fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy! Just sear them for a few minutes and drizzle that creamy sauce on top. I love pairing them with pasta or a fresh salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sea Scallops: Use large sea scallops for best results. They cook beautifully and have a sweet flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bay scallops are smaller but may require less cooking time.
Olive Oil: This adds great flavor, but if you’re looking for a different taste, feel free to swap it for canola oil or butter. Both work well for searing.
Shallots: These provide a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have shallots, you can use a small onion instead, but I find shallots give a lighter taste.
Cajun Seasoning: I love Cajun seasoning for its blend of spices. If you’re out, try a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano instead or adjust based on your heat preference with more or less cayenne.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or coconut cream could work too, but the sauce will be thinner.
How Do I Get Perfectly Seared Scallops?
Getting that golden crust on scallops is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your scallops are dry—this prevents them from steaming.
- Heat the skillet until it’s very hot. That’s what gives you the nice sear!
- Add the scallops in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they won’t cook evenly.
- Let them cook for about 2 minutes without moving them, then flip. You’re looking for a golden color.
- Once they’re done, remove them right away to avoid overcooking.
With these tips, your scallops will be perfectly seared every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large sea scallops, patted dry
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or seafood stock
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner. You’ll spend about 5 minutes prepping the ingredients and 10 minutes cooking the scallops and making the sauce. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Scallops:
Start by patting the scallops dry with paper towels. This is super important to help them sear nicely! Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
2. Sear the Scallops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Carefully place the scallops in the pan in a single layer, making sure not to crowd them. Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and opaque in the middle. Once done, remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside.
3. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, chopped shallot, and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for about 2 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
4. Add Spices and Cream:
Now it’s time to stir in the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper, cooking for another 30 seconds to allow the spices to bloom. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes.
5. Finish the Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened, add the fresh lemon juice and taste to see if it needs any more salt and pepper. This adds a nice zing to the sauce!
6. Combine and Serve:
Return the perfectly seared scallops to the skillet for about 1 minute just to warm them through. Then, it’s time to plate! Arrange the scallops on your serving dish and drizzle that beautiful spicy Cajun cream sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy the amazing flavors of your homemade seared scallops with spicy Cajun cream sauce! This dish pairs very well with rice, pasta, or some steamed vegetables. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Scallops?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, feel free to increase the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce at the end for additional flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that the sauce’s texture will be lighter with these substitutions.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the scallops and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without overcooking the scallops.
