Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

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Golden-crusted scallops seared to perfection, resting on a bed of velvety, spicy Cajun cream sauce—this is seafood indulgence at its finest. This recipe brings restaurant-level elegance to your dinner table without the stress. Whether you’re cooking for date night or simply want to elevate your weeknight meal, these seared scallops deliver big flavor with little fuss.

The heat from Cajun seasoning melds beautifully with the richness of heavy cream and butter, all while allowing the delicate sweetness of the scallops to shine. The magic is in the contrast: creamy meets spicy, crispy meets tender. And the best part? You can have it all on the table in under 30 minutes.

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What Kind of Scallops Should I Use?

For best results, use large, dry-packed sea scallops. “Dry-packed” means they’re not treated with chemicals or preservatives, allowing them to sear beautifully and develop that golden crust. Avoid wet scallops if possible, as they release water and make it difficult to achieve a good sear.

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Ingredients for the Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

• Sea Scallops: The star of the dish—meaty, sweet, and tender.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adds bold spice and smoky depth to both the scallops and the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its rich, velvety body.
• Butter: Enhances flavor and aids in getting that perfect sear.
• Garlic: Adds an aromatic bite that infuses the sauce with warmth.
• Chicken Broth: Balances richness and adds umami depth to the cream sauce.
• Fresh Parsley or Chives: For garnish and a fresh contrast to the spice.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the scallops just right.
• Olive Oil: Helps in achieving a golden crust when searing.

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How To Make the Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Pat Dry the Scallops

Before anything hits the pan, pat your sea scallops thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures that signature golden crust. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Scallops to Perfection

Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place scallops in the pan without crowding. Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove scallops and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Cajun Cream Sauce Base

In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add another tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then stir in Cajun seasoning and cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits. Let it reduce for a minute before adding heavy cream. Stir to combine, then simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Finish and Plate

Return scallops to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top to warm them through. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve immediately, preferably over rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

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How to Serve and Store Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Seared scallops shine brightest when served immediately while their crust is still crisp and the sauce silky warm. They’re perfect over creamy mashed potatoes, garlic rice, or even pasta to soak up that spicy Cajun sauce. Add a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a full, elegant meal.

To store leftovers, transfer scallops and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat—avoid the microwave as it can overcook the scallops and ruin their texture.

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish, as scallops tend to become rubbery once thawed and reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when scallops are done?

They should be opaque and firm to the touch with a golden crust on each side. Overcooked scallops become chewy, so keep a close eye on them.

Can I use shrimp instead of scallops?

Absolutely! Shrimp pairs wonderfully with the Cajun cream sauce and follows nearly identical cooking steps.

What makes this cream sauce spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds heat, usually from paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. You can adjust the level of spice by choosing a milder Cajun blend or adding extra if you like it fiery.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the cream and complements the seafood perfectly.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The Cajun cream sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently before adding the scallops.

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Want More Seafood Dinner Ideas?

If you’re craving more bold, flavor-packed seafood dinners, these recipes are a must-try:

• Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo for a land-and-sea fusion with a spicy kick.
• Cajun Shrimp Scampi that pairs buttery garlic richness with fiery spice.
• Pan-Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce for a quick, elegant dinner option.
• Irresistible Grilled Salmon with the Best Salmon Seasoning when you’re in the mood for smoky grill flavors.
• Easy Cajun Cream Sauce to use with shrimp, chicken, or pasta dishes.

These dishes bring all the spice and richness of Southern-inspired seafood to your table.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it whenever the seafood cravings hit.

And if you give it a go, let me know how it turned out in the comments. Did you go extra spicy? Serve it over pasta or keep it classic with potatoes?

Follow along for more daily recipe inspiration on my Pinterest: Life with Jam.

I love hearing your kitchen wins and swaps—let’s cook boldly together!

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