Ingredients
For the Seared Scallops
1 pound sea scallops, patted completely dry
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Juice of 1 lime
For the Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Scallops
Pat the sea scallops completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps create a beautiful golden crust during searing.
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and fresh lime juice. Add the scallops and gently toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for a deeper flavor.
Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce until smooth and creamy.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve so the flavors have time to blend.
Sear the Scallops
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
Arrange the scallops in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Sear for 2–3 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a rich golden crust to develop.
Flip each scallop and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the centers are opaque and just cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as scallops can become tough and rubbery.
Assemble the Dish
Spread a generous spoonful of the Cajun cream sauce onto each serving plate.
Arrange the hot seared scallops over the sauce and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or an extra squeeze of fresh lime if desired.
Serve immediately while the scallops are hot and tender.
Description
These Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The scallops develop a perfectly caramelized golden crust while remaining tender, juicy, and buttery inside.
The creamy Cajun sauce adds a rich blend of tangy, smoky, and mildly spicy flavors that perfectly complement the delicate sweetness of the scallops. This elegant seafood dish is ideal for date nights, holidays, or whenever you want an impressive meal in under an hour.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Pat the scallops completely dry before seasoning to achieve the best sear.
Use a very hot skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Do not move the scallops while they are searing so a golden crust can form.
Cook just until the centers turn opaque to keep the scallops tender.
Prepare the sauce in advance for even better flavor.
Variations
Add minced garlic to the sauce for extra richness.
Stir grated Parmesan into the sauce for a cheesy twist.
Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, rice, or risotto.
Pair with roasted asparagus, green beans, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Replace scallops with shrimp or salmon for an equally delicious variation.
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 46 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 360 kcal
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 27 g
Sugar: 2 g
Conclusion
Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is an elegant seafood dish that combines perfectly caramelized scallops with a rich, creamy sauce full of bold Cajun flavor. Quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough for entertaining, this recipe delivers a memorable meal that’s sure to impress every seafood lover.