Description
Restaurant-quality seared scallops with a spicy Cajun cream sauce. This dish is quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. The scallops are caramelized to perfection and served in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large sea scallops (about 12-16)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the sea scallops completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the scallops to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 1.5-2 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms and the scallops are cooked through. Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Return the seared scallops to the skillet and spoon the spicy Cajun cream sauce over them.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are very dry for a good sear.
- Do not overcook the scallops; they should be tender in the center.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper for your desired spice level.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American (Cajun-inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 350
- Sugar: Approx. 3g
- Sodium: Approx. 400mg
- Fat: Approx. 25g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 8g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 25g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 120mg