Seared Scallops With Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
Tender, golden-seared scallops bathed in a rich and creamy Cajun sauce with just the right amount of spice. A restaurant-quality dish that comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powde
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prep the scallops: Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the scallops: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes without moving. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown and opaque. Remove from the pan.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, then sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan and lemon juice, stirring until smooth.
- Combine and serve: Return scallops to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Let them warm for 1 minute. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.