If you’re craving a dish that feels like a five-star seafood entrée but is easy enough to whip up at home, you’ll love this Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce. With its tender golden scallops and zesty, rich Cajun cream, it’s a flavor explosion you’ll want to recreate again and again.
Whether it’s a dinner date or a weeknight indulgence, this dish is packed with spice, creaminess, and a coastal soul-food charm. Before diving into the kitchen, make sure you’re familiar with proper shellfish handling—check out this guide to safely cooking shellfish to ensure you’re storing and prepping scallops correctly.
And if you like to control the heat and flavor of your spice blends, why not mix your own? Here’s an easy Cajun seasoning recipe that lets you dial in the flavor to your taste.
🔥 Why This Dish Works
This dish is the perfect storm of heat, creaminess, and umami. Here’s what makes it a hit:
- High-end flavor in under 30 minutes
- One-pan simplicity – fewer dishes, more flavor
- Rich Cajun cream sauce that balances spice and coolness
- Pan-seared scallops that are golden on the outside, tender inside
- Restaurant-quality taste from your own kitchen
🧂 Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s break the ingredients into two key parts: the scallops and the Cajun cream sauce.
For the Scallops:
1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 lime, juiced
For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Spice Up the Scallops:
In a bowl, combine the scallops with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Sear the Scallops:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, soy sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until smooth.
Plate It Up:
Spoon the creamy Cajun sauce onto serving plates. Top with the seared scallops and serve immediately. Enjoy the bold and creamy flavors!
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4.
🧑🍳 Tips for the Best Sear
Perfect scallops are about technique. Here’s how to nail it every time:
- Dry the scallops thoroughly with a paper towel
- Preheat the pan fully before adding scallops
- Don’t move them around once placed—this helps get that golden crust
- Use high heat oil like olive or avocado oil
- Let scallops rest briefly before serving for juicy interiors
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic herb rice
- Lemon quinoa
- Buttered grits
- Roasted asparagus or zucchini ribbons
- A light green salad with vinaigrette
To elevate the experience, pour a glass of crisp white wine—this wine pairing guide recommends Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for seafood dishes like this.
🧄 Variations to Try
Feel free to switch things up based on dietary preferences or ingredients on hand:
- Swap scallops for shrimp, crab, or lobster
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
- Make it dairy-free with coconut yogurt and vegan mayo
- Mild version? Skip cayenne and hot sauce
- Add a smoky note with chipotle powder or smoked paprika
💡 Pro Tips from the Kitchen
- Use a meat thermometer—scallops should reach 125–130°F internally
- Don’t skip drying the scallops or the crust won’t form
- Thin your sauce with a splash of cream or milk if too thick
- Leftover sauce makes a great dressing for salads or tacos
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the secret to perfectly seared scallops?
A: The key is to thoroughly dry them, use a hot pan, and don’t move them during cooking. A good sear forms in 2–3 minutes per side.
Q: Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
A: It can be! Most blends include paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs. You can tone down the heat by making your own custom mix.
Q: Can I use frozen scallops?
A: Yes, but make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Excess moisture ruins the sear.
Q: What goes well with spicy scallops?
A: Starch-based sides like rice, grits, or mashed cauliflower complement the heat, while veggies like asparagus add a refreshing crunch.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Definitely. The sauce actually gets better after chilling—just give it a quick stir before serving.
Q: How do I know if scallops are overcooked?
A: Overcooked scallops become rubbery. They should be opaque and springy, not stiff.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! As long as all your condiments (especially Worcestershire sauce) are certified gluten-free.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is proof that you don’t need a culinary degree—or an expensive reservation—to enjoy a decadent seafood meal. With a little heat, a touch of cream, and perfectly cooked scallops, this dish brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your dinner table.
Whether you serve it with a glass of chilled wine or alongside buttery grits, this dish is sure to impress your family, your guests—or just your taste buds.
