Name: Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 6–8 sea scallops; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; ¾ cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Golden on the outside, buttery soft inside, and finished with a fiery Cajun kick—seared scallops with spicy Cajun cream sauce is what happens when elegance meets bold Southern flavor. Each scallop is seared to a gorgeous crust while keeping its silky center intact, then nestled into a sauce that wraps every bite in creamy, spicy goodness.

This is the kind of dish that looks restaurant-fancy but comes together fast enough for a weeknight treat. The sauce itself is a velvety blend of heat, cream, and subtle tang that complements the scallops beautifully, making this a go-to for both special dinners and quick indulgent meals.

Why You’ll Love This Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

If you’re a seafood lover who craves flavor with a punch, this recipe will be right up your alley. It balances the sweetness of scallops with the intensity of Cajun spices and the richness of cream, delivering a deeply satisfying bite every time. Plus, it cooks in minutes and feels like something you’d order off a fine dining menu.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or treating yourself, this dish is effortless luxury.

What Kind of Scallops Should I Use?

When you’re working with a simple, quick recipe like this, ingredient quality makes all the difference. Look for dry-packed sea scallops—these are the large, plump kind and they don’t have added preservatives or solutions that interfere with searing. Wet scallops will steam and struggle to get that perfect golden crust. If frozen is your only option, thaw them completely and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking.

Ingredients for the Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Every ingredient in this dish plays a role in building its rich, balanced flavor. The scallops bring the sweet brininess of the sea, while the Cajun cream sauce layers in spicy, creamy, and savory notes. Here’s what you’ll need to make it sing:

Sea scallops – The star of the show. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the spicy cream.
Olive oil – Helps achieve that perfect golden crust during searing.
Butter – Adds richness and a slight nutty finish to the scallops.
Heavy cream – Forms the base of the Cajun sauce, giving it a silky texture.
Cajun seasoning – The backbone of the flavor, spicy and smoky.
Garlic – Brings in warmth and depth.
Lemon juice – Brightens the sauce and enhances the scallops’ flavor.
Salt – To taste, essential for balancing all the other flavors.
Fresh parsley – For garnish and a hint of herbal freshness.

How To Make the Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Scallops

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps them sear properly. Season lightly with salt.

Step 2: Sear the Scallops

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add scallops in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Cajun Cream Sauce

In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, followed by Cajun seasoning. Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.

Step 4: Add Lemon and Return Scallops

Add lemon juice to the sauce, then return the scallops to the skillet. Spoon sauce over them gently. Let everything warm together for another minute.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while the scallops are hot and the sauce is velvety.

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

This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the skillet when the scallops are tender and the sauce is silky smooth. Serve it directly on a plate with sauce spooned over, or pair it with a light base like mashed potatoes or angel hair pasta to soak up every bit of that rich Cajun cream.

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the scallops from becoming rubbery and the sauce from separating.

This recipe yields 2 generous servings, making it perfect for date night or a small, elegant dinner.

What to Serve With Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce?

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate, garlic bread complements the richness beautifully.

Lemon Herb Rice

The citrus notes of the rice play nicely with the heat and cream of the sauce.

Roasted Asparagus

Adds a crisp, earthy contrast that balances out the rich main.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A cozy, velvety base that makes the scallops feel even more indulgent.

Light Garden Salad

For a refreshing counterpoint, serve a salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Buttered Angel Hair Pasta

Soaks up the Cajun sauce like a dream and gives the dish a fuller feel.

Sautéed Spinach

A simple and healthy green side that doesn’t overpower the main dish.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet and smoky flavors enhance the Cajun seasoning in the sauce.

Want More Seafood Dinner Ideas?

If these seared scallops with spicy Cajun cream sauce hit the spot, you might also love these other seafood-forward creations from the kitchen:

• Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon for a zesty, velvety salmon dish that melts in your mouth.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells for another creamy, indulgent skillet dinner.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta if you’re craving a hearty and spicy Southern-style pasta.
• Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque for a cozy bowl of creamy coastal comfort.
• Pan-Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce for crispy-skinned salmon in a bold, buttery glaze.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your scallops turned out. Did you amp up the heat? Add a twist to the sauce? I love hearing your take on it.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and daily recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feel-good meals.

Conclusion

Seared scallops with spicy Cajun cream sauce is that rare gem of a dish that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. It delivers bold flavor, elegant presentation, and pure satisfaction in every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or your new dinner party favorite, this recipe is here to impress and indulge.