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Close-up of five jumbo scallops in a white bowl showing the succulent opaque white sides and caramelized tops in orange sauce. (Seared Scallops with Cajun Cream Sauce)
FL Recipes

Seared Scallops with Cajun Cream Sauce: The Ultimate Golden-Crust Seafood Dinner

Experience restaurant-quality Seared Scallops with Cajun Cream Sauce. Featuring five jumbo sea scallops with a deep golden-brown crust served in a thick, glossy, spice-flecked orange cream sauce. A stunning, sophisticated seafood dinner ready in 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 5 large jumbo sea scallops dry-packed
  • 2 tbsp grapeseed oil 30ml
  • 1 cup heavy cream 240ml
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper 2g
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika 2g
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper 1g
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter 30g, cold
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp paprika for dusting

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed Skillet Stainless steel or cast iron preferred
  • 1 Fish Spatula For delicate flipping

Method
 

Prepare the Scallops
  1. Remove the side muscle from the scallops. Pat them bone-dry on all sides using paper towels. This is crucial for the golden-brown caramelized crust.
  2. Lightly season the top and bottom of the scallops with salt just before cooking.
Sear the Scallops
  1. Heat 2 tbsp (30ml) oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Place scallops in the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes without moving them until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip and sear for 1-2 minutes until opaque.
Make the Cajun Sauce
  1. In the same pan, add heavy cream (240ml), cayenne, black pepper, and paprika. Simmer until thickened and pale orange.
  2. Whisk in cold butter (30g) until the sauce is thick and glossy with visible spice specks.
Plate and Garnish
  1. Pour sauce into a white ceramic bowl. Place scallops on top. Garnish heavily with parsley and a dusting of paprika.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalProtein: 22gFat: 42gFiber: 1g

Notes

Ensure scallops are 'dry-packed' to avoid excess water in the pan.
Use a high-smoke point oil like grapeseed to prevent burning.
Keyword Cajun cream sauce,jumbo sea scallops,Seared Scallops with Cajun Cream Sauce

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