Description
Golden seared scallops served in a rich and spicy Cajun cream sauce with Parmesan and a touch of lemon for an elegant, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb large sea scallops, packed dry
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add scallops and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine, then pour in the heavy cream.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Simmer another minute, stirring continuously.
- Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are dry for a perfect sear.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the level of heat.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to enjoy the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg