Description
A luscious dish featuring seared scallops draped in a spicy Cajun cream sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by patting the sea scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving that golden-brown sear. Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the scallops with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add cayenne pepper. Toss everything together gently until the scallops are evenly coated in the marinade. Let the scallops marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, you can cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours.
- While the scallops marinate, you can prepare the creamy sauce that will complement them beautifully. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set this aside, allowing the flavors to meld while the scallops continue to marinate.
- After marination, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Carefully place the scallops in the skillet, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. This is crucial as too many scallops can lower the pan’s temperature, preventing proper searing. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side, turning once, until they are golden brown and opaque in the center. This quick cooking method will keep them tender and juicy.
- Once the scallops are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving dish. Generously spoon the spicy Cajun cream sauce over the scallops and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. Serve immediately to appreciate the contrast of textures and flavors in this divine dish.
Notes
For best results, choose fresh, high-quality sea scallops for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Protein: 25 g