There’s something wonderfully satisfying about creating a dish at home that feels like it belongs on a restaurant menu. That’s precisely the feeling I get every time I make these Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun seasoning. This is my go-to recipe when I need something that comes together in minutes but delivers a truly impressive result. It transforms a handful of good ingredients into something special, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to produce a memorable meal.

What makes this dish stand out is the beautiful contrast in textures and flavours. We get a deep, golden-brown crust on the scallops from a very hot pan, which gives way to a sweet, tender, and almost creamy interior. That delicate sweetness is then amplified by a homemade Cajun spice blend – a mix of smoky paprika, a little warmth from cayenne, and earthy herbs. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness, brightening everything up and making each bite feel vibrant and exciting.

This recipe works beautifully for a special date night in, a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, or simply for those evenings when you want to treat yourself to something a little luxurious. If you’re a fan of seafood with a bit of a kick, you are going to adore this take on seared scallops.

Recipe Overview

This recipe guides you through achieving that elusive perfect sear on sweet king scallops, enhanced with a balanced, smoky, and aromatic Cajun spice blend. The key is high heat and a dry scallop. When I first started making this, my biggest lesson was learning not to be scared of a properly hot pan; it’s the secret to that gorgeous caramelised crust. We finish the dish with a simple garlic butter baste right at the end for an extra layer of flavour.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2 people (as a main) or 4 (as a starter)
• Difficulty: Medium

Why You’ll Love This Seared Scallops With Spicy Cajun

• Genuine Flavour: The natural, delicate sweetness of the scallops shines through, perfectly complemented by the homemade spice blend. The smoked paprika provides a deep, smoky base, while the cayenne offers a gentle warmth that doesn’t overwhelm the seafood.
• Ready in 15 Minutes: From start to finish, this dish comes together remarkably fast, making it ideal for a last-minute special meal without any stress.
• Flexible Recipe: You are in complete control of the spice. Love more heat? Add an extra pinch of cayenne. Prefer it milder? Reduce it slightly. You can also finish with different fresh herbs like chives or dill instead of parsley.
• Great for a Special Night In: This is a wonderful recipe for an anniversary dinner, a birthday celebration, or simply elevating a Friday night. It feels decadent and thoughtful.
• Family Tested: My husband, who can be particular about seafood, always asks for seconds of these cajun scallops. He says the spice rub makes them much more interesting than plain ones.

Seared Scallops With Spicy Cajun

⏱️ 15 min prep  •  🍳 10 min cook  •  👥 4 servings

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the best results, I recommend using large, fresh “dry-packed” king scallops. Dry-packed scallops haven’t been treated with a phosphate solution, meaning they contain less water and will sear beautifully instead of steaming in the pan. I find the flavour of a good quality Spanish smoked paprika, like La Chinata, really makes a difference in the spice blend.

• For the Cajun Spice Blend:
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• For the Scallops:
• 500g large king scallops (about 10-12)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 30g unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 lemon, for squeezing

Kira’s Tip: You will likely have some Cajun spice blend left over. Store it in a small, airtight jar. It’s absolutely brilliant on chicken thighs, prawns, or sprinkled over my Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe before baking.

How to Make Seared Scallops With Spicy Cajun

The process is all about preparation and timing. Have all your ingredients ready to go before you even think about turning on the hob, as the cooking part happens very quickly. We want to focus on getting that perfect golden crust.

1. Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
2. Prepare the Scallops: Check each scallop and remove the small, tough side-muscle if it’s still attached (it just peels away). Rinse the scallops under cold water and then pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is critical for a good sear.
3. Season the Scallops: Place the dry scallops in a medium bowl and sprinkle over about two-thirds of the Cajun spice blend. Gently toss with your hands to ensure each scallop is lightly and evenly coated.
4. Heat Your Pan: Place a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel frying pan over a medium-high heat. Let it get properly hot for 2-3 minutes. A hot pan is essential for a great crust.
5. Sear the Scallops (Side One): Add the olive oil to the hot pan. Carefully place the scallops in the pan in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. Cook them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Let them cook, undisturbed, for 90 seconds. Don’t be tempted to move them! What works best for me is setting a timer on my phone so I’m not guessing.
6. Sear the Scallops (Side Two): Using tongs, flip each scallop over. You should see a deep, golden-brown crust. Cook for another 60-90 seconds on the other side.
7. Add Butter and Garlic: In the last 30 seconds of cooking, add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. As the butter melts and foams, tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the scallops with the fragrant garlic butter.
8. Serve Immediately: Remove the scallops from the pan straight away to prevent them from overcooking. Arrange them on a platter or plates, squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the top, and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley.

Tips From My Kitchen

• Temperature Control: Your pan must be hot before the scallops go in. A good test is to flick a tiny drop of water into the pan; if it sizzles and evaporates instantly, you’re ready to go. This high heat creates the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for that delicious crust.
• The Secret Step: I learned that no matter how “dry” your scallops look, they can always be drier. After patting them with paper towels, I sometimes let them sit on a fresh paper towel in the fridge, uncovered, for 10 minutes. This extra step guarantees a fantastic sear.
• Make-Ahead: The Cajun spice blend is the only part of this recipe that can be made in advance. You can prepare a big batch and store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months. The scallops must be cooked just before serving.
• Storage: Seared scallops are best enjoyed immediately. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat them very gently in a pan with a little butter for just 30-60 seconds to avoid them becoming rubbery.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: If you put too many scallops in the pan at once, their moisture will release and lower the pan’s temperature. This causes them to steam instead of sear, leaving them pale and tough. Cook in two batches if your pan isn’t large enough.
• Wrong temperature: A pan that isn’t hot enough will result in sad, beige scallops. A pan that is excessively hot (e.g., smoking heavily) will burn the delicate spices in the Cajun rub before the scallop is cooked through. Medium-high is the sweet spot.
• Skipping the drying step: As mentioned, moisture is the enemy of a good sear. A wet scallop will never form a proper crust. Do not skip the step of patting them thoroughly dry with paper towels.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, it’s fun to experiment. The spice blend and the scallops are a fantastic canvas for other flavours.

• Add Some Cream: After removing the scallops, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or brandy. Let it reduce, then stir in 100ml of double cream and let it bubble for a minute to create a luxurious, spicy cream sauce.
• King Prawns: This exact recipe works wonderfully with large king prawns. The cooking time will be very similar. Just ensure you pat the prawns dry, too. This spice blend is also delicious on salmon, like in my Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe.
• Add Bacon: For a smoky, salty addition, fry some chopped bacon or pancetta until crisp. Remove it from the pan, and then sear the scallops in the rendered fat. Crumble the bacon over the finished dish.

What to Serve With Seared Scallops With Spicy Cajun

These scallops are rich and flavourful, so they pair best with sides that can either complement their richness or provide a fresh contrast.

• Creamy Parmesan Risotto: The creamy, cheesy risotto is a perfect bed for the spicy scallops, catching all the delicious garlic butter from the pan.
• Simple Green Salad: A handful of rocket or mixed leaves with a sharp lemon vinaigrette helps to cut through the richness of the butter and scallops.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette is non-negotiable in our house for mopping up every last drop of that incredible pan sauce.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay works beautifully here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seared Scallops With Spicy Cajun

Perfectly seared scallops with a crispy golden crust, tossed in a bold homemade Cajun spice blend and finished in a rich garlic butter sauce. A quick, elegant, and flavorful main course.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Cajun

Calories: 285

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cajun Spice Blend

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or more, to taste
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Scallops

• 500 g large king scallops about 10-12
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 30 g unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic finely minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1/2 lemon for squeezing

Method

 

1. Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
2. Prepare the Scallops: Check each scallop and remove the small, tough side-muscle if it's still attached (it just peels away). Rinse the scallops under cold water and then pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is critical for a good sear.
3. Season the Scallops: Place the dry scallops in a medium bowl and sprinkle over about two-thirds of the Cajun spice blend. Gently toss with your hands to ensure each scallop is lightly and evenly coated.
4. Heat Your Pan: Place a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel frying pan over a medium-high heat. Let it get properly hot for 2-3 minutes. A hot pan is essential for a great crust.
5. Sear the Scallops (Side One): Add the olive oil to the hot pan. Carefully place the scallops in the pan in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. Cook them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Let them cook, undisturbed, for 90 seconds. Don't be tempted to move them! What works best for me is setting a timer on my phone so I'm not guessing.
6. Sear the Scallops (Side Two): Using tongs, flip each scallop over. You should see a deep, golden-brown crust. Cook for another 60-90 seconds on the other side.
7. Add Butter and Garlic: In the last 30 seconds of cooking, add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. As the butter melts and foams, tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the scallops with the fragrant garlic butter.
8. Serve Immediately: Remove the scallops from the pan straight away to prevent them from overcooking. Arrange them on a platter or plates, squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the top, and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

For the best crust, ensure the scallops are completely dry and the pan is very hot before adding them. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

I really hope you give these Seared Scallops with Spicy Cajun a try. It’s one of those recipes that looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated, but is secretly so straightforward to make. It’s a joy to cook and an even greater joy to eat. If you do make it, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love hearing about your kitchen adventures!

Happy cooking,
Kira