Spicy Cajun Scallops 🌶️🦪🔥 Bold, Zesty, and Packed With Southern Heat

These Cajun-seasoned scallops are seared to perfection with a smoky-spicy crust and tender, buttery center.

They’re quick, flavorful, and perfect served over rice, pasta, or as a bold appetizer.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb sea scallops (about 12–16 large scallops)
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for serving

Step 1: Prep the scallops

Pat scallops dry with paper towels. Season generously with Cajun seasoning on all sides.

Step 2: Sear the scallops

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops in a single layer without crowding. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and just opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, cooking 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and scrape up any browned bits.

Step 4: Combine and serve

Return scallops to skillet briefly, tossing in the Cajun butter sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Flavor Variations

• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce for extra depth
• Serve over creamy grits for a classic Southern pairing
• Drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick
• Swap parsley for cilantro and add lime juice for a Cajun-meets-Tex-Mex twist

Pro Tips

• Use a cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet for the best sear
• Dry scallops thoroughly — moisture prevents browning
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary
• Serve immediately to keep the scallops tender and juicy

Final Thoughts

Spicy Cajun Scallops are bold, zesty, and irresistible — the kind of dish that brings the flavors of the South straight to your table. Quick to make, big on flavor, and endlessly versatile.

Season it. Sear it. Spice up your plate. 🌶️🦪🔥

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

• 🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
• 🦞 Delicious Seafood Boil Recipes – Spicy, saucy boils packed with crab, shrimp, and corn. The ultimate feast.
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• 🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
• 🦞 Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, Buttery & Oven-Ready. Comfort food meets coastal flavor.
• 🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
• 🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick, delicious, easy recipes bring bold flavor with minimal prep and cleanup
• 🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light, fresh & packed with protein and omega-3s with bright, satisfying flavor
• 🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy, silky rice dishes meet the richness of the sea.
• 🌊 Seafood Stews – Mediterranean, Latin to classic American, hearty stews with satisfying depth in your bowl.
• 🍝🧀 Seafood Lasagna – Lasagna meets the sea in these rich and satisfying delicious twist classic bakes.