This mouthwatering dish features pan-seared sea scallops coated in a bold Cajun spice blend, caramelized to golden perfection, and served with a rich, creamy herb aioli. With their crispy crust and buttery, tender center, these scallops deliver restaurant-quality flavor in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a gourmet dinner, date night recipe, or upscale appetizer, this seafood favorite is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly.
🦪 Ingredients
For the Cajun Seared Scallops:
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1 lb large sea scallops (dry-packed preferred)
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2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp sea salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Herb Aioli:
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½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat for richness)
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tbsp chopped chives
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1 tbsp chopped parsley
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Scallops
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Pat the scallops completely dry using paper towels. Moisture prevents proper searing.
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Remove the small side muscle if still attached.
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In a bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Lightly coat scallops evenly with the seasoning blend.
2️⃣ Make the Herb Aioli
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors develop.
3️⃣ Sear the Scallops
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Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Place scallops in the pan without overcrowding.
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Sear for 2–3 minutes per side without moving them. A golden crust should form.
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Add butter during the last minute and spoon melted butter over the scallops.
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Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice.
4️⃣ Serve
Plate scallops immediately and serve with chilled herb aioli on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
🌟 Pro Tips for Perfect Searing
✔ Use dry-packed scallops (avoid wet-packed for better caramelization).
✔ Do not overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if necessary.
✔ High heat is essential for achieving that restaurant-style crust.
✔ Let scallops rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
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Garlic butter asparagus
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Creamy risotto
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Lemon herb quinoa
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Cauliflower mash (low-carb option)
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Fresh arugula salad with balsamic glaze
🥂 Wine Pairing
Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, buttery Chardonnay, or even a sparkling Prosecco for a fine dining experience at home.
💰 Why This Dish is a High-End Gourmet Favorite
Sea scallops are considered a premium seafood ingredient, often featured in luxury restaurants and fine dining menus. They are high in protein, low in calories, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Because of their upscale appeal, recipes like this are popular in searches related to:
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“Best seafood dinner recipes”
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“Gourmet date night meals”
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“Easy restaurant-style scallops”
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“Keto seafood recipes”
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“High-protein low-carb dinner ideas”
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“Healthy Mediterranean diet seafood”
These types of food and luxury cooking keywords often fall into high CPM categories due to advertiser interest in premium groceries, kitchen appliances, wine subscriptions, meal delivery services, and health-focused products.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why are my scallops rubbery?
Overcooking is the most common reason. Scallops cook quickly and should be removed once opaque and slightly firm.
Q2: What’s the difference between bay scallops and sea scallops?
Sea scallops are larger and ideal for pan searing. Bay scallops are smaller and better suited for pasta or seafood chowders.
Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with more olive oil or vegan butter.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Q5: Are scallops healthy?
Absolutely. They are high in lean protein, vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids while being low in fat.
