Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner
Quick Cajun Scallops in a creamy mustard sauce is a dinner game-changer. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly seared scallops every time. The crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy scallops, all swimming in a creamy, tangy sauce. Start with my Easy Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers for appetizers. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers for Appetizers and Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Spice.
Why This Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Easy to make in just 20 minutes
- Creamy mustard sauce is irresistible
- Better than takeout, perfect for busy weeknights
What You'll Need for Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Scallops: Pat dry to prevent sogginess.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat for perfect searing. → See on Amazon
- Good quality Cajun seasoning — Makes all the difference in flavor. → See on Amazon
How to Make Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner
- Step 1: Pat scallops dry with a paper towel and season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- Step 2: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and once hot, add the scallops. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove scallops from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add mustards and heavy cream. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Step 4: Return scallops to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner
- : For best results, use sea scallops, not bay scallops.
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to prevent steaming. Cook scallops in batches if necessary.
- : For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning.
- : For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Storing & Reheating Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before adding the scallops.
Freezing Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a one-pan meal, cook some rice or noodles in the skillet before adding the scallops.
- Best substitution: No substitutions for scallops, but you can use chicken or shrimp for a similar dish.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time, but the scallops are best cooked just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little bit of milk or chicken broth.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality scallop tongs — Make it easy to flip scallops without breaking them. → Check price on Amazon
Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat scallops dry with a paper towel and season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- Step 2: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and once hot, add the scallops. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove scallops from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add mustards and heavy cream. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Step 4: Return scallops to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a one-pan meal, cook some rice or noodles in the skillet before adding the scallops.
- Best substitution: No substitutions for scallops, but you can use chicken or shrimp for a similar dish.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time, but the scallops are best cooked just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little bit of milk or chicken broth.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before adding the scallops.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sat. Fat: 10g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner FAQs
The sauce can be made ahead of time, but the scallops are best cooked just before serving to prevent overcooking.
Overcooking can make scallops tough. Make sure to cook them for no more than 2-3 minutes per side.
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent sogginess.
Try my Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Spice or Easy Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe for a complete meal.
This dish is perfect for the holidays as is, but you can also add some holiday spices to the Cajun seasoning for a festive touch.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
