Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner
Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce are the perfect weeknight dinner. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping scallops tender and the sauce creamy. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Caramel Apple Slices with Chocolate Drizzle and Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes.
Why This Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Better than takeout flavor in just 20 minutes
- Creamy mustard sauce that's irresistible
- Tender, juicy scallops with a crispy crust
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
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Lemon wedges
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Sea scallops: Pat them dry to get a good sear.
🛒 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 and season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove scallops from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add mustards and cook for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Return scallops to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the scallops. They'll become tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they're cooked through.
- : For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mustards.
- : Serve these scallops over Crispy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Potatoes for a complete meal.
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
Freezing is not recommended for scallops as they can become watery.
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: Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and a great sear.
- Best substitution: If you can't find scallops, shrimp would be a good substitute.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before adding the scallops.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on how many servings you need.
- Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too thin, cook it down for a few more minutes. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality sea scallops — Make all the difference in taste and texture → Check price on Amazon
Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 tbsp butter
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat scallops dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove scallops from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add mustards and cook for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Return scallops to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and a great sear.
- Best substitution: If you can't find scallops, shrimp would be a good substitute.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before adding the scallops.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on how many servings you need.
- Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too thin, cook it down for a few more minutes. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for scallops as they can become watery.
- 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: 380
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 13g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Quick Cajun Scallops in Creamy Mustard Sauce Dinner FAQs
While you can make the sauce ahead of time, it's best to cook the scallops just before serving to prevent them from becoming tough.
Overcooking is the most common reason for tough scallops. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they're cooked through.
Freezing is not recommended for scallops as they can become watery.
While you can cook the scallops in the air fryer, the sauce is best made on the stovetop.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
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!
