Blackened Scallops with Garlic Herb Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Blackened Scallops with Garlic Herb Cream Sauce Recipe is a rich and flavorful seafood dish that feels fancy but is actually very simple to prepare. This recipe is about cooking fresh scallops in a hot pan with bold spices until they form a dark and tasty crust on the outside while staying soft and tender inside. After that, they are covered in a smooth garlic herb cream sauce that adds extra flavor and comfort. The mix of spicy blackened seasoning and creamy sauce creates a perfect balance. It looks beautiful on a plate and tastes like something you would order at a nice restaurant. The best part is that you can make it at home in less than thirty minutes.

People love this Blackened Scallops with Garlic Herb Cream Sauce Recipe because it is full of strong flavor and soft texture at the same time. The scallops become golden and slightly crispy on the outside. Inside, they stay juicy and delicate. The garlic herb cream sauce adds richness and a smooth finish to every bite. It feels special and impressive, yet it does not require complicated cooking skills. Many people enjoy this dish because it is both comforting and elegant. It is perfect for seafood lovers who want something exciting but easy to cook.

This recipe is perfect for date nights, family dinners, or even small celebrations at home. It is also a great choice when you want a high protein meal that is lighter than heavy meat dishes. Scallops are rich in protein and contain important nutrients that support your body. When you want to cook something that feels luxurious but still simple, this recipe is a wonderful option. It brings warmth, flavor, and a little bit of restaurant style magic into your kitchen.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here are all the ingredients needed to prepare Blackened Scallops with Garlic Herb Cream Sauce Recipe. This recipe serves about 4 people.

Sea scallops 1 pound or about 450 grams
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Unsalted butter 2 tablespoons
Garlic cloves 3 cloves minced
Heavy cream 1 cup
Chicken broth or vegetable broth half cup
Fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped
Fresh thyme 1 teaspoon chopped
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Salt half teaspoon
Black pepper half teaspoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper quarter teaspoon
Onion powder half teaspoon
Garlic powder half teaspoon

Step by Step Method

Step 1
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This step is very important because dry scallops create a better crust when cooked.

Step 2
In a small bowl, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your blackened seasoning.

Step 3
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the scallops. Gently press the seasoning onto the scallops so it sticks well.

Step 4
Heat a large pan over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it become hot but not smoking.

Step 5
Place the scallops in the hot pan in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side without moving them. This helps create a dark crust.

Step 6
Flip the scallops carefully and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 7
Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Once melted, add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 8
Pour in half cup of broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes. This helps lift the flavorful bits from the pan.

Step 9
Add 1 cup of heavy cream and stir gently. Let the sauce simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 10
Add chopped parsley and thyme to the sauce. Stir well. Add lemon juice for a fresh touch.

Step 11
Place the cooked scallops back into the pan. Spoon the garlic herb cream sauce over them. Let everything cook together for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 12
Remove from heat and serve immediately. You can serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Why This Recipe Is Special

Blackened Scallops with Garlic Herb Cream Sauce Recipe is special because it combines bold spices with creamy comfort. The blackened seasoning gives a smoky and slightly spicy flavor. The cream sauce balances that spice with richness and smoothness. Together, they create a perfect harmony of taste.

Scallops are a good source of lean protein. They are lower in fat compared to many meats. They also contain important nutrients like vitamin B twelve and magnesium. These nutrients support energy production and overall health. When paired with fresh herbs and lemon, the dish feels lighter and fresher.

Another reason this recipe stands out is its quick cooking time. Many seafood dishes feel difficult, but this one is simple. Even beginners can make it with confidence. It looks elegant on the plate, making it great for special occasions.

Extra Tips for Better Taste

Always use fresh or properly thawed scallops for the best texture.

Make sure the pan is hot before adding scallops. This helps create a beautiful crust.

Do not overcook scallops. They cook very quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.

Add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for extra richness.

Serve with pasta for a more filling meal.

Add a small pinch of chili flakes if you prefer more heat.

Fresh herbs give better flavor than dried ones, so try to use fresh parsley and thyme when possible.

Final Thoughts

Blackened Scallops with Garlic Herb Cream Sauce Recipe is a beautiful combination of bold spice and creamy comfort. It is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests. The rich sauce and tender scallops make every bite satisfying. This dish proves that you do not need complicated steps to create something special. Try it once and you may find it becoming a favorite seafood recipe in your home.

Nutrition Details

Below is an approximate nutrition breakdown for the whole recipe and per serving. These values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Whole Recipe Nutrition Approximate

Calories about 1600
Protein about 120 grams
Fat about 120 grams
Carbohydrates about 20 grams
Fiber about 2 grams

Per Serving Nutrition Approximate

Calories about 400
Protein about 30 grams
Fat about 30 grams
Carbohydrates about 5 grams
Fiber about 0.5 gram

These numbers are estimates and should be used as a general guide only.