Zesty Sea Scallops in Bourbon Jalapeno Cream Sauce Recipe

Sizzling sea scallops in bourbon jalapeño cream sauce dance with bold, unexpected flavors that promise a culinary adventure.

Tender maritime gems get kissed by a spicy-smooth bourbon jalapeño cream sauce that tingles every taste bud.

Rich, velvety textures meld with complex layers of heat and sweetness.

Each perfectly seared scallop becomes a canvas for an irresistible sauce that balances smoky bourbon notes with jalapeño’s vibrant kick.

The recipe marries delicate seafood with robust southwestern-inspired elements.

Restaurant-quality elegance emerges from your own kitchen with this deceptively simple yet sophisticated dish.

Prepare to wow your dinner companions with a show-stopping plate that delivers pure gastronomic excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 448 kcal

Servings: 5

Sea Scallops in Bourbon Jalapeño Cream Sauce – Ingredients

• Sea Scallops: Ocean's tender gems that promise a sweet, delicate flavor with a silky texture; choose plump, ivory-white scallops without excessive liquid or discoloration.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning warriors that awaken and amplify the natural richness of scallops; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum zest.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus splash that tenderizes and adds a refreshing tang to the seafood.
• Fresh Cilantro: Vibrant herb that provides a crisp, herbaceous finishing touch to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium that helps achieve perfect golden sear and prevents sticking.
• Butter: Luxurious flavor booster that creates a silky, rich undertone in both scallop cooking and sauce preparation.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses deep, earthy notes into the sauce.
• Jalapeno: Spicy green pepper delivering a subtle, warming kick with adjustable heat levels.
• Bourbon: Smoky, complex spirit that introduces depth and sophisticated warmth to the cream sauce.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Velvety base that transforms the sauce into a luscious, indulgent coating.

Cooking Tools for Bourbon Jalapeño Cream Sauce Scallops

• Large Saucepan: Essential for searing scallops and making the bourbon cream sauce.
• Chef's Knife: Perfect for finely dicing jalapenos and chopping cilantro.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing ingredients safely.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure salt, pepper, and other seasonings accurately.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and flipping scallops.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and turning scallops during cooking.

Step-by-Step Sea Scallops in Bourbon Jalapeño Cream Sauce

Bourbon Jalapeño Seafood Delight

• Scallop Preparation

Create a golden, flavorful exterior for the delicate sea scallops by seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. The key is to ensure each side receives equal attention.

• Searing Magic

Heat olive oil in a large pan until it shimmers with intense heat. Gently place scallops into the pan, allowing them to develop a beautiful caramel-colored crust. Add a touch of butter and fresh lemon juice to enhance their natural sweetness. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they transform into a gorgeous golden brown.

• Sauce Symphony

In the same pan, awaken the flavors by sautéing minced garlic and diced jalapeños. These ingredients will create a base of aromatic intensity. Pour in bourbon to add depth and complexity, letting the alcohol dance and reduce.

• Cream Transformation

Introduce heavy cream to the pan, creating a luxurious sauce that will coat the scallops with velvety richness. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, developing a harmonious blend of spicy and creamy notes.

• Final Flourish

Remove scallops from heat and lovingly drizzle the bourbon jalapeño cream sauce over them. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of bright, herbal freshness that elevates the entire dish.

Tips to Elevate Bourbon Cream Scallops

• Choose fresh, dry-packed sea scallops with a firm, slightly translucent appearance for the best texture and flavor.
• Pat scallops completely dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown crust, ensuring they develop a beautiful caramelized exterior without steaming.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity to control spice intensity – remove seeds for mild flavor or include them for extra kick.
• Swap bourbon with white wine, cognac, or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version that still delivers rich depth.
• Replace scallops with shrimp, chicken, or pan-seared fish to enjoy the same delicious bourbon jalapeno cream sauce with different protein options.

How to Plate Sea Scallops in Jalapeño Sauce

• Elegant Dinner Companion: Pair these luxurious scallops with crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich bourbon cream sauce.
• Scenic Plate Presentation: Serve the golden scallops atop a bed of creamy parmesan risotto or smooth cauliflower puree to elevate the dish's visual and flavor profile.
• Spicy Herb Accent: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped cilantro and thinly sliced jalapeno rings around the plate for added color, texture, and a zesty kick that enhances the sauce's complexity.
• Texture Balance Side: Include a light, crunchy element like toasted pine nuts or crispy pancetta crumbles to provide contrasting texture against the tender scallops and silky cream sauce.

Storage Advice for Scallops in Cream Sauce

• Seafood Savvy Storage: Best Practices for Sea Scallops
• Refrigeration Rescue: Store fresh scallops in the coldest part of your refrigerator at 32-40°F, tightly sealed in an airtight container. Use within 1-2 days of purchase for maximum flavor and quality.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap scallops individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These delicate seafood gems can stay frozen for up to 3 months without losing their delightful texture.
• Sauce Survival Tactics: Keep leftover bourbon jalapeno cream sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The sauce remains delicious for 3-4 days, perfect for quick meal refreshes or creative recipe additions.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare scallops and sauce components separately for easy weeknight cooking. Chop jalapenos, measure bourbon, and pre-measure cream in advance to streamline your culinary adventure, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.

Succulent Sea Scallops in Bourbon Jalapeno Cream Sauce

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Succulent sea scallops nestle in a bourbon jalapeño cream sauce that balances rich, spicy, and creamy notes. Chefs can elevate weeknight dinners with this elegant Southern-inspired dish that delivers complex flavors in minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 sea scallops, rinsed and patted dry
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (28 g) butter, cubed
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) bourbon whiskey
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and finely diced
• 0.5 tbsps (7.5 ml) lemon juice
• 0.5 tbsps minced garlic
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp pepper
• 0.33 cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed and chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly pat sea scallops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper, ensuring maximum surface contact for optimal caramelization.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, carefully arrange scallops without overcrowding, allowing each to develop a golden-brown crust.
3. Butter Enhancement: Add butter and lemon juice during cooking, creating a rich, tangy glaze that elevates the scallops’ natural sweetness.
4. Cooking Precision: Sear scallops 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a beautiful amber exterior while maintaining a translucent, tender interior.
5. Sauce Foundation: Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and introduce fresh olive oil, then gently sweat minced garlic and diced jalapenos to release their aromatic essence.
6. Flavor Layering: Deglaze pan with bourbon, allowing the alcohol to reduce and concentrate its complex flavor profile, then pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a velvety sauce.
7. Sauce Refinement: Incorporate butter, adjust seasoning, and simmer until the sauce reaches a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
8. Plating: Cascade bourbon jalapeno cream sauce over seared scallops and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant, herbaceous finale.

Notes

• Dry Scallops Thoroughly: Moisture prevents perfect caramelization, so use paper towels to remove excess liquid completely for golden-brown searing.
• Temperature Control Matters: Medium-high heat ensures crispy exterior while maintaining tender, delicate scallop interior without overcooking.
• Avoid Overcrowding Pan: Space scallops apart to allow proper heat circulation, preventing steaming and supporting ideal caramelized crust development.
• Bourbon Sauce Intensity: Reduce bourbon slowly to concentrate flavors and burn off alcohol, creating a rich, deep complexity in the cream sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 448
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 361 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 108 mg