Florida Smoked Fish Dip Recipe
Smoked Fish Dip is made with smoked fish, cream cheese, mayo, and herbs. Serve with crackers or raw veggies. It’s a favorite appetizer in Key West, Florida. Enjoy it at happy hour, holiday meals, or anytime you need a quick and easy seafood snack.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or sturdy mixing spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor, optional
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot-smoked fish, skin and bones removed (wahoo, mackerel, mahi-mahi, or mullet)
- 4 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup diced celery
- 3 tablespoons diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- salt and black pepper
FOR SERVING
- crackers or sliced vegetables for serving
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Break the fish into small pieces by hand or pulse a few times in a food processor.
- In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Fold in the smoked fish, celery, onion, bell pepper, and parsley.
- Stir in Old Bay and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- The dip is ready to serve immediately, but the flavor becomes even better as it chills.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley. Serve chilled with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Notes
BEST FISH: Use hot-smoked wahoo, mahi-mahi, kingfish, mackerel, or mullet. Remove the skin and check carefully for bones.
TEXTURE: Smoked fish varies in moisture. Add the mayonnaise gradually, using only enough to make the dip creamy and spreadable. If it thickens after chilling, stir in a little more mayonnaise.
ADD-INS: For extra flavor, add a small amount of hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, cayenne pepper, or liquid smoke.
STORAGE: Refrigerate in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days. Do not leave fish dip at room temperature for more than two hours.
Nutrition
Calories: 192.7kcalCarbohydrates: 1.8gProtein: 13.3gTotal Fat: 14.5gSaturated Fat: 4.7gCholesterol: 78.3mgSodium: 149.5mgPotassium: 301.7mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 1g
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