Smoke Fish Dip
A creamy smoked fish dip with tangy lemon, fresh chives, and aromatic herbs, perfect for entertaining or snacking with chips and vegetables for a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. smoked Spanish mackerel or other smoked fish ⓘ
- 1 cup dairy sour cream
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chopped chives ⓘ
- 1 tsp. instant minced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried rosemary ⓘ
- 6 peppercorns, crushed ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- assorted chips or raw vegetables ⓘ
- parsley for garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove skin and bones from the smoked fish.
- Flake the fish into small pieces.
- Combine all ingredients except chips and parsley in a bowl.
- Chill the mixture for at least 1 hour to blend flavors.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve with assorted chips or raw vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider blending the sour cream with a bit of cream cheese. If smoked Spanish mackerel isn't available, smoked salmon or trout can be great substitutes. Fresh dill can replace rosemary for a different flavor profile. To enhance the dish, try adding a dash of hot sauce for some heat. This recipe is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with the Alaska Shrimp Quiche.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the smoke fish dip with a platter of assorted chips, raw vegetables like carrots and celery, or even crackers for a delightful crunch. This dip is fantastic as an appetizer at parties or a light snack. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a fresh salad or serving it alongside the Puffy Fish Patties for a seafood-themed feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy the dip again, simply give it a stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change after thawing. If it thickens in the fridge, add a little more sour cream or lemon juice to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoke Fish Dip contains roughly 266 calories, with 28g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (147% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 667mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of smoked fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of smoked fish you prefer, such as smoked salmon, trout, or even canned smoked sardines. Each will impart a unique flavor to the dip, so feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences.
How can I make this dip spicier?
To add some heat to your smoke fish dip, consider mixing in a few dashes of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even finely chopped jalapeños. Adjust the spice level to your liking, keeping in mind that a little goes a long way.
Is there a way to make this dip vegan?
For a vegan version, you can substitute the dairy sour cream with a plant-based alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Use vegan smoked fish products made from tofu or eggplant to mimic the texture and flavor of smoked fish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).