Shrimp Dip

Irresistible Shrimp Dip Recipe

Hello! How wonderful that you're encouraged to enter the kitchen today. We're going to prepare together an shrimp dip that is a true gem for any gathering: it combines the creaminess of cheese, the sweet touch of fruit, and the unique texture of seafood. It's that kind of snack that disappears in minutes and leaves everyone asking for the recipe, ideal for treating your loved ones without complicating your life.

Preparation time

This appetizer is wonderful because it doesn't require turning on the stove, unless you need to cook the shrimp from scratch, but here we'll use ready-to-assemble ingredients. It's a quick and clean process.

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 0 minutes
• Total: 15 minutes
• Servings: 16
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

To achieve that authentic and balanced flavor, we need to respect the quantities. The magic of this dish lies in the contrast between the sweetness of the pineapple and jam with the savory taste of the seafood.

• 1 container (8 oz) of spreadable cream cheese and pineapple
• 1/2 cup peach or apricot preserve or jam
• 2 tablespoons seafood cocktail sauce
• 1 bag (4 oz) cooked and frozen salad shrimp, thawed and drained
• 2 medium green onions, finely sliced (approx. 2 tablespoons)
• 1/4 cup coconut flakes or shredded coconut
• Assorted crackers

Substitutions and options

I know that sometimes we don't find everything in the supermarket on the first try. If you can't find cream cheese spread that already comes with pineapple, don't worry. You can buy plain cream cheese and mix in two tablespoons of very finely chopped pineapple in syrup; the result will be just as creamy and delicious. If you prefer a fresher and less sweet touch, you could be inspired by ingredients you would use for a avocado, shrimp, and mango tartare, but maintaining the dairy base. In case you don't have cocktail sauce, a quick mix of ketchup with a touch of horseradish works wonders.

Utensils we will use

We don't need sophisticated equipment for this recipe. With the basics you have in your drawers, we'll get by perfectly.

• Serving platter (about 25 to 30 cm in diameter)
• Small bowl
• Rubber spatula or large spoon
• Chef's knife
• Cutting board
• Colander (to drain the shrimp)

Preparation

This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps calmly and you'll see how easy it is to assemble an snack expert-level. The key is the order of the layers so that, when you scoop with the cracker, you get a little bit of everything.

1. Creating the creamy base

   On the platter you chose (I recommend a flat one or one with a low rim to facilitate «dipping»), place the entire contents of the cream cheese with pineapple container. With the help of a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the cheese gently, leaving approximately one inch (2.5 cm) free before reaching the edge of the plate. We want a uniform layer, not a mountain in the center.

2. Preparing the sweet and sour sauce

   In the small bowl, pour half a cup of peach (or apricot) jam and add two tablespoons of sauce for cocktail. Mix vigorously with a spoon until both ingredients are fully integrated. You'll notice a beautiful reddish-orange color. Once ready, spread this mixture over the cream cheese layer we prepared in the previous step, covering it well but without overflowing.

3. Incorporating the shrimp

   Take the shrimp, which should be perfectly thawed and dry (you can pat them dry with paper towels if necessary). Distribute them evenly over the sauce. It's important that they are well spread out so that no one misses out on tasting the seafood in their bite. If the shrimp are very large, cut them a little; if they are «salad shrimp» or for salad, leave them whole.

4. Adding the final crunchy touches

   To finalize the flavor construction, sprinkle the sliced scallions over the shrimp. This adds a fresh and slightly spicy that cuts through the sweetness. Following this, sprinkle the shredded coconut on top. The coconut gives it an incredible textured bite and a tropical aroma.

To finish and serve

Once all the layers are ready, clean the edges of the platter with a damp paper towel if they got a little messy so that the presentation is impeccable. Place the crackers around the dip or on a separate plate. Ideally, serve it immediately so the cheese is soft, but if it's very hot, you can refrigerate it for 10 minutes before bringing it to the table. Pair it with a fresh drink; this dish has a very summery vibe, almost as if you were enjoying a arugula and shrimp salad on the beach, but in spreadable form.

Nutritional Information

Here are the approximate per-serving data for your reference. Remember that these are estimates based on standard ingredients.

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Fats: 8 g
• Proteins: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 7 g

Note: Daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Sodium content may vary depending on the brand of cocktail sauce and crackers you choose.

5 keys to make it perfect

As a private chef, I've learned that small details make a big difference between a good dish and a memorable one. Here are my secrets for this dip.

1. Drying is vital: Never put the shrimp directly from the package if they are wet. The water will dilute the sauce and cheese, creating an unappetizing puddle at the bottom of the dish. Dry them very well with paper towels.
2. Cheese temperature: Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator about 10 or 15 minutes before starting. If it's too cold, it will be difficult to spread and you could break the visual texture of the dish. We want it to be soft and pliable.
3. Size matters: If you use medium shrimp instead of salad shrimp, chop them into 1 cm pieces. The idea is that the diner can take a little dip with a cracker without the shrimp being so heavy that it breaks the cracker.
4. Toast the coconut (Optional): If you like to experiment, lightly toast the coconut in a dry pan for a few seconds before sprinkling it. This intensifies the nutty flavor and adds an extra crunch, something I learned doing desserts but that works wonderfully here.
5. Variety of crackers: Offer crackers with different textures. Butter «cracker» types are classic, but rice toasts or even plantain chips can elevate the experience.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This shrimp dip is incredibly versatile. I usually prepare it a lot during warm weather or Lent, when we look for fresh, red-meat-free options. It's the perfect appetizer for a family meal in the garden or to bring to a «potluck» party (where everyone brings a dish), as it travels very well and doesn't need to be heated. Just like a good classic guacamole, this dip becomes the center of conversation. It's also excellent for holiday celebrations in warm climates, adding an elegant and different touch to typical baked dishes.

Comparison table

Sometimes we get confused among so many delicious options. Here I show you how our dip compares to other popular recipes so you can choose the best option according to your craving.

If you like creamy options but prefer to avoid seafood for an allergic guest, I suggest trying a delicious spinach and artichoke dip, which maintains that delightful creaminess.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. I would love to know how this turned out for you shrimp dip. Did you add any personal touches? Perhaps you tried pineapple jam or decided to add a touch of garlic or chili. Leave your comment and share your own little tricks with our community! Seeing photos of your creations always brightens my day.

Culinary glossary

• Scallions: Also known as green onions or spring onions. They are tender onions harvested before fully maturing, with a milder flavor than white onions. We use both the white and green parts.
• Cocktail sauce: Cold sauce commonly made with ketchup, horseradish, juice of lemon and spices. It is the classic accompaniment for seafood.
• Drain: The action of removing excess liquid from an ingredient. In this recipe, it is crucial to remove the water from the thawed shrimp so as not to ruin the consistency of the dip.
• To spread: To spread a creamy or fatty substance over a surface, in this case, spreading the cheese on the plate.
• Brunoise: Although not mandatory in this basic recipe, it is a very small dice cut (1 to 2 mm). If you decide to chop the shrimp or fresh pineapple, this would be the appropriate technical term.

Shrimp Dip

Shrimp Dip: step-by-step recipe creamy and very smooth. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spice and salt to your liking.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: dip, shrimp, Mexican, salads, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 250 kcal

Preparation Time: PT15M

Cooking Time: PT0M

Total Time: PT15M

Recipe Ingredients:

• Canned shrimp (preferably in their own juice)
• Cream cheese, at room temperature
• Mayonnaise
• Tabasco Sauce (to taste)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Onion salt
• Garlic powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ground black pepper
• Dill seeds
• Finely chopped red pepper
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• A touch of chipotle sauce for a smoky flavor
• Chopped vegetables like onion or green pepper

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: :

Cooking: 0 minutes (no cooking)

Total: :

Total: 15 minutes

Servings: :

Servings: 4-6 people

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Low

Prepare the ingredients: :

Prepare the ingredients: Drain the shrimp well and chop them into coarse pieces to give texture to the dip.

Mix into the base: :

Mix in the base: In the blender or electric mixer, combine half of the shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Incorporate the remaining shrimp: :

Incorporate the remaining shrimp: Add the chopped shrimp to the blended mixture and fold in to maintain the texture.

Refrigerate: :

Chill: Take the dip to the fridge for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavor and achieve a firmer consistency.

Serve: :

Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or dill seeds. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a complete experience.

Seafood choice: :

Seafood choice: Always use good quality canned shrimp and well-drained to prevent the dip from becoming watery.

Seasoning control: :

Seasoning Control: Always taste the dip before refrigerating and adjust the salt, lemon, and spice according to your taste and that of your guests.

Chill rest::

Chill Rest: Let the dip chill for a minimum of 30 minutes in the fridge, so the flavors can meld and the result is more flavorful.

Editor's Rating:
4.8