How To Make Smoked Fish Dip

Seafood can be enjoyed in many ways, and it's hard to decide which is our favorite. However, this smoked fish dip is always near the top of our list.

There is something about this creamy, spicy miracle that just takes our breath away every single time. If you've never had it by now, you can't believe what you're missing.

So, make your way to Glass and Vine and see what we're talking about. We have the best fish dip you'll ever taste, and we're happy to share our secrets to making it.

If you want to make Florida fish dip yourself, keep on reading. We've shared all the necessary information to finish the recipe successfully. 

What Is the Best Fish For Smoked Fish Dip

There are multiple options for choosing the best fish for smoked fish dip. And each of them has a specific flavor. Remember when choosing the fish you wish to work with and taste in the finished product.

Here are our picks of fish that make the best fish dip.

• Smoked Salmon

You can't go wrong with smoked salmon. This is a staple. Its buttery, rich flavor is perfect for a recipe of this kind. And the firm texture makes the fish a breeze to flake and mix with the remaining ingredients. 

Smoked salmon is an obvious first pick in our minds.

• Smoked Whitefish

 If affordability is high on your list of priorities when choosing the right fish, go with smoked whitefish. Its texture is decent for this type of dip, and the mild, sweet flavor will work well with the rest of the recipe.

• Smoked Trout

If salmon isn't available, and you wish to try something similar, go with smoked trout. It has a similar texture and a delicate flavor you'll appreciate.

• Smoked Mackerel

To try something with a stronger flavor, go with Smoked Mackerel. It will taste different than the other components in this type of dip. But you can also try it mixed with ingredients that carry a bold flavor, like mustard or horseradish.

What Are the Best Crackers for Fish Dip?

More science goes into this than you may imagine. Not all crackers are the same. And not all of them are fit to go with our favorite Florida fish dip.

So, before you make a decision, consider a few details. For example, the cracker must have the right structure to go with the dip but can't be too strong to overwhelm the fish's exquisite flavor.

In our minds, these are the best crackers for this type of fish dip.

• Saltine crackers

These crackers are a must for a reason. Most people serve them with fish dip for a few reasons. Their mild flavor isn't too much for the fish, and the light texture is strong enough to scoop the dip.

They should be your choice when making the recipe for the first time. After you try these, feel free to improvise.

• Pita chips

If you're making a dip with larger pieces of fish, you should use crackers that can carry that weight. For that occasion, pita chips are our go-to.

Their flavor is a bit nutty, which goes well with larger chunks of fish, and the chips will be strong enough to carry the weight of the dip.

• Water crackers

Water crackers are another decent solution for a cracker-and-dip combo. Their flavor is primarily neutral, so you don't have to worry about it overpowering the fish. And the texture of these crackers is strong enough not to break under pressure.

• Crostini

If you're looking for something a bit different, try using toasted pieces of bread instead of crackers. Crostini is precisely that and a tasty addition to any fish dip.

The savory flavor will pair with most types of fish, and you don't have to worry about the texture not being strong enough.

Florida Fish Dip Ingredients

• 1 lb Smoked fish
• 1/2 cup Sour cream
• 1/2 cup Mayo
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire
• 1 tbsp Prepared horseradish
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

As you may assume, the instructions for this recipe aren't long. All you need to do is mix all the ingredients in a bowl and serve.

Or, you can mix all the ingredients using a food processor and make a spread instead. Try it both ways and see which one you prefer.

Ingredient Substitutes

No recipe is set in stone if you're a good enough chef. You don't have to follow our instructions blindly. Feel free to look for substitutions if you can't find something off our ingredients list.

• Fish

The only rule is you should go with smoked fish. Go to the local market and check out your options before deciding. You don't have to go with salmon each time. Mackerel, mullet, and a few other options will do just fine.

• Sour cream

If mayo isn't your thing, use sour cream only, and no mayonnaise in the recipe. The dip will have a similar consistency. If, however, you'd like something heavier, try cream cheese before sour cream.

• Mustard

This one is all up to you. Change the amount of mustard that goes into the recipe based on your preferences, if you want to, with more or less. If you'd like the dip to have some spice, add sriracha to the mix.

• Mayonnaise

You can skip the mayo if it isn't up to your taste. But make sure you replace it with sour cream or something of a similar texture. 

• Horseradish

Even smaller amounts of horseradish will give the dip a different flavor. People often use other ways to spice up their fish dips, and wasabi, hot mustard, and minced ginger are some of the most popular ones.

• Lemon

Using any type of citrus will give your dip some acidity. Feel free to give them a go if you prefer lime or orange juice. But keep in mind that OJ is usually sweeter than lemon.

• Spices

Paprika and cayenne pepper are on the list of ingredients. But if that isn't enough heat for you, feel free to add chilly powder, black pepper, or red pepper flakes.

How to Store Smoked Fish Dip

Here are the basic steps to having the best fish dip after a few days since you've made it.

• Before storing the dip, make sure it cools down to room temperature.
• Once the dip reaches the wanted temperature, transfer it to an airtight container.
• Keep the container in the fridge sealed and consume the dip in the next 3-4 days.
• If that isn't enough time, you should freeze the fish dip instead. That way, you can save it for up to a couple of months. Simply just label the container with the date of the freezing.

Visit Glass and Vine

Glass and Vine is one of Miami's best restaurants, and once you check out our patio, you'll understand why. Give us a visit and try the best fish tip of your life.