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Shrimp Dip

Shrimp Dip

In the world of party appetizers, there's a time for fancy, and there's a time for oh-my-gosh-I-only-have-10-minutes-to-make-something-that-I-wouldn't-be-ashamed-to-serve-to-guests. Usually I'm in the latter camp, having grossly underestimated the time it takes to get organized. For these times it's helpful to have a dish like this shrimp dip in one's back pocket. Some little pink shrimp (they're sustainable and sweet), some cream cheese, a touch of mayo, a little lemon, some chopped herbs, a dash of hot sauce and presto! A lovely dip—thick, shrimpy, and brightly flavored with the lemon, herbs, and hot sauce. Keep some frozen shrimp around for occasions like this, and some crackers, and you can pull it all together in 10 minutes. (Well maybe 15 if you have to defrost the shrimp.)

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Shrimp Dip Recipe

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

If using frozen shrimp, defrost safely by placing in a bowl of ice water. When defrosted, strain.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temp
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 to 4 Tbsp of lemon juice (2 if regular lemon, 4 if Meyer lemon), more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 3/4 pound cooked, shelled, small pink shrimp (salad shrimp)
  • 1/4 cup sliced scallions, including the greens
  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco or Crystal hot sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

1 In a medium bowl beat together the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Beat until smooth (you may need to use a whisk.)

2 If you have a food processor, pulse together the shrimp and the cream cheese mixture, three 1-second pulses. If not, or if you just don't want to deal with the food processor, chop up the shrimp—fine to medium chop—and mix into the cream cheese.

3 Return to the bowl and stir in the scallions and parsley. Add the hot sauce and black pepper to taste. Add more lemon juice to taste.

Keep chilled. Serve with crackers or crudite.

Yield: Makes about 2 cups of dip.

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22 Comments

yum! i wonder what this would taste like w canned tuna...

Posted by: lynn @ the actor's diet on December 15, 2011 8:19 PM

I love Shrimp Dip. This is a great recipe and I love the little canned shrimp for dishes like this.

Posted by: Becki's Whole Life on December 15, 2011 8:24 PM

I got a recipe similar to this from my mom decades ago. For even greater ease, it calls for a small can of shrimp. Also, instead of mayo, it uses Catalina dressing. This is a really yummy combo! Nowadays, I make it with low fat cream cheese and dressing and it still tastes great.

Posted by: Carolee W. on December 15, 2011 8:54 PM

Were you reading my mind?! I have a party on Saturday and need a recipe for a shrimp and lobster dip. Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this in such a timely fashion! I can't wait.

Posted by: Sue on December 15, 2011 9:46 PM

This sounds delicious-I've never had shrimp dip before, so I'm interested in trying it.

Posted by: Chicbaker123 on December 15, 2011 10:05 PM

Wow, I remember a lady in my dad's office used to bring this dip every year to the holiday potluck (all the kids got to come to the office on that day). I haven't had it since way back then - it's definitely time to bring that back!

Posted by: Kathy - Panini Happy on December 15, 2011 11:07 PM

I have been trying to decide between a crab dip or shrimp dip for a dinner next week. What perfect timing you have! I think I will go with shrimp dip!

Posted by: Tanya - Three Square Meals on December 16, 2011 3:42 AM

I have fond memories of the grandparents' version of Shrimp Dip. It contained chunks of diced boiled Gulf shrimp, cream cheese, a bit of sour cream, lemon juice, salt, hot sauce and a can of Campbell's frozen Cream of Shrimp soup. They would make it a day in advance for the flavors to meld.
They'd serve it with Triscuits and Ruffles. It was simply heavenly stuff and one of their holiday party stand-bys.
I haven't been able to find the frozen soup in years. Using the regular canned soup in its place has disappointing results.
I'm looking forward to trying this version!

Posted by: Dawna on December 16, 2011 3:46 AM

Sounds like something I need now!

Posted by: Belinda @zomppa on December 16, 2011 4:48 AM

Oh my goodness I LOVE shrimp dip! My mom used to make it for parties and at Christmas! I haven't had it in years. Thanks for the memory (and the recipe!)

Posted by: Flourish & Fancy on December 16, 2011 6:26 AM

I could lick that bowl CLEAN.

Posted by: Bev Weidner on December 16, 2011 7:16 AM

So cool. My mom had a friend that used to make a shrimp mold, but guess what? This is SO much easier and once it is on the cracker and in your mouth who cares? You must have spent some time in Louisiana. Most people know about Tabasco, but Crystal is a little more obscure.

Posted by: Shorthand on December 16, 2011 7:27 AM

I love this recipe! Also good with a little horseradish.

Posted by: Peggy Thornton on December 16, 2011 12:12 PM

This is such a tasty dip.
I first had it on a camping trip two years ago.
When our 'gourmet camp chef' put it out for the group, it was gone in about 15 minutes---everybody loved it! She made it with canned shrimp for this occasion and it was equally delicious. Try it, you'll love it!

Posted by: Desert Camper on December 16, 2011 12:46 PM

Great recipe! Apps are always a pain. Have you ever thought about Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese? Finally, what's with the sustainable comment about the shrimp? Are there any unsustainable shrimp?

Haven't tried it with Greek yogurt, but that's certainly worth a try. Regarding sustainability, check out Seafood Watch. ~Elise

Posted by: Mike G on December 16, 2011 2:14 PM

I use yogurt instead of the mayo & chili sauce or ketchup & horseradish instead fo the hot sauce.

Posted by: Scott on December 17, 2011 9:13 AM

Oh my this looks absolutely wonderful!

Posted by: Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers on December 18, 2011 4:59 AM

Thank goodness you posted this on Friday! It came in handy for a quick dish to share at a holiday gathering that same evening. It was a big hit and didn't last long at all.

Posted by: Kari on December 19, 2011 4:10 PM

We've made a quick and easy shrimp dip in my family for years. It's really close to the one above, just sub out dill for the parsley and Worcestershire for the hot sauce. quick and easy and so tasty.

Posted by: colin nash on December 20, 2011 10:08 AM

My mom has made an easy shrimp dip for years. Take a pretty serving plate/small platter - soften a brick of cream cheese and spread it along the bottom. Then pour chili/seafood sauce on top. Then sprinkle the little pink shrimp over that. Serve with crackers and little cheese knives. It's pretty and fun and festive - and SO easy. I'd like to try this one too!

Posted by: Julie on December 21, 2011 1:44 PM

Sounds good! And really simple...which I like! Trying this out for my next get together.

Posted by: Ashley Kosher on December 22, 2011 12:09 PM

Holy shrimp sauce this was delicious! Never had I tried a shrimp dip before. Utterly satisfying. Looking forward to make this one for Christmas!

Posted by: Luke Baker on December 22, 2011 8:34 PM

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