"Love You Anyway" Simple Delicious Smoked Fish Dip

If you're looking for a delicious, smoky appetizer that’s sure to impress, this smoked trout dip is the perfect choice! With the rich flavor of smoked trout combined with creamy, tangy ingredients and a hint of freshness from herbs.

Smoked trout dip is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that combines the rich flavors of smoked fish with the creaminess of cheese and sour cream. This dip is perfect for entertaining guests or as a snack for a quick gathering.

With its smoky flavor and tangy taste, smoked trout dip is sure to be a hit at any party. In this article, we’ll explore the key ingredients, beer pairing suggestions, storage and leftovers, and variations and substitutions for this decadent smoked trout dip.

It’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with crackers, veggies, or toasted bread. Whether you're a seafood lover or just want something unique and flavorful, this smoked trout dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Welcome, y'all! Today we're talkin' about a classic appetizer that's sure to get your taste buds dancin' and prancin- smoked fish dip! This dish is all about that rich, smoky flavor of the fish, mixed with creamy goodness that'll make you want to lick the bowl clean.

It's a perfect addition to any soul food spread, from a family picnic to a fancy dinner party. So let's get in the kitchen and whip up some of that down-home goodness with this soulful smoked fish dip recipe!

You gotta love smoked fish dip. This simple yet delicious dish is made with smoked fish (usually smoked trout or smoked salmon), cream cheese, mayonnaise, and a few other ingredients to add flavor and texture. It's perfect for serving at parties, picnics, or any other occasion where you want to impress your guests with a unique and flavorful dish.

Florida smoked fish dip recipes are sort of the standard, but what kind of guy would I be if I tried to make a copycat recipe. I know, right?! I changed up a few of the typical smoked fish dip ingredients like hot pepper sauce and smoked paprika.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with smoked trout dip)

Fish ain't always loved me! I've had fish intolerances/allergies from childhood well into my adult life, but have remained steadfast despite many trials and tribulations in my pursuit to enjoy it's benefits. These days I'm good as far as any issues eating fish. The love is still good.

You're gonna love this fish dip. The smoke flavor is just right - not too over the top smoky and not so subtle you can't really call it smoked. I could easily be describing the funk levels of this underground Cameo sleeper "Love You Anyway." That funky bass in the background is stellar!

Key Smoked Fish Dip Ingredients

The key ingredients in smoked trout dip are smoked fish, cream cheese, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Smoked trout is the star of the show, providing a rich and smoky flavor. Cream cheese and sour cream add a tangy and creamy texture, while fresh lemon juice and herbs provide a bright and refreshing flavor. Other ingredients like smoked paprika, green onions, and hot sauce can be added to give the dip an extra kick.

Key Smoked Fish Fish Dip Ingredients

• Smoked Whitefish (I like trout but smoked mullet is common especially in South Florida)
• Cream cheese - The fat content in cream cheese adds a luxurious, rich mouthfeel, enhancing the overall taste of the dip.
• Mayonnaise - like cream cheese, mayo helps create a smooth, velvety consistency, making the dip easy to mix and spread.
• Sour Cream - has a bright, tangy flavor that lightens the richness of the fish and other creamy ingredients, adding a refreshing contrast.
• Shallots or Red Onions - provide a subtle, sweet onion taste that enhances the overall flavor without being as sharp as raw onions.
• Smoked Paprika -adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming the dip, providing a more rounded flavor.
• Lemon juice - provides a fresh, tangy kick that balances the richness of the creamy ingredients and smoky fish, preventing the dip from feeling too heavy.
• Worcestershire sauce - has a slightly tangy, fermented taste that balances the creamy and smoky elements.

Instructions for making a fish spread (step by step)

You can make your own smoked fish or buy some from your favorite grocery store or fish market. This recipe includes instructions for smoking your own.

Brine The Fish (optional step)

For a dry brine I just use a 1:1 ratio of salt and brown sugar. For a wet brine mix together kosher salt, cane sugar, water, fresh herbs and garlic cloves in a large mixing bowl. Place the fish in a large non reactive or ceramic container. Add the brine and refrigerate for about 2-3 hours.

Smoke the Fish

Soak wood chips in water for an hour.

Pre-heat your smoker to 150 - 175 degrees F.

Once the smoker has reached desired temperature, add water soaked wood chips to the firebox.

Place the trout fillets on smoker grates and smoke for about 3 hours or until the internal temperature of each fillet has reached 145 degrees F. Completely smoked fish with flake easily and pull away from the skin with no struggle.

Make The Dip

Begin by removing the skin and any bones from the smoked fish, then flake the fish into small pieces using a fork.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, olive oil, hot sauce, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Add the flaked fish to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Alternatively blend everything together in a food processor.

Taste the dip and add salt and pepper as needed. Also if needed mix the ingredients some more manually with a spoon.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together. Serve with lemon wedges. Serve smoked trout dip with fresh veggies and simple accompaniments.

Add the flaked fish to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Alternatively blend everything together in a food processor.

Taste the dip and add salt and pepper as needed. Also if needed mix the ingredients some more manually with a spoon.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together. Serve with lemon wedges.

What Dishes to Serve with Smoked Fish Dip:

Smoked fish dip pairs well with a variety of crackers and breads, such as:

• Pita chips
• Bagel chips
• Toasted baguette slices
• Saltine Crackers or fancy ones
• Crostini

For additional dishes to include on the party menu consider adding:

Potato Salad

Rib Tips

Smoked 3-2-1 Ribs

Collard Greens Slaw

Grill Pork Chops

Jerk Snapper

Smoked Cabbage Wedges

Beer Pairing Suggestions

Smoked trout dip pairs perfectly with crisp German lagers or pale ales with citrusy American hops. The fine carbonation and herbal bite of North German pilsners complement the smoky flavor of the trout, while the citrusy hops in pale ales enhance the freshness of the herbs.

For a more pronounced hop presence, try pairing the dip with an IPA. Whatever beer you choose, make sure it’s cold and refreshing to balance out the richness of the dip.

Cooking Tips and Considerations for Making the Best Smoked Fish Dip:

Use high-quality smoked fish to get the best flavor in your dip if using a pre-smoked store bought. Look for fish that is fresh and has been smoked with care.

If smoking your own fish go with a fresh, quality white fish for their flakiness

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Feel free to adjust the amount of mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste preferences.

If you prefer a chunkier texture pulse the ingredients. Also dill pickles and celery can add additional crunch.

Use a quality smoked sweet paprika

For a more colorful dip add more chopped fresh herbs (fresh dill) or sliced scallions.

The right consistency depends on your preference. I like mine on the creamier side, but if chunky is your thing go for it! Play around with the cream cheese and sour cream ratios until you get what you want.

Storage and Leftovers

Smoked trout dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re planning to make the dip ahead of time, it’s best to prepare the ingredients separately and assemble the dip just before serving. This will ensure that the flavors stay fresh and the texture remains creamy.

If you have leftovers, you can freeze the dip for up to 2 months and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

While smoked trout is the star of the show, you can substitute it with other types of smoked fish like salmon or whitefish. If you can’t find smoked trout, you can also use canned trout or smoked salmon. To give the dip a different flavor profile, try adding different spices or herbs like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried dill.

You can also add some heat to the dip by incorporating hot sauce or diced jalapeños. Whatever variation you choose, make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making A Smoked Fish Spread

Can I use other smoked fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any smoked fish that you like. For my money the best fish for dip is trout, Some popular options include smoked salmon, mackerel, and whitefish.

How long will this dip keep in the refrigerator?

The dip will keep for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze this dip?

No, this dip is not suitable for freezing.

Where can I buy really good smoked fish?

Specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods will typically have the good stuff. Otherwise, go to your local fish market. Lastly there are some good online options as well.

Special Equipment Needed

Meat Thermometer

Smoker - I use a ceramic style egg like a Kamado Joe which is similar to a Big Green Egg. Both are good because they allow for smoking at low temperatures.

Food Processor

Make this fish dip recipe

And there you have it, folks - our soulful smoked fish dip recipe is a sure-fire way to impress your guests at any gathering. With its rich, smoky flavor and creamy texture, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.

So next time you're looking for an appetizer that'll knock their socks off, whip up a batch of this smoked fish dip and watch your guests go wild. Trust me, it's a soulful sensation that's hard to resist!

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