Jul 14 2026

Smoked Fish Dip Recipe

Time50m
Serves6

Served with cucumbers and crackers.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Smoked Fish Dip

Method

Smoked Fish Dip

  1. 1

    Prepare fish

    Flake the smoked fish into a medium bowl, checking carefully for any small bones and removing skin. Break larger pieces into bite-sized flakes.

  2. 2

    Soften and combine bases

    In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a fork or small whisk until smooth. Stir in the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, and hot sauce (if using) until combined and creamy.

  3. 3

    Add aromatics and season

    Fold the flaked smoked fish, finely minced red onion, chopped capers, dill, chives, black pepper, and salt into the cream cheese mixture. Mix gently so the fish remains flaky but everything is evenly distributed.

  4. 4

    Adjust texture and seasoning

    Taste and adjust seasoning: add more lemon juice for brightness, salt if needed, or a bit more sour cream/mayo to loosen the dip. If the mixture feels very stiff, stir in up to 1–2 tablespoons sour cream or mayonnaise to reach a scoopable, spreadable consistency.

  5. 5

    Chill

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dip to a serving bowl, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. For best flavor, chill 1–2 hours.

  6. 6

    Finish

    Just before serving, drizzle the top of the dip with the optional teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle extra chopped dill or chives for garnish.

To Serve

  1. 7

    Arrange cucumber rounds and crackers on a platter alongside the chilled smoked fish dip.

  2. 8

    Serve with lemon wedges so guests can squeeze extra lemon over individual portions as desired.

  3. 9

    Leftovers: store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again.

More from Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant