This is going to be your new favorite dip. Break out the crackers!
Crab dip recipes have a long history of usefulness as a quick but impressive snack dish made for last-minute guests or get-togethers. It’s simply mixed together and chilled—no equipment required. The imitation element of this recipe makes it a little more affordable while still delivering a powerful punch of deliciousness on a cracker.
You’re going to love how this tastes like a sophisticated snack. It’s a nice change from your run-of-the-mill dips. It has a mild base, so you can easily customize it according to the ingredients you have on hand. For example, for some added heat, add a few drops of hot sauce to your liking. You can also add other vegetables or stronger-flavored spices.
After trying this recipe once, you’re going to want to keep the main ingredients on hand at all times. Like emergency supplies! When making this imitation crab dip, make sure to purchase quality ingredients for optimum results. If you’d like to splurge, of course, there’s nothing stopping you from using fresh or canned crab instead.
Is Imitation Crab Dip Healthy?
As written, this is going to be a high-fat snack. That’s fine, if you can manage to just have a taste. Good luck with that! We all know that anything that starts out with cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise is going to have everyone hovering over the dip bowl! But as a special treat, why not?
To make this recipe just a little lighter, the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise can all be replaced with low-fat versions, or even vegan versions. You can also substitute the same amount of Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. Don’t worry, it’ll still be delicious.
What Is Imitation Crab?
Imitation crab is made from a paste of minced, pre-cooked white fish (known as surimi in Japanese) with added ingredients such as egg whites, sugar, sodium, or other additives.
Imitation crab is typically low in mercury, since it’s primarily made from Alaskan pollock and whiting. It can also be made from Atlantic cod, haddock, and other white fish. Imitation crab is much more affordable than real crab. Plus, it can be used straight from the package, since it’s pre-cooked.
How to make ahead and store
You’re going to want to eat this the day you prepare it, although it can be mixed up several hours in advance. Keep it well chilled. For dinner parties, using a bed of ice under the serving dish would be a good idea to make sure it’s delightfully chilled during the entire soirée!
Serving Suggestions
There’s a chance you’re just having the dip and the dippers! But if this appetizer is just the beginning of a full-fledged meal, some ideas might include Oven-Roasted Vegetables or Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables.
If you’re on the lookout for other great dips or appetizers with a bit of sophistication, try Cucumber Sushi Rolls or Shrimp Spring Rolls. Mango Avocado Salsa is a great choice for a special occasion! And this Creamy Baba Ghanoush Recipe can be used with all the same dippers as the imitation crab dip.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup imitation crab meat roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add chopped imitation crab, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Stir in green onions and transfer the dip to a serving dish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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