Smoked Tuna Dip Recipe - Whole Kitchen Sink (2024)

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Smoked tuna dip is a super easy recipe for any sort of gathering or game day. It takes almost no time to make and is low carb, gluten free and can be made dairy free as well. A favorite of the gulf coast area, this recipe is easy to make in bulk for events with more people, or to freeze for later to have on hand.

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Why This Recipe Works:

  • Easy: Smoked tuna dip has only a handful of simple ingredients and takes very few steps to make.
  • Fast: The prep time for this recipe is about 5 minutes so even if you forget to make it until the last second there are zero worries.
  • Great for freezing: You can easily freeze this recipe to have on hand for whenever you want a quick dip without any effort.
  • Customizable: This smoked tuna dip has very few ingredients and is super easy to fine tune to your taste. Add more hot sauce, cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicier dip or even add in chopped bacon. The choice is yours!

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What is Smoked Tuna Dip?

Smoked tuna dip is a really popular appetizer, starter and party favorite along the Gulf Coast. It can be found on many restaurant menus and kitchen countertops during gatherings in family homes.

Related: Cajun Salmon Pasta, Cajun Chicken Alfredo Skillet, Shrimp Stuffed Salmon

Ingredients in Smoked Tuna Dip

To make this dip you’ll start with 2 five ounce cans of drained albacore tuna, 4 ounces of softened (room temperature) cream cheese, and a half cup of mayonnaise. Other than those, you’ll need a teaspoon of hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.

You will need about a half teaspoon of liquid smoke, more or less depending on taste, salt to taste, and pepper to taste. For garnish you may want two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and/or two tablespoons of finely chopped chives.

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How to Make Smoked Tuna Dip

Start your smoked tuna dip by draining the tuna and making sure your cream cheese is soft enough to work with. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and mayonnaise. You can use a whisk or a spoon but a small hand mixer make this much faster and gets you a smoother texture.

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Add in the rest of the ingredients, except for the tuna, and combine. Start with less of the salt, pepper, and liquid smoke and taste as you mix the dip so you can ensure that it fits your taste. Once this mixture is tuned to your taste, add in the tuna and any extras and mix well.

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Easy additions to your smoked tuna dip

  • Chopped bacon
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Finely minced garlic
  • Diced jalapeños
  • Finely diced onion
  • Additional hot sauce

If you want a touch of a different flavor built in try using this chipotle lime avocado oil mayonnaise or this jalapeño lime avocado oil mayonnaise instead of the regular mayo to change up the taste.

Once the smoked tuna dip is well combined and tuned to your taste, cover it and chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Then just garnish and dig in.

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How to Make Dairy Free Smoked Tuna Dip

This recipe can be made dairy free by using a dairy free cream cheese or ricotta. Just change it out in a 1:1 ratio and make the recipe as normal. Try the Kite Hill dairy free cream cheese or Miyokos dairy free cream cheeseif you want a suggestion but if you have a brand you like give it a try!

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this smoked tuna dip as a spread or dip for saltines, butter crackers, pita crackers, or any of your favorites. If you’re trying to avoid the chips and crackers, this recipe works really well as a dip for celery sticks, sliced peppers or cucumbers and radish, or as rollups in small leaves of lettuce. You can also try this recipe as the topper for a fresh salad with your selection of veggies.

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Storage Instructions

In the fridge:

To store your smoked tuna dip in the fridge, just place it into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay well for about 5 days in the refrigerator.

To freeze smoked tuna dip:

If you made too much tuna for your event or just made it to freeze and have some on hand for later, place your smoked tuna dip into an airtight container, cover, and freeze.

Try to get as much of the air out of the container as possible to keep best in the freezer. If your container is bigger than the amount of dip you have left, try adding a layer of tin foil or press’n’seal to “seal” the dip away from the extra air before freezing.

If you use Souper Cubes, this recipe works fantastic for those. Just freeze the dip in the cubes, and transfer to a plastic baggie after frozen and squeeze as much of the air as you can out of there and place back into the freezer.

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FAQ:

What is the difference between kinds of tuna?

Albacore is a smooth textured white looking tuna while yellowfin is a little less smooth with a reddish meat. Skipjack tuna has a darker color and has the most “fishy” flavor of the canned tuna varieties.

What is the best kind of tuna?

Albacore is considered the best due to its smooth texture and flavor. It costs less than yellowfin tuna and has a milder flavor.

Where did smoked tuna dip come from?

Smoked tuna dip is most popular in the gulf coast region. Many of the restaurants in the area will have their version on the menu.

Can I make this recipe with other kinds of fish?

Yes! You can try this with canned flaky salmon or even with a canned chicken if you’d prefer to give it a shot!

Other Dips and Appetizers You’ll Love:

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Smoked Tuna Dip Recipe

Smoked tuna dip is a super easy recipe for any sort of gathering or game day. It takes almost no time to make and is gluten free and can be made dairy free as well. A favorite of the gulf coast area, this recipe is easy to make in bulk for events with more people, or to freeze for later to have on hand.

  • Author: bailey
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: seafood
  • Method: countertop
  • Cuisine: american
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 (5 ounce) cans albacore tuna, drained
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2cupmayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (add more or less, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon hot sauce or buffalo sauce
  • Optional: fresh chopped chives or parsley to garnish

Instructions

  1. Use an electric mixer or hand whisk to stir together the cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl. Add in the rest of the ingredients except the tuna. Stir well until thoroughly mixed.
  2. Taste and add more liquid smoke, salt or pepper, as needed, to taste.
  3. Mix in the tuna until well combined.
  4. Cover and keep chilled until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

Dairy free smoked tuna dip: This recipe can be made dairy free by using a dairy free cream cheese or ricotta. Just change it out in a 1:1 ratio and make the recipe as normal. Try the Kite Hill dairy free cream cheese or Miyokos dairy free cream cheese.

Keywords: smoked tuna dip, smoked tunat dip recipe, how to make smoked tuna dip, gluten free smoked tuna dip, dairy free smoked tuna dip, easy smoked tuna dip, fast smoked tuna dip, quick smoked tuna dip, how to make smoked tuna dip

Nutrition Facts:

  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 57 mg
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Smoked Tuna Dip Recipe - Whole Kitchen Sink (2024)

FAQs

What is tuna dip made of? ›

It is usually made with oil-packed tuna and either mayonnaise, butter, or soft kind of soft, spreadable cheese. You blend it in a food processor with some capers, lemon juice and anchovies, although I think you could easily do without them. So easy! We would serve this dip with crostini (i.e. toast.)

How long does smoke tuna last? ›

Shelf life.

Smoked seafood will keep three months if properly refrigerated.

Can you smoke tuna without a smoker? ›

There are several methods for smoking tuna without a smoker. You can use a stovetop smoker, a charcoal grill, a gas grill, or even a regular oven to achieve delicious smoked tuna.

How to make smoked tuna in a can? ›

  1. Open a Tuna can. ...
  2. Place the paper on top of the tuna, and let it oil soak.
  3. Light the paper from its edges and let it burn for at least 15 minutes, or until the fire extinguishers itself. ...
  4. Now your burnt (smoked) tuna is ready. ...
  5. Serving suggestion: place the drained tuna in a bowl, add mayo, chilli sauce and mix well.
Feb 5, 2024

Is tuna a good fish to smoke? ›

Tuna is a large, pelagic fish that is present throughout the world. They can spoil quickly, so people have been smoking these large oceanic apex predators for thousands of years to preserve their meat. Most species of tuna are best hot smoked.

How long to smoke tuna? ›

Set the smoked to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and add wood chips. We suggest using a smoking wood of mild flavour, like apple or cherry, to best flavour the tuna. Smoke. Cook for about one hour.

What is tuna sauce made of? ›

Directions. Blend tuna with reserved oil, mayonnaise, anchovies, olive oil, lemon juice, capers, and garlic together in a blender until completely smooth. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Is canned smoked tuna healthy? ›

High Protein Content: Smoked tuna contains a high amount of protein, making it a good source for those following a protein-rich diet. It contains 20-30% protein, similar to other forms of tuna, such as canned tuna, and is an excellent source of essential amino acids.

What is the best wood to smoke tuna with? ›

We suggest using a smoking wood of mild flavor, like apple or cherry, to best flavor the tuna. Cook for about one hour. To ensure that tuna smokes evenly on all sides, roast steaks on an elevated surface, like a rack placed in a dish pan, or flip steaks once during cooking.

Why does canned tuna not go bad? ›

Canned fish — such as tuna, salmon, and sardines — can last up to three years after they're packaged. Why? "Canning foods removes all air and places it in vacuum-sealed containers that are then heat processed," says Rumsey. "This destroys microorganisms and prevents new bacteria from getting in."

What fish is easiest to smoke? ›

Oily fish are ideal for smoking, and my favorites include bluefish, mackerel, bonito, rainbow trout and salmon. (I recently made a batch with fresh lake trout and it was phenomenal.) Always leave the skin on, as it will help prevent the fillets from sticking to the grates.

Is cold smoked tuna raw? ›

The cold smoke doesn't actually cook the fish, so it's left with an almost raw-like texture. That's typically what you find in the flat, vacuum-sealed packs at the grocery store (it's usually noted on the package).

What does smoked tuna taste like? ›

Flavor Profile:

Smoked tuna is renowned for its bold and smoky flavor. It undergoes a smoking process that imparts a rich, savory essence with hints of wood or the type of wood chips used in smoking. The smokiness elevates its taste, making it a favorite for those seeking a robust tuna experience.

Can smoked tuna dip be frozen? ›

If you made too much tuna for your event or just made it to freeze and have some on hand for later, place your smoked tuna dip into an airtight container, cover, and freeze. Try to get as much of the air out of the container as possible to keep best in the freezer.

Can you eat canned tuna straight from the can? ›

If you're a fan of canned tuna, you'll be happy to know it's safe and ready to eat straight out of the can since it is pre-cooked for your convenience. Canned tuna is a wonderful seafood option, considering not everyone has access to fresh fish, not to mention it's super affordable.

How do you store smoked tuna? ›

Refrigeration. To avoid any confusion, refrigeration refers to storage within your refrigerator or fridge. Now that we've gotten that out of the way… Upon purchase, it's imperative to refrigerate smoked fish within three hours to maintain its freshness and quality (shorter on a hot day).

What's healthier smoked salmon or tuna? ›

Salmon can benefit your health thanks to its high content of omega-3 fats and vitamin D. Tuna is lower in calories but also contains more mercury. Thus, pregnant women and children should limit the amount of tuna they eat.

How do you keep fish moist when smoking? ›

By dry brining, you are pulling moisture from the fish and curing with the ingredients, effectively kick-starting the preservation process. In contrast, a wet brine soaks the fish in a seasoned salt solution to ensure that it retains moisture during the smoking process.

What is the name of smoked tuna? ›

Katsuobushi (Japanese: 鰹節) is simmered, smoked and fermented skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis, sometimes referred to as bonito). It is also known as bonito flakes or broadly as okaka (おかか).

What is seafood dip made of? ›

Mix cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the cheese, Hot Sauce, green onion, garlic and 1 tablespoon of the parsley in medium bowl until well blended. Add shrimp and crab meat; stir gently to mix.

What is fish dip made of? ›

Fish dips come in different variations. It typically consists of smoked fish, mayo, onion or scallions, celery, peppers, lemon juice, cream cheese, or sour cream. Some recipes may also incorporate Worcestershire, relish, or capers. It is often enjoyed with crackers, bread, or cut-up vegetables.

What is StarKist tuna made of? ›

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies to any of these ingredients, try our StarKist Selects products, in water and in E.V.O.O., in cans or in pouches. These products contain just tuna, water and sea salt, or tuna, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.

Is tuna with a little Mayo healthy? ›

Tuna is a healthy food. But when folks make tuna salad, they tend to go overboard on the mayo adding tons of extra calories and fat. One cup of mayo has a whopping 1440 calories, 160 grams fat, and 24 grams saturated fat. It'll also tack on almost 50 percent of your daily recommended amount of sodium.

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