Need more dip recipes? Try my salmon dip, eggplant dip, cottage cheese dip, or cake batter dip next. I don’t always get much notice when I have a group of friends coming over, and since I’m the host with the most, I need a few standby appetizers. Que, my smoked tuna fish dip. With all the flavors of my healthy tuna salad plus a rich smokiness, it’s the perfect dip that couldn’t be easier to whip up.
Why I love this recipe
Quick and easy. The entire recipe takes less than a minute to make. Use canned OR fresh tuna. It doesn’t get more convenient than that. Easy to customize. Add extra spices, double up on the liquid smoke, or use flavored tuna. Healthier than store-bought. Compared to grocery store options, this one has half the ingredients, calories, and fat.
Ingredients needed
Tuna. While canned albacore tuna or yellowtail tuna is preferred (and more affordable), you can use a freshly cooked tuna steak. Cream cheese. Full fat and softened to room temperature. Sour cream. Adds extra creaminess and balances out the fish flavor. You can also use mayonnaise. Green onion. Finely chopped. Worcestershire sauce. Adds a salty and savory flavor. Liquid smoke. The secret ingredient that gives the dip the lovely smoky flavor. Spices. I used garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Fresh lemon juice. As needed.
How to make smoked tuna dip
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Smoked tuna fish dip is a famous dip made along the Gulf Coast. It’s based on tuna, cream cheese, and an assortment of spices and is typically served at room temperature with crudites and saltine crackers. “Made this for a party and it didn’t last more than 5 minutes” – Olga Step 1- Combine ingredients. Add all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and gently stir until combined. Step 2- Refrigerate and serve. Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld and the dip to thicken. Then, transfer to a serving dish and enjoy.
Arman’s recipe tips
Don’t over-mix the tuna. Or else it’ll lose its flaky consistency. Go easy on the smoke flavor. That stuff is strong, so only add what’s directed. The flavor will intensify as it chills. Taste as you go, and add any spices as needed.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Smoke your own tuna. If you own a smoker, skip the smoke flavor and smoke your tuna by hand! Make it spicy. If you can handle the heat, add a little more cayenne pepper. When I make it for a big group, I usually just set out a bottle of hot sauce on the table. Garnish the dip with fresh parsley or chives.
To freeze: Place leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to six months.
Frequently asked questions
More easy tuna recipes
Tuna patties Tuna casserole Tuna tartare Tuna carpaccio Tuna croquettes
Originally published August 2022, updated and republished July 2024
