Whether you’re in need of a new dip for an event, appetizer, or savory snack, you’re in luck with this recipe for delicious Chili Crab Dip With Shrimp Chips from Epicurious. With this dish, you have a delicious appetizer with a sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor. This chili crab dip is made with fresh crab meat, shallots, garlic, and a serrano chile pepper, making it perfect for your next party, as it’s always a hit with guests.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of claw crabmeat, picked over
• 2 tablespoons of double-concentrated tomato paste
• 4 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• 3 medium scallions, finely chopped
• 2 medium-sized shallots, quartered
• 4 medium cloves of garlic
• 1 bottom-third of a stalk of lemongrass with outer layers removed, cut into a few pieces
• 1 3–4″ piece of ginger, peeled, coarsely chopped
• 1 serrano chile, halved with seeds removed
• ½ large bunch of cilantro, with leaves and tender stems finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of Diamond Crystal salt or ½ teaspoon of Morton kosher salt, plus more
• 2 tablespoons of store-bought fried shallots or garlic (optional)
• Shrimp chips or Ritz crackers (for serving)

Directions

1. In a food processor or blender, you’ll want to begin this recipe by pulsing or blending your shallots, ginger, chile, garlic, tomato paste, sugar, lemongrass, salt (either Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt), and ½ cup water until the ingredients form a coarse purée.
2. Then, in a medium-sized skillet that’s set over medium-high heat, you’ll heat your vegetable oil. Once the skillet is properly heated, scrape your purée into the pan and cook it while stirring often. Cook until the mixture darkens and thickens to the consistency of tomato paste, which should take about 12-15 minutes. If the mixture begins to stick to the bottom of the pan and begins to brown, stir in a little water (only about 1 tablespoon), and scrape any brown bits with a wooden spoon. After 12-15 minutes, you should have about ⅔ cups.
3. Transfer this mixture to a small bowl and vigorously mix in your cream cheese and mayonnaise. Stir in your crabmeat, about half of your scallions, and half of your cilantro. Taste the dip to decide if you need to season it with more salt.
4. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and top the chili-crab dip with your remaining scallions, cilantro, and fried shallots. Serve with shrimp chips, and enjoy!

Notes:

• For the best results, always ensure to start with fresh, quality ingredients. This is the most important tip for ensuring your dish is delicious.
• Take the time to properly prepare each ingredient. This means not only cooking them properly but also chopping or slicing them into the right size and shape.
• Build flavor by layering in different spices, herbs, and other seasonings. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a flavor combination that you love.
• Let your dish sit for a bit before serving, as this allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more cohesive dish.
• Chili crab dip is traditionally served with shrimp chips, which are light and crispy fried wonton wrappers. However, if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can also pair it with vegetable chips or crackers.

This Chili Crab Dip with Shrimp Chips recipe is perfect for your next event or even just a portion of your next seafood-focused dinner. It’s easy to make and can be served with a variety of different chips and crackers. In fact, this recipe suggests an ample substitute for shrimp chips to be Ritz Crackers. You will seriously love the flavorful crab dip and you’re set to love how easy it is to prepare; so, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and enjoy!

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