Description
This Shrimp Dip Log is a refreshing and flavorful appetizer combining tender poached shrimp with creamy cream cheese and zesty lemon, all coated in dried parsley. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, it pairs beautifully with crackers, veggies, or toast for a delicious and elegant snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp Log:
- 12 oz raw shrimp, deveined, tails-on
- 3 tbsp seafood boil seasoning (or Old Bay seasoning)
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and sliced
- 1/2 cup dried parsley
For Serving:
- Crackers
- Vegetables (such as celery, carrots, cucumber)
- Mini toast
- Sesame sticks
- Pretzels
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon: Zest the lemon and set the zest aside for later use. Cut the rest of the lemon into thick slices to flavor the poaching water.
- Poach the Shrimp: Bring about 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the lemon slices and seafood boil seasoning to infuse the water with flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the boiling water, cover the pot, then immediately remove it from the heat. Let the shrimp sit in the hot water for 5-6 minutes until fully pink and opaque.
- Cool the Shrimp: While the shrimp cook, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water.
- Shock the Shrimp: Transfer the cooked shrimp into the ice bath to stop the cooking process and chill them thoroughly. Remove tails if desired, and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Make the Shrimp Dip: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced shrimp, minced shallot, and reserved lemon zest. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Form the Log: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Spoon the shrimp-cream cheese mixture onto it and shape into a firm log. Wrap tightly with the plastic wrap, smoothing it out to maintain the shape.
- Chill the Log: Refrigerate the wrapped shrimp log for 2 hours or freeze for 45 minutes to let it firm up properly.
- Coat with Parsley: Spread dried parsley on a piece of clean plastic wrap or parchment paper. Unwrap the chilled shrimp log and roll it over the parsley until completely coated.
- Serve: Place the parsley-coated shrimp log on a serving platter. Serve with crackers, fresh vegetables, mini toast, sesame sticks, or pretzels along with a serving knife for easy slicing.
Notes
- Use seafood boil seasoning like Old Bay for authentic flavor; substitute with your favorite seasoning blend if needed.
- Keeping the shrimp tails on during poaching adds flavor and makes removal easier after cooking.
- Chilling the dip log well is crucial for firm slices and easy handling.
- Dried parsley helps add color and a subtle herb flavor to the dip log.
- This dip can be made a day in advance for convenience.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning in the cream cheese mixture to taste before forming the log if desired.
- Serve chilled and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
