Appetizer > Seafood Appetizers > Clam Appetizers

Spicy Clam Dip Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cans of minced clams (6.5 oz each)
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup of chopped jalapeños
- 1/4 cup of chopped red bell pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving dish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Drain the minced clams and reserve the liquid.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, red bell pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and the reserved clam liquid. Mix well.
3. Add the minced clams to the mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Refrigeration time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- Makes about 2 cups of dip

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 140
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- If you don't have jalapeños, you can use other spicy peppers like serrano or habanero.
- Red bell pepper can be substituted with other sweet peppers like yellow or orange bell peppers.

Variations:
- Add chopped bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Use canned crab meat instead of clams for a different seafood taste.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill for extra freshness.

Tips and tricks:
- For a smoother dip, blend the mixture in a food processor or blender before adding the clams.
- Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced vegetables.
- Make sure to drain the clams well to avoid a watery dip.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- This dip is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can heat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dip in a bowl or on a platter with crackers or chips arranged around it.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, jalapeños, or red bell pepper.

Pairings:
- This dip pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dip is too thick, add a little bit of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the dip is too watery, drain the clams well and add less of the reserved liquid.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to refrigerate the dip promptly after serving and don't leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Food history:
- Clam dip has been a popular party appetizer since the 1950s and is often associated with retro cocktail parties.

Flavor profiles:
- This dip is creamy, spicy, and briny with a hint of sweetness from the red bell pepper.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack at parties or gatherings.

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Taste: Spicy, Savory, Tangy, Briny, Creamy