Ms. Elaine's Shrimp Dip

12 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: PT0M Total: 15 m Beginner
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Ms. Elaine's Shrimp Dip
This simple shrimp dip uses a clever trick - the drained shrimp can becomes your measuring cup for celery, chives, and mayonnaise. Just mix with mustard and Cajun seasonings, chill, and serve cold on crackers. Perfect make-ahead appetizer!

Ingredients

12 servings servings
  • 2 (4.25 oz) cans small shrimp, drained
  • 2 cans celery, finely chopped
  • 2 cans chives or onion tops, finely chopped
  • 2 cans mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • Red pepper, to taste
  • Tony Chachere's Cajun seasoning, to taste
  • Tabasco or jalapeno peppers

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open 2 cans of cooked shrimp and rinse the shrimp. Put the shrimp in a mixing bowl. Use the empty can as a measuring cup. Chop the celery until you have two cans full. Do the same with the onion tops or chives. Add the vegetables to the shrimp.
  2. Measure 2 cans of mayonnaise and add this to the shrimp and veggies.
  3. Add the 2 tablespoons of mustard, some Tabasco or jalapeno peppers, and a little red pepper to taste. Stir gently until mixed.
  4. Set in fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight to let flavors blend. Serve cold on crackers or Cajun oyster crackers.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use fresh shrimp instead of canned?

A: Yes, you'll need about 1 pound of cooked, peeled shrimp. Chop them and use a standard measuring cup for about 2 cups each of the celery, chives, and mayonnaise to match the proportions.

Q: How long will this keep in the refrigerator?

A: The dip will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually improve after the first day.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t skip the overnight chilling time if you can help it - the flavors really meld together and the dip tastes much better the next day. The longer it sits, the better it gets.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • canned shrimp: 1 lb cooked fresh shrimp, chopped
  • chives or onion tops: green onions (scallions)
  • Tony Chachere's: any Cajun seasoning blend

Equipment Needed

  • mixing bowl
  • knife and cutting board
  • can opener