tasty and simple sushi dip recipe

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Even if you don’t like sushi, you’re going to love this sushi dip. The elements in this dip imitate a California roll. Though my husband pointed out that with the addition of the cream cheese, it’s really more like a Philly roll. Either way…you’re going to love it! This dip has been tested “in the field” and was a total hit at our last party.

easy sushi dip served on a seaweed snack wrapper

Now let’s get right to the good stuff…

how to make sushi dip

INGREDIENTS:

Gather your ingredients and get ready to make this amazing dip, good enough to eat as a meal. This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • 8 oz package cream cheese-softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • juice from ½ lemon
  • 16 oz imitation crab meat
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Optional: wasabi
  • 1 to 2 avocado (depending on size)
  • 1 seedless cucumber
  • 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds or vegan Tobiko caviar
  • Soy glaze for drizzling
  • Optional: Yum yum sauce
  • Salt to taste

ingredient information:

  • Imitation crab meat: We chose to use imitation crab meat in this recipe purely for budget reasons. Feel free to substitute real lump crab meat in a 1:1 ration instead.
  • Avocado: When choosing the perfect avocado, it should give a little when squeezed gently. This is the ripeness level we’re after.
  • Toasted sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds are not the same as regular sesame seeds. They can typically be found in the Asian food section of the grocery store and make a big difference in the flavor profile. You can also choose to go with vegetarian Tobiko.
  • Soy glaze: I’ve never used soy glaze until this recipe, and it really did make all the difference. Here’s the glaze that we used.
  • Yum yum sauce: You can grab our favorite Yum yum sauce HERE.
  • Cream cheese: We prefer using Philadelphia brand cream cheese for this dip, though any brand will work. If you haven’t had a chance to leave it out to soften, just pop it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Sour cream: Our favorite brand of sour cream is Daisy for both the flavor and texture. You should use your favorite. This can also be swapped out for Greek yogurt in equal parts.
  • Seedless cucumber: If you don’t have seedless on hand and use a traditional cucumber instead, use a spoon to remove the seeds prior to dicing for best results.

instructions:

Stick around to the end, and I’ll tell you how to customize it to your liking.

  1. Shred the imitation crab meat and add it to a mixing bowl.
  2. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, onion powder and salt to taste to the same bowl. Add in wasabi if desired.
  3. Blend the ingredients with a spoon until smooth.
  4. Then transfer to a deep pie dish or 9×9 baking dish.
  5. Dice the avocado and cucumber into ¼ inch pieces and add to the top of the mixture.
  6. Drizzle the soy glaze on top of your dip.
  7. Optional: also drizzle on the yum yum sauce.
  8. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds or Tobiko over the top.
  9. Enjoy with rice crackers or seaweed snacks.

my recipe tips

  • Customization: We chose to imitate a California roll because that’s our favorite, but you can change it up a bit for your own liking. For example, replace the crab with cooked shrimp or salmon. Include other topping options such as carrots, sweet potato, bell pepper, radish, mango, pineapple, green onions, pear, egg, pickled ginger or tofu. Play with the flavors and make it your own.
  • Heat level: To make this a spicy sushi dip, add some wasabi to the base. Then top with a spicy drizzle and hot peppers.
  • Size matters: When dicing the crab, avocado and cucumber, it’s important to keep the pieces nice and small so that you get a nice variety of flavors in one bite when you dip in.

recipe video

🍽️ serving ideas

We served this amazing sushi dip with these seaweed snack wrappers, and it was perfection. You can also serve it with rice crackers or just regular old Ritz crackers. If you want another healthy option, go with some celery or cucumber slides.

If you’re having a get together with lots of appetizers, this dip recipe is great alongside this fried pickle dip or this caramel apple dip. Then there will be a little something for everyone.

do we have a preferred cream cheese brand?

Yes!!! I understand that this is a personal preference, but I always use Philadelphia cream cheese (even though Philly is our sports rival here in Pittsburgh). There’s just something about the taste. That being said, any cream cheese brand will work just fine. So, stick with your favorite brand when making this dip.

easy sushi dip served on a seaweed snack wrapper

recipe notes

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best results for this super yummy dip.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers (if you even have any) covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 to 2 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it may affect the texture. It really does not store well because the cucumbers begin to release moisture.
  • Dip prep: You can prepare the base of this dip ahead of time. However, wait until just before serving to add the toppings. After just a short time the avocados will begin to brown and cucumbers will become mushy.

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