Asian Fusion Creamy Spinach Dip with Pickled Onions
This Asian fusion spinach dip combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the bold flavors of soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame, topped with tangy pickled onions for the perfect balance of richness and zing. Serve it warm or cold with wonton chips, bread, or fresh veggies for a unique and irresistible appetizer!
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Mixing bowls
- 1 Whisk or Spoon
- 1 Baking dish (if serving warm)
Ingredients
For the Spinach Dip:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or neutral oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
For the Quick-Pickled Onions:
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Asian Fusion Pickled Onions
- In a saucepan, heat rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.½ cup rice vinegar, ¼ cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt
- Place thinly sliced red onions in a heatproof jar or bowl.1 small red onion
- Pour the hot pickling liquid over the onions and let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach Dip
- In a skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 30 seconds).1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- Stir in the thawed, drained spinach, cooking for another minute to remove excess moisture.10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, stirring until smooth.8 oz cream cheese, softened, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup mayonnaise
- Mix in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir until fully combined.1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Chop pickled onions into small pieces and mix into dip.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.½ cup shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Step 3: Assemble & Serve
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl (or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes if serving warm).
- Top with toasted sesame seeds or red pepper flakes (optional)1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Serve with wonton chips, prawn crackers, toasted bao buns, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For extra richness, drizzle with chili crisp or extra sesame oil before serving.
- Make it ahead – The dip and pickled onions can be stored separately and assembled before serving.
- Use fresh spinach – Swap frozen spinach for 2 cups of fresh spinach, sautéed until wilted.
- Adjust sweetness – If you prefer a more savory dip, reduce or omit the honey/brown sugar.
- Calories: ~260
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g