Description
This Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for fans of rich, savory flavors. Combining imitation crab meat with a creamy mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, and seasonings, then baked to golden perfection, this casserole brings the essence of classic Chinese buffet flavors into a warm, homestyle meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Can swap with vegan butter)
- 1 medium Onion (Can use shallots)
- 2 stalks Celery (Green bell pepper can be used)
- 8 ounces Imitation Crab Meat (Real crab optional)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt as substitute)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Consider light mayonnaise)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (Coconut aminos as gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning (Celery salt and paprika can work)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Low-fat mozzarella is an alternative)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Vegan cheese can be used)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté for 5-6 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onions and celery with the imitation crab meat, sour cream, mayonnaise, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well to ensure all components are evenly mixed.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the creamy mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the cheese on top is lightly browned and the sides are bubbling, signaling it’s hot and ready to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute real crab meat for imitation crab for a more authentic flavor.
- For a dairy-free or vegan version, use vegan butter, vegan cheese, and plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Tamari and coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce respectively.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning to your taste; it provides a classic savory spice to the dish.
- This casserole pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
