If you have ever found yourself longing for the warm, comforting flavors of your favorite Chinese buffet, you absolutely must try this Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe. Bursting with tender crab, a luscious blend of cheeses, and that signature Old Bay seasoning twist, this casserole captures the essence of classic buffet flavors in a simple, home-cooked dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with delightful textures that feel like a big, cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe is a showstopper that’s bound to become a beloved staple in your comfort food repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish comes from a handful of everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something truly special. Each component enhances the flavor, texture, or appearance, making sure every bite sings with balance and richness.
- Butter: Provides that rich, velvety base for sautéing, adding depth to your vegetables.
- Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and aroma once sautéed to soften the casserole’s foundation.
- Celery: Adds a lovely crunch and fresh flavor, balancing the creaminess perfectly.
- Imitation Crab Meat: The star protein offering delicate seafood flavor; real crab works beautifully as well.
- Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and creaminess, enhancing the ultimate luscious texture. Greek yogurt is a tasty alternative.
- Mayonnaise: Adds smooth richness and a hint of acidity, rounding out the creamy mixture.
- Soy Sauce: Infuses that unmistakable umami note common to Chinese cuisine—tamari is great for gluten-free options.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings complexity with a subtle tang and spice; coconut aminos serve as a perfect substitute.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Delivers warmth and a fragrant kick, reminiscent of a buffet favorite’s signature seasoning.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Offers gooey stretch and a mild creamy flavor that melts beautifully atop the casserole.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and color contrast, boosting flavor and creating an inviting crust.
How to Make Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before turning on the heat, get everything chopped and ready. Dice the onion and celery finely for even cooking and texture. If you’re using real crab, make sure it’s picked clean of shells and flaked gently. Having everything within arm’s reach makes the cooking flow seamlessly and keeps your energy joyful in the kitchen.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and sauté the onions and celery. This step softens their texture while coaxing out their natural sweetness and aroma, setting the stage for the creamy base. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are tender without losing their bite.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Crab Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sautéed veggies, imitation crab meat, sour cream, mayonnaise, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese at this point. This mixture should be thick, rich, and dotted with delicious seafood morsels. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This assembly is where the magic of the Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe really takes shape.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the creamy crab mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the sharp cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust that will bring smiles when it bubbles up fresh from the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into a preheated oven set at 375°F. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cheese topping is lightly browned and the edges are bubbling enthusiastically. This is the moment when all the ingredients meld into one creamy, cheesy delight—the heartwarming finale to your culinary journey.
How to Serve Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the rich casserole, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. The fresh green pop adds not just color but an herbaceous freshness that cuts through some of the richness, making each bite feel balanced and fresh.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice, which helps soak up all the creamy goodness and fills out the meal. A side of lightly sautéed bok choy or a crisp cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that complements the casserole’s smooth texture beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy crab mixture inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or over crispy wonton chips as an appetizer. You can also dollop portions into ramekins for individual servings—that charming presentation makes it perfect for dinner parties and adds a personal touch that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole’s flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This creamy casserole freezes well. Prepare and bake the dish as usual, then cool completely before wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or pop the entire casserole back into a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before reheating can help revive that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab meat?
Absolutely! Real crab meat will enhance the authentic seafood flavor of the casserole and make it feel even more decadent. Just make sure to use fresh or properly thawed crab meat, and gently fold it in so it stays tender.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute vegan butter, vegan mayonnaise, and plant-based cheeses to make this casserole vegan-friendly. Just be mindful of the soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce substitutes that comply with your dietary needs.
How spicy is the casserole with Old Bay seasoning?
Old Bay brings a warm, mild spiciness with herbal and savory notes, so it’s flavorful without being hot or overwhelming. If you prefer, you can tone down the seasoning or add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a few hours or even a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
What can I serve this casserole with for a full meal?
Pair it with steamed jasmine rice and a crisp vegetable side like sautéed bok choy or a fresh cucumber salad. A light soup or egg drop soup would also complement the creamy texture well for a filling, balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe is such a fun and flavorful way to bring the nostalgia of buffet dining right into your kitchen. With its creamy texture, cheesy crust, and that unmistakable hint of Old Bay, it’s a comfort dish that will quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving it again and again. So gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and dive into the creamy, cheesy goodness of this absolute crowd-pleaser!
Print
Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole is a comforting and savory dish featuring imitation crab meat combined with sautéed vegetables, creamy sour cream and mayonnaise, and a blend of cheeses. Baked to golden perfection with a flavorful touch of Old Bay seasoning and soy sauce, this casserole offers a delicious and easy-to-make meal ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Can swap with vegan butter)
- 1 medium Onion (Can use shallots)
- 2 stalks Celery (Green bell pepper can be used)
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces Imitation Crab Meat (Real crab optional)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt as substitute)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Consider light mayonnaise)
Seasonings & Sauces
- 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)
Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Low-fat mozzarella is an alternative)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Vegan cheese can be used)
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Prepare all ingredients by chopping the onion and celery and shredding the cheeses if not pre-shredded.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat for even cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until they soften and develop aroma.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onions and celery with imitation crab meat, sour cream, mayonnaise, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well to create a creamy and flavorful mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top the mixture with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is lightly browned and the edges are bubbling. Remove from oven and let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute imitation crab with real crab meat for a fresher taste.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and coconut aminos instead of Worcestershire sauce.
- Light or vegan mayonnaise and cheeses can be used to reduce fat or accommodate dietary preferences.
- Green bell pepper can replace celery for a different flavor profile.
- This casserole pairs well with steamed rice or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
