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

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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)

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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