Description
This creamy Chinese buffet crab casserole combines tender imitation crab meat with sautéed vegetables and a flavorful blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and seasonings. Topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, it bakes to golden perfection, making it a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Proteins
- 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)
Dairy and Sauces
- 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)
Seasonings and Cheese
- 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 Steps: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and celery, sautéing them for 5-6 minutes until they become softened and fragrant, which will enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Add the imitation crab meat, sour cream, mayonnaise, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust upon baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the cheese melts, turns lightly golden brown, and the casserole edges are bubbling hot.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. This casserole goes well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute real crab meat for imitation crab for a more authentic flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and coconut aminos in place of Worcestershire sauce.
- Low-fat or vegan cheese alternatives work well if you want a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream adds protein and reduces fat.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning to your preferred spice level or substitute with celery salt and paprika if unavailable.
- Make sure to use a 2-quart casserole dish to accommodate the mixture adequately for even cooking.
