Delicious Chinese Buffet Seafood Casserole: Easy Lunch Recipe

Name: Delicious Chinese Buffet Seafood Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup crab meat (or imitation crab); 1 cup scallops, chopped; 1 cup chopped broccoli; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped; 2 cups heavy cream (or a lighter alternative); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines); 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Posted on July 26, 2025

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Have you ever walked into a Chinese buffet and been greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of a seafood casserole? The kind that makes your mouth water and your stomach growl? Well, let me tell you, this Delicious Chinese Buffet Seafood Casserole recipe brings that experience right into your kitchen! I remember the first time I tried a seafood casserole at my local Chinese buffet; it was an explosion of flavors that lingered in my memory. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with all the seafood goodness you could ask for!

This dish is not just a feast for the taste buds; it’s also incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, you can have this casserole ready in no time. You’ll find that it’s a great way to use up leftover seafood or make an impressive dish for guests without breaking a sweat. I’ve made this casserole countless times, and it’s become a family favorite. Honestly, it’s just that good!

So, if you’re ready to impress your friends or simply want to treat yourself to something delicious, let’s dive into making this Delicious Chinese Buffet Seafood Casserole. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: This casserole comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute lunch plans.
Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt down exotic ingredients; most of what you need is likely already in your pantry or local grocery store.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch or a potluck dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike rave about this seafood casserole. It’s a dish that brings everyone together!
Unbelievably Delicious: The creamy texture combined with succulent seafood is a comforting combination that you’ll want to make over and over again.

What makes this recipe special is its balance of flavors and textures. You have the rich creaminess of the sauce, the tender seafood, and a delightful crunch from the topping. Each bite is like a cozy hug from the inside. Plus, it’s adaptable! Whether you prefer shrimp, crab, or a mix of both, you can customize it to your liking. This isn’t just another casserole recipe; it’s a flavor-packed dish that makes your lunch feel special.

Ingredients Needed

This Delicious Chinese Buffet Seafood Casserole uses simple, wholesome ingredients that really shine together to create a mouthwatering dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Seafood:
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup crab meat (or imitation crab)
- 1 cup scallops, chopped
Vegetables:
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream (or a lighter alternative)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Topping:
- 1 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Feel free to mix and match your seafood based on what you have on hand! I often use whatever’s left in the fridge, and it always turns out delicious. If you want a lighter version, you can swap in low-fat dairy products without sacrificing much flavor. Just remember, the key is to keep it simple and enjoyable!

Equipment Needed

To whip up this Delicious Chinese Buffet Seafood Casserole, you won’t need any fancy gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large mixing bowl: For combining your ingredients.
Casserole dish: A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measuring.
Whisk: To mix your creamy sauce.
Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for cooking.

If you don’t have a casserole dish, any oven-safe baking dish will do just fine. And for mixing, you can even use a large pot if you’d like to keep it simple.

Preparation Method

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Delicious Chinese Buffet Seafood Casserole.

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the seafood: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked shrimp, crab meat, and scallops. Set aside.
Cook the vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the broccoli, mushrooms, and bell pepper until they’re tender, about 5-7 minutes. This step brings out their flavors!
Make the sauce: In the same bowl (no need to wash!), combine the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Combine everything: Add the sautéed vegetables to the seafood mixture, then pour the sauce over all of it. Stir gently until everything is well coated.
Transfer to the casserole dish: Pour the seafood and vegetable mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Cool and Serve: Once done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle! Serve warm and enjoy your delicious creation.

And there you have it! A mouthwatering seafood casserole that’s sure to be a hit. Just be careful; it disappears fast!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your seafood casserole turns out perfect every time:

Don’t overcook the seafood: Since the seafood is already cooked, you just want to heat it through. Overcooking can lead to rubbery textures.
Feel free to customize: Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite vegetables or seafood. Zucchini, asparagus, or even some diced tomatoes can work beautifully!
Check seasoning: Taste your sauce before pouring it into the casserole. Adjust salt or soy sauce according to your preference.
Multitasking: While the vegetables are sautéing, you can prepare the sauce and seafood, making the process quicker!
Storage tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture!

Variations & Adaptations

One of the great things about this Delicious Chinese Buffet Seafood Casserole is its versatility. Here are some variations you might want to try:

Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for the traditional rice base to make it lower in carbs.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the seafood and use a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.

These variations allow you to enjoy this recipe in different ways. I sometimes make a vegetarian version when I have friends over for a meatless dinner, and it’s always a hit!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

For the best experience, serve your casserole warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with a side salad or some steamed rice for a complete meal. A light, crisp white wine or iced tea goes perfectly with this dish!

As for leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that crispy topping. Just pop it in at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This casserole is not just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients thanks to the seafood and vegetables. Here’s a rough breakdown of what’s in it:

High in Protein: Seafood is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Ingredients like salmon or shrimp are loaded with omega-3s, which are great for heart health.
Vitamins & Minerals: Broccoli and other veggies add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, rounding out the dish nutritionally.

This recipe can be tailored to fit various dietary needs, so it’s great for gatherings where guests may have different preferences!

Conclusion

This Delicious Chinese Buffet Seafood Casserole is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. The blend of flavors, the ease of preparation, and the sheer comfort it brings make it a must-try! I encourage you to customize it to your heart’s content—whether you want to add more seafood, or spice it up a bit, the possibilities are endless.

So, why not give it a go? I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so please drop a comment or share your variations! Let’s keep the conversation going about this delicious dish. Happy cooking!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood for this casserole?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the casserole.

2. How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Use gluten-free crackers for the topping and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well.

3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

4. What can I serve with this casserole?

A light salad or some steamed rice pairs wonderfully with this seafood casserole.

5. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

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Chinese Buffet Seafood Casserole recipe