Inexpensive but Tasty Imitation Seafood Bake
Dive into a hearty and budget-friendly family favorite with this Inexpensive but Tasty Imitation Seafood Bake. Packed with tender imitation crab meat, imitation shrimp, and fluffy white rice, this creamy casserole is topped with melty cheddar cheese and a crispy panko breadcrumb crust for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. A velvety homemade cheese sauce infused with garlic and onion powder ties it all together, making every bite irresistibly rich and satisfying. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-make dish is as kind to your wallet as it is to your taste buds! Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, serve it warm and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Keywords: budget seafood bake, imitation crab recipe, easy seafood casserole, weeknight dinner idea, comfort food casserole.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Imitation crab meat
- 8 oz Imitation shrimp (or extra imitation crab)
- 3 cups Cooked white rice
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Roughly chop the imitation crab meat and imitation shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped imitation seafood, and the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the rice mixture.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Mix well to coat the breadcrumbs, then sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bake is bubbling around the edges.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your inexpensive but tasty imitation seafood bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3156 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 147.7 g | 189% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.1 g | 380% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 454 mg | 151% | |
| Sodium | 7606 mg | 331% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 330.2 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.4 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 72.1 g | ||
| Protein | 132.9 g | 266% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2006 mg | 154% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1569 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
