Mock Crab Casserole

Mock Crab Casserole Recipe - Classic American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mock Crab Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of crab without breaking the bank.

History

Mock Crab Casserole has been a popular dish in American households for many years. It is a budget-friendly alternative to traditional crab dishes, using white fish as a substitute for crab meat. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a staple in many homes.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) fish fillets (flounder or other white fish)
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 cup chicken broth
3 cups cooked rice
0.75 cup chopped onion
0.75 cup chopped celery
0.5 cup chopped green pepper
2 tbsp dehydrated parsley flakes
1 cup crumbled corn bread (or soft bread crumbs)
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp salt
1 tsp poultry seasoning
0.25 tsp ground black pepper

How to prepare

Simmer the fish in seasoned water, enough to cover it, for 10 minutes or until the fish easily flakes. Drain, let it cool, and then flake the fish.
Melt the butter in chicken broth. Combine the rice, onion, celery, green pepper, parsley flakes, corn bread crumbs, eggs, salt, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture into a lightly buttered casserole dish. Cover it and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Serve with tartar sauce.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add different seasonings, such as Old Bay seasoning or garlic powder, for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to flake the fish well after simmering to ensure a smooth texture in the casserole.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite seasonings or vegetables.

- Serve the casserole with a side of tartar sauce for a delicious flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions

Mock Crab Casserole can be served with a side of tartar sauce and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include simmering the fish, flaking it well, and baking the casserole until it is golden brown and bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have white fish on hand, you can use canned tuna or salmon as a substitute. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dehydrated parsley flakes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. This is a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mock Crab Casserole in a decorative casserole dish and garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Mock Crab Casserole pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. It also pairs well with a light beer or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Mock Crab Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mock Crab Casserole contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mock Crab Casserole contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mock Crab Casserole contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mock Crab Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mock Crab Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish, eggs, and wheat (bread crumbs), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Mock Crab Casserole is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in proteins and vitamins. It is a great option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Mock Crab Casserole is a delicious and budget-friendly dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. With its flavorful combination of fish, rice, and vegetables, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Mock Crab Casserole. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother, a treasure trove of culinary secrets passed down through the generations. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watered at the thought of the savory dish that awaited me.

I had never heard of Mock Crab Casserole before, but the recipe intrigued me. It called for simple ingredients like imitation crab meat, cream of mushroom soup, and breadcrumbs, but promised a delicious and satisfying meal. I knew I had to give it a try.

I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing my kitchen for the culinary adventure that lay ahead. As I measured out the ingredients and mixed them together, I couldn't help but think back to the many recipes I had learned over the years from various sources and people.

Some of my favorite recipes had come from my own mother, who was an excellent cook and taught me everything I know about creating delicious meals from scratch. Others had come from friends, neighbors, and even strangers I had met along the way, each one adding their own special touch to my culinary repertoire.

As I popped the Mock Crab Casserole into the oven and waited for it to bake to golden perfection, I thought about the journey that had brought me to this moment. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, a way to express myself and share my love with those around me. Each recipe I learned and mastered was a testament to the joy and creativity that cooking brought into my life.

When the timer finally chimed, signaling that the Mock Crab Casserole was ready, I eagerly pulled it out of the oven and took in the mouthwatering aroma that filled the kitchen. As I plated the dish and took my first bite, I knew that I had stumbled upon a new favorite recipe.

The flavors of the imitation crab meat, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy breadcrumbs melded together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. I knew that this Mock Crab Casserole would become a staple in my own recipe collection, a dish that I would proudly serve to family and friends for years to come.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that had led me to this moment. From the simple act of flipping through an old cookbook to the satisfaction of creating a delicious dish from scratch, cooking had always been a source of joy and inspiration in my life.

And as I savored each bite of the Mock Crab Casserole, I knew that my grandmother would have been proud of the cook I had become, carrying on her legacy of culinary excellence with each new recipe I learned and mastered. Cooking was not just a skill for me, but a passion and a way of connecting with the past and creating memories for the future. And for that, I would always be grateful.