Copycat Chinese Buffet Sauteed Onion and Imitation Crab Casserole

Chinese Buffet-Style Crab Casserole

Rich, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender imitation crab and sweet onions, this Chinese Buffet-Style Crab Casserole tastes just like the real deal! It’s the perfect homemade version of that warm, bubbly crab casserole you can’t resist going back for at your favorite Chinese buffet.

Cook Time

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Ingredients

Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter an 8×8-inch baking dish and set aside.
Sauté the Onion
Melt 1 TBSP butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion half-rings and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, translucent, and lightly golden. Remove from the heat.
Make the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add the Cheese
Stir in ¾ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup cheddar cheese until evenly combined.
Add the Crab
Gently fold in the imitation crab, keeping the pieces intact.
Make It Creamy
Add 2 TBSP heavy cream and gently mix until the filling is thick and creamy.
Add the Onions
Fold in the sautéed onions along with the buttery juices from the skillet.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the crab mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle ¼ cup mozzarella and 2 TBSP cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake
Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly hot in the center, the cheese is melted, and the edges are bubbling.
Add the Butter
Remove the casserole from the oven. Cut ½ TBSP butter into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the hot cheese. Allow the butter to melt completely over the top.
Serve
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.

Keep the imitation crab in larger pieces and fold it in gently so you get plenty of crab in every bite. Don’t overdo the cheese—the creamy filling and crab should be the stars of this casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?

Yes. You can substitute real crab meat, but imitation crab gives this casserole the familiar slightly sweet flavor and texture commonly found in Chinese buffet-style crab casserole.
Why is there sugar in crab casserole?

The 1½ teaspoons of sugar adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory crab, sautéed onions, and creamy filling. It shouldn't taste sugary—the small amount simply helps create that familiar Chinese buffet-style flavor.
Do I need to shred the imitation crab first?

No. Leave the imitation crab in larger pieces and gently fold it into the creamy mixture. Some pieces will naturally separate while mixing, while others stay chunky so you get plenty of crab in every bite.
Can I make Chinese Buffet-Style Crab Casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before baking. Since it's starting cold, it may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Add the ½ tablespoon of butter after baking so it melts over the hot cheese.
How do I store and reheat leftover crab casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through. Avoid overheating it, which can make the creamy filling separate or become oily.

□ 16 oz chunk-style imitation crab meat
□ 8 oz cream cheese, softened
□ ½ cup Pan Mayonnaise (Mayonesa)
□ ¼ cup sour cream
□ 2 TBSP heavy cream
□ ½ small sweet onion, cut into half-rings
□ 1 TBSP butter, for sautéing the onion
□ Salt and black pepper, to taste for the onions
□ 1½ tsp sugar
□ ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
□ ½ tsp garlic powder
□ ½ tsp onion powder
□ ⅛ tsp white pepper
□ ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
□ ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

30-35 Minutes