Seafood Imperial
Seafood Imperial is a rich, creamy casserole blending crab, lobster, and scallops with a flavorful mayonnaise-based sauce. Topped with buttered bread crumbs and baked to golden perfection, it offers luxurious seafood flavors ideal for special occasions or elegant dinners that impress guests.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 3 Tbsp. green peppers, finely diced ⓘ
- 2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard ⓘ
- 1 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. half and half ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Old Bay ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 lb. crab meat ⓘ
- 1 lb. lobster meat ⓘ
- 1 lb. scallops ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the beaten eggs, diced green peppers, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, half and half, Old Bay, cayenne pepper, paprika, lemon juice, and flour to create the sauce mixture.
- Lightly steam any uncooked seafood such as scallops, lobster, and crab meat to ensure they are cooked through.
- Gently fold the cooked seafood into the sauce mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Arrange the seafood mixture in individual shells or a casserole dish.
- Top the assembled dish with buttered bread crumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the sauce mixture. If you can't find fresh seafood, frozen options work well; just ensure they are properly thawed and drained. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Seafood Imperial hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Garlic Butter Rice or Layered Crab Salad for a delightful seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the seafood rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Imperial contains roughly 399 calories, with 35g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (70% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1346mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute shrimp, clams, or even fish like cod or haddock if you prefer. Just ensure all seafood is cooked and properly seasoned before mixing it into the sauce.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the seafood mixture and sauce a day ahead. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, combine them in your baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake as directed.
What should I serve with Seafood Imperial?
Seafood Imperial goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light salad, garlic bread, or even rice pilaf. For a unique twist, pair it with Cajun 'Barbecued' Shrimp for a robust seafood feast that highlights different flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).