Shrimp Chinese(Casserole)
A flavorful shrimp casserole with crisp vegetables, mushrooms, and crunchy water chestnuts, layered with noodles and coated in a creamy white sauce—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (6 oz.) can chopped cashew nuts ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can drained pimentos, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. cooked, cleaned, small shrimp ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups medium white sauce ⓘ
- 2 (3 oz.) cans Chinese noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sliced celery, chopped onion, and water in a saucepan.
- Simmer, covered, until the onion is soft; then drain.
- Lightly brown sliced mushrooms in butter or margarine.
- Combine the cooked celery-onion mixture, mushrooms, chopped green pepper, chopped cashew nuts, drained pimentos, sliced water chestnuts, and small cooked shrimp.
- Mix all the ingredients well.
- Combine the mixture with medium white sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Layer the bottom of a greased 6-quart baking dish with one can of Chinese noodles.
- Spread the shrimp mixture over the noodles.
- Top with the remaining noodles.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat margarine and a reduced-calorie white sauce. You can substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken or tofu for a different protein option. Adding a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture. This dish is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Shrimp Chinese Casserole with a side of steamed rice or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Sweet 'N' Sour Shrimp for a delightful seafood-themed dinner. For a complete spread, consider adding some spring rolls or a light soup as a starter. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added color.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Chinese(Casserole) contains roughly 879 calories, with 17g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1516mg per serving (66% 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 frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding to the casserole. This will prevent excess moisture in the dish and ensure the best texture.
What can I substitute for the Chinese noodles?
If you cannot find Chinese noodles, you can use egg noodles or even cooked rice as a base. Both alternatives will provide a similar texture, although the flavor will vary slightly. Adjust the baking time if using rice, as it won’t require as long to heat through.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp and replace it with sautéed tofu or additional vegetables like broccoli and snap peas. You can also enhance the umami flavor with vegetable broth in the white sauce.
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).