Surimi is that stuff you see in the fish section of the supermarket in packages that often are labeled "imitation crab" or "imitation lobster." Surimi is usually made with ground polluck and/or other mild fishes, and surimi has a long shelf life. Is it as good tasting or as good nutritionally as the real thing? In general, no, but it is tasty, has nutritional value, and is considerably cheaper than crab, lobster, and shrimp. Surimi also is pre-cooked, so it just needs to be heated, meaning it makes a good last-minute main dish. I especially like surimi in this Air Fryer Fish Casserole Bake. The dish is quite tasty, and my husband thought he was eating scallops at first. You can cook the dish in the air fryer in about 15 minutes. The casserole has plenty of onion, celery, and mushrooms in it to complement the mild seafood, and the dish is a great way to add seafood to your diet without spending a fortune. I like the Fish Casserole Bake with rice on the side for a quick dinner. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Surimi Lobster or Crab Casserole Bake -- Serves 2
2 tablespoons of chopped onion
2 tablespoons of chopped green onion
2 tablespoons of chopped celery
1 cup of chopped mushrooms
2-3 tablespoons of water
1 tablespoon of butter
1 1/2 pieces of crumbled (preferably a little stale) bread
1/4 cup of chopped parsley
2 tablespoons of white wine
8-10 ounces of surimi, chopped or sliced into bite-sized pieces (crab or lobster versions)
2-3 tablespoons of grated Swiss/Gruyere cheese
Chopped chives or green onions, optional
Spritz a 5- or 6-inch square or round baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the onions, celery, mushrooms, water, and butter and microwave them for 2-3 minutes or until soft. Stir in two-thirds of the crumbled bread, the parsley, wine, and surimi. Put the mixture into the prepared dish and sprinkle on the cheese and remaining bread crumbs. Spritz the top of the crumbs with a little cooking spray. Put the filled dish in the air fryer basket, put the basket in the air fryer, and air fry the "bake" at 320 degrees for about 15 minutes or until bubbly and the top is crispy and browned. Let the casserole cool a few minutes, and, if you'd like, sprinkle the top with chopped chives or green onions before serving it.
