Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a ready oven for a perfectly cooked branzino.

Step 2: Prepare the Branzino

Lightly season the inside and outside of each branzino with salt and pepper.

Place a couple of lemon slices inside the cavity of each fish. This will infuse the branzino with a subtle citrus flavor as it cooks.

Step 3: Make the Crab Imperial Filling

In a large bowl, gently mix the crab meat, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Be careful not to break up the crab meat lumps too much.

Fold in 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture, being mindful to keep the filling light and fluffy.

Step 4: Stuff the Branzino

Carefully open the branzino and stuff the cavity with the crab imperial mixture. Do not overstuff; just enough to comfortably close the fish.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Lay the stuffed branzino side by side in a lightly greased baking dish.

If desired, sprinkle the top of each fish lightly with additional panko breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the branzino is cooked through and the topping is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Broil (Optional)

For a more golden and crispy top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 8: Serve

Carefully transfer the branzino to serving plates.

Garnish with additional lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!