Elevate Your Dinner: Branzino Crab Imperial Recipe
Branzino Crab Imperial has its roots in the coastal culinary traditions, where seafood is celebrated with utmost reverence. This dish, in particular, has garnered acclaim for its ability to bring together two esteemed seafood ingredients in a harmonious blend that is both comforting and luxurious. The key to its success lies in the quality of its components and the finesse in its preparation.
Ingredients
For the Branzino:
- 4 whole branzino fish cleaned and gutted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for stuffing and garnish
For the Crab Imperial:
- 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat carefully picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs gluten-free if necessary, plus extra for topping
Instructions
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!
