Gordon Ramsay Crispy Skin Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This Gordon Ramsay Crispy Skin Salmon recipe delivers perfectly cooked salmon with a golden, crunchy skin and tender, flavorful flesh. It’s enhanced with garlic, thyme, and a bright touch of lemon for a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 10 oz fresh salmon fillet (skin-on and deboned)
• ¾ tsp salt
• Pinch freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter (divided)
• 2 cloves garlic (sliced)
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• Zest of ½ lemon (about 1 tsp)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon skin completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy finish.
2. Step 2: Season the flesh side of the salmon with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
4. Step 4: Place the salmon skin-side down in the hot pan.
5. Step 5: Gently press the salmon with a spatula for about 30 seconds to prevent the skin from curling.
6. Step 6: Cook the salmon without moving it until the skin is deeply golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Lower the heat slightly, then add 2 tablespoons of butter, the sliced garlic, and thyme sprigs to the pan.
8. Step 8: Tilt the pan towards you and use a spoon to baste the salmon continuously with the melted butter and aromatics.
9. Step 9: Flip the salmon briefly to cook the flesh side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on thickness.
10. Step 10: Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the pan, give the salmon a quick baste, then remove from heat and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the salmon skin is very dry before cooking to achieve the crispiest texture.
• Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron pan to prevent sticking.
• Swap thyme for fresh dill or rosemary for a different herb flavor.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note alongside the cayenne.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to help maintain the crispy skin, or enjoy cold in salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before cooking to achieve crispy skin and even cooking.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

The salmon is done when the skin is crispy and golden, and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork but still moist inside. Cooking times vary depending on thickness, so keep a close eye during the final steps.

Gordon Ramsay Crispy Skin Salmon Recipe

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Gordon Ramsay’s Crispy Skin Salmon recipe delivers perfectly seared salmon with a golden, crunchy skin while keeping the flesh tender and flavorful. Infused with garlic, thyme, and fresh lemon juice, this pan-fried dish is a quick and elegant seafood option ideal for any meal.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon and Seasoning

• 10 oz fresh salmon fillet (skin-on and deboned)
• ¾ tsp salt
• Pinch freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

Cooking Fats and Aromatics

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter (divided)
• 2 cloves garlic (sliced)
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Finishing Touches

• Zest of ½ lemon (about 1 tsp)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Dry the Salmon Skin: Pat the salmon skin completely dry using paper towels to ensure it crisps perfectly during cooking.
2. Season the Flesh Side: Season the flesh side of the salmon generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to add balanced heat and flavor.
3. Heat the Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm until shimmering.
4. Place Salmon Skin-Side Down: Carefully position the salmon fillet in the skillet, skin-side down to start the crisping process.
5. Press the Salmon: Gently press the salmon down with a spatula for 30 seconds to prevent the fillet from curling and ensure even contact with the pan.
6. Cook Without Moving: Allow the salmon to cook undisturbed until the skin is deeply golden brown and crisp, about 6-7 minutes depending on thickness.
7. Add Butter, Garlic, and Thyme: Lower the heat slightly, then add 2 tablespoons of butter, sliced garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet to infuse rich flavors.
8. Baste the Salmon: Tilt the pan and use a spoon to continuously baste the salmon with the melted butter and aromatics to keep the fillet moist and flavorful while cooking.
9. Flip Salmon Briefly: Carefully flip the salmon to cook the flesh side for 1-2 minutes to finish cooking without overcooking.
10. Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Sprinkle the lemon zest over the salmon, pour in the fresh lemon juice, then remove the pan from heat to preserve brightness and freshness.

Notes

• Patting the salmon skin dry is vital for achieving a perfectly crispy texture.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or non-stick pan to help heat distribution and prevent sticking.
• Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon to avoid overcooking.
• Use fresh lemon juice at the end for a vibrant flavor contrast.
• Basting with butter enhances moisture and adds richness to the dish.

Keywords: Gordon Ramsay, Crispy Skin Salmon, Pan-fried Salmon, Garlic Butter Salmon, Easy Salmon Recipe, Lemon Salmon