Gordon Ramsay Crispy Skin Salmon Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Dry the Salmon Skin: Pat the salmon skin completely dry using paper towels to ensure it crisps perfectly during cooking.
- 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.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm until shimmering.
- Place Salmon Skin-Side Down: Carefully position the salmon fillet in the skillet, skin-side down to start the crisping process.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Flip Salmon Briefly: Carefully flip the salmon to cook the flesh side for 1-2 minutes to finish cooking without overcooking.
- 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
