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Gordon Ramsay Crispy Skin Salmon – Perfectly Seared & Flaky

Gordon Ramsay Crispy Skin Salmon recipe
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Gordon Ramsay’s Crispy Skin Salmon is a pan-seared salmon fillet cooked skin-side down in a hot pan until the skin turns golden and crunchy. The key is using a cold, dry pan and pressing the fillet down initially, ensuring even contact with the heat for maximum crispiness. It’s typically served with a light lemon-butter sauce or fresh greens for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon fillets (skin-on, about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon:

  • Pat the salmon dry – Use paper towels to remove excess moisture for crispier skin.
  • Season well – Sprinkle the skin side with salt and the flesh side with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Pan-Sear the Salmon:

  • Start with a cold pan – Place a non-stick or stainless steel skillet on the stove over medium heat and add olive oil.
  • Place salmon skin-side down – Press the fillet down with a spatula for 30 seconds to keep the skin in contact with the pan.
  • Cook without flipping – Let the salmon cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and releases easily.
  • Flip and finish cooking – Turn the salmon over and cook for 1-2 minutes until the flesh is just opaque.

Add Butter & Aromatics:

  • Melt butter and add garlic – Toss in butter, garlic, and fresh thyme, basting the salmon for extra flavor.
  • Squeeze lemon juice – Just before removing, add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Serve Immediately:

  • Plate and enjoy – Serve with your favorite sides and garnish with extra herbs.

Find it online: https://gordonramsayeats.com/gordon-ramsay-crispy-skin-salmon/