Gordon Ramsay Crispy Skin Salmon Recipe
Discover the gordon ramsay crispy skin salmon recipe with simple ingredients like butter, garlic, thyme, and lemon. Crisp skin and rich flavor.
Equipment
- Non-stick or stainless steel frying pan
- Fish spatula (or a thin, flexible spatula)
- Paper towels (very important for drying the skin)
- Tongs
- Small spoon (for basting)
- Plate for resting the salmon
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets skin-on, about 6 oz each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves lightly crushed
- 2 –3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for finishing
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon
- Start by patting the salmon completely dry using paper towels. This step is absolutely crucial. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.
- Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes.
Heat the Pan
- Place your pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke.
Place Salmon Skin-Side Down
- Gently place the salmon into the pan, skin-side down. Press it lightly with a spatula for about 10–15 seconds to prevent curling.
- Now comes the hard part—don’t touch it. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5–6 minutes. This is how the skin gets crispy.
Flip Carefully
- Once the skin is golden and crisp, carefully flip the salmon. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Add Butter and Aromatics
- Add the butter, garlic, and thyme to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the salmon repeatedly.
- This step adds incredible flavor—rich, aromatic, and slightly nutty.
Finish and Rest
- Squeeze a little lemon juice over the salmon if you like a fresh, bright finish. Remove from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.