Learn to cook restaurant-quality salmon at home with Gordon Ramsay’s acclaimed pan-searing and oven-finishing technique, ensuring a perfectly crispy skin and moist, flaky interior every time. A straightforward yet impressive dish.
Crispy Salmon, Ramsay Style!
Learn to cook restaurant-quality salmon at home with Gordon Ramsay's acclaimed pan-searing and oven-finishing technique, ensuring a perfectly crispy skin and moist, flaky interior every time. A straightforward yet impressive dish.
Ingredients
- 4 6 oz fillets salmon skin-on
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 clove garlic smashed (optional)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter unsalted (optional
- 1/2 lemon lemon for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides, focusing on the skin.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press down gently with a spatula for the first 30 seconds to ensure even contact and crispy skin.
- Sear the salmon skin-side down for 4-6 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and very crispy. The fish should be cooked about two-thirds of the way through from the bottom, with the flesh turning opaque.
- If using, add the smashed garlic, herbs, and butter to the pan. Tilt the pan and baste the salmon flesh with the melted butter and aromatics for 30 seconds.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary based on thickness.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for a minute, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) for best searing. Ensure fish is very dry before searing to achieve maximum crispness. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes like asparagus or roasted potatoes.
