Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay is a easy American (Cajun) recipe that serves 2. 280 calories per serving. Recipe by All Things Food on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 17 min

Cost: $12.83 total, $6.42 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 fillets Salmon Fillet (skin‑on, about 6 oz each)
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun Spice Blend (store‑bought or homemade (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme))
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for pan‑searing)
  • 1 piece Lemon (cut into wedges for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat Dry and Score the Skin

    Place the salmon fillets on a paper towel, pat dry thoroughly, then lightly score the skin in a cross‑hatch pattern using a sharp knife.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Season Both Sides

    Rub the Cajun spice blend, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides of the fillets, pressing gently so the seasoning sticks.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Heat the Skillet

    Place the skillet over medium‑high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers, about 30 seconds.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  4. Cook Skin‑Side Down

    Lay the fillets skin‑side down in the skillet. Press gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to keep the skin flat. Cook 4‑5 minutes without moving until the skin is golden‑brown and the fish is about 60 % cooked through.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Flip and Finish

    Turn the fillets over and cook another 2 minutes, or until the flesh reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Rest and Serve

    Remove the salmon from the pan, let rest 1 minute, then plate and garnish with lemon wedges.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
280
Protein
34 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free, Keto‑Friendly

Allergens: Fish

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Gordon Ramsay

Recipe by All Things Food

A quick, flavorful pan‑seared salmon with a fragrant Cajun spice rub. Cooking skin‑side down gives a perfectly crispy skin while keeping the flesh moist and tender.

EasyAmerican (Cajun)Serves 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
25m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.83
Total cost
$6.42
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Scoring the skin to prevent curling
  • Cooking skin‑side down without moving until fully crisp
  • Pressing the fillet briefly after placing it in the pan

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Ensure salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Cajun Crispy Skin Salmon in American Cajun cuisine?

A

Cajun cuisine, rooted in the French‑Acadian settlers of Louisiana, emphasizes bold spices and quick, rustic cooking methods. While salmon isn’t traditional to the Gulf Coast, applying Cajun seasoning to pan‑seared salmon blends Southern flavor with a widely loved fish, creating a modern fusion dish popular in American home kitchens.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Cajun‑spiced salmon in the United States?

A

In Louisiana, chefs may add smoked paprika, dried thyme, and a touch of brown sugar to the Cajun rub, while in other Southern states the blend often leans heavier on cayenne for extra heat. Some variations incorporate a splash of bourbon or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.

cultural
Q

How is Cajun Crispy Skin Salmon traditionally served in Cajun cuisine?

A

It is typically served hot, skin side up, with fresh lemon wedges and a side of dirty rice, collard greens, or a simple corn‑maize grits. The bright citrus balances the spice and the crispy skin adds texture.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Cajun Crispy Skin Salmon traditionally associated with in American Cajun culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, the dish is a popular choice for casual gatherings, weekend family meals, and outdoor barbecues where quick, flavorful proteins are prized.

cultural
Q

What makes Cajun Crispy Skin Salmon special or unique in American Cajun cuisine?

A

The combination of a high‑heat, skin‑side‑down sear that creates a crackling crust and a fragrant Cajun spice rub delivers bold flavor and texture in minutes, showcasing the Cajun love for spice and efficient cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cajun Crispy Skin Salmon?

A

Common errors include not drying the skin, adding the fish to a cold pan, flipping too early, and over‑seasoning which can mask the fish’s natural flavor. Each mistake can lead to soggy skin or dry flesh.

technical
Q

Why does this Cajun Crispy Skin Salmon recipe use a skin‑side‑down cooking method instead of cooking both sides simultaneously?

A

Cooking skin‑side‑down first renders the fat beneath the skin, creates a protective barrier that prevents overcooking, and yields a satisfyingly crisp crust. Flipping only once preserves moisture and keeps the seasoning intact.

technical
Q

Can I make Cajun Crispy Skin Salmon ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can season the fillets up to 30 minutes in advance and keep them refrigerated. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet to retain crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Cajun Crispy Skin Salmon?

A

The skin should be deep golden‑brown, fully crisp, and release easily from the pan. The flesh should be opaque, slightly pink in the center, and flake gently with a fork.

technical
Q

How do I know when Cajun Crispy Skin Salmon is done cooking?

A

Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) with an instant‑read thermometer, or observe that the flesh has turned opaque and the skin is fully crisp. The fish should still be moist, not dry.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel All Things Food specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel All Things Food focuses on approachable, quick‑cook recipes from around the world, emphasizing technique tips, ingredient swaps, and everyday kitchen confidence for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel All Things Food's approach to Cajun cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

All Things Food blends classic Cajun flavor profiles with modern, health‑conscious tweaks—like using less oil and highlighting quick pan‑sear methods—while many other channels stick to traditional, often heavier, preparation styles.

channel

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Gordon Ramsay