Gordon Ramsay's Ultimate Caesar Salad

Summary

This video script offers a modern twist on the classic Caesar salad, starting with a homemade mayonnaise base infused with anchovies and garlic, then elevating it with citrusy flavors from lemon juice and parmesan. The crunchy croutons are made from crusty bread, seasoned and fried to perfection with a cheesy finish. The salad is assembled with romaine lettuce, dressed with the tangy anchovy mayo, and topped with croutons and more parmesan. The recipe is further enhanced by grilling chicken breasts for a smoky flavor, served warm to complement the salad without wilting the lettuce. The result is a delicious and updated take on an American lunchtime favorite.

Takeaways

• 🥗 The video presents a modern take on the classic Caesar salad, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its original brilliance while introducing new elements.
• 🍳 The base of the Caesar salad dressing starts with a homemade mayonnaise made from egg yolks, Dijon mustard, and red wine vinegar, which is then thickened by whisking in olive oil.
• 🍅 The dressing is enhanced with the addition of anchovies, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a splash of water to create a light, citrusy flavor profile.
• 🍞 Croutons are made from crusty bread, seasoned with salt and pepper, fried in olive oil until golden, and then coated with grated Parmesan cheese for added crunch and flavor.
• 🥬 Romaine lettuce is used for the salad base and should not be sliced too thinly to maintain its crisp texture.
• 🍋 A squeeze of lemon is added to the lettuce before mixing in the dressing and croutons to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.
• 🧀 Parmesan cheese is grated generously over the assembled salad to add a sharp, savory note.
• 🔥 The chicken breast is prepared by butterflying it to ensure even cooking and moistness, then seasoned and grilled to achieve a smoky flavor from the griddle marks.
• 🍖 The grilled chicken is served warm and separate from the salad to prevent the lettuce from wilting, and is drizzled with the remaining anchovy dressing for added flavor.
• 🔪 The chicken is sliced into strips and served as a complement to the salad, enhancing the overall dish with its juicy texture and smoky seasoning.
• 🌟 The Caesar salad is described as an American classic and one of the most popular salads worldwide, with the video's version aiming to maintain its deliciousness while adding a unique twist.

Q & A

What is the main dish described in the script?

The main dish described in the script is Caesar salad, an iconic American salad.

How does the chef suggest modernizing the Caesar salad?

The chef suggests modernizing the Caesar salad by tweaking the dressing and adding elements like anchovies, crushed garlic, and parmesan cheese without losing the essence of the original dish.

What is the first step in making the Caesar salad dressing according to the script?

The first step in making the Caesar salad dressing is to create a basic mayonnaise with egg yolks, Dijon mustard, and a splash of red wine vinegar.

What additional ingredients are used to enhance the mayonnaise for the Caesar salad dressing?

To enhance the mayonnaise, the chef adds anchovies, crushed garlic, grated parmesan, lemon juice, and a splash of water.

What type of bread does the chef recommend for making croutons?

The chef recommends using crusty bread for making croutons to add extra crunch.

How should the bread be prepared for croutons in the Caesar salad?

The bread should be diced, seasoned with salt and pepper, fried in a hot pan with olive oil until golden, and then grated with parmesan cheese.

What type of lettuce is used in the Caesar salad according to the script?

Romaine lettuce is used in the Caesar salad, and it should not be sliced too thinly.

How does the chef suggest preparing the chicken for the Caesar salad?

The chef suggests butterflying the chicken breast by slicing from the thin end towards the thick end, seasoning it with salt and ground pepper, and grilling it on a griddle pan.

What does the chef do to enhance the flavor of the grilled chicken?

The chef enhances the flavor of the grilled chicken by spooning over the remaining anchovy dressing while the chicken rests.

How should the chicken be served with the Caesar salad?

The chicken should be served warm in a separate bowl to prevent it from wilting the salad, and it should be sliced into strips.

What is the chef's final touch to the Caesar salad before serving?

The chef's final touch is to add a good grating of parmesan cheese on top of the salad.