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Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza might sound like culinary madness, but after 15 years as a firefighter dealing with kitchen emergencies, I’ve learned that the most unconventional techniques often yield the most extraordinary results. This Scottish-Italian fusion dish transforms ordinary pizza into something spectacularly crispy and indulgent. The FDA emphasizes proper food handling when dealing with hot oil and dough preparation. What makes this technique brilliant is how the hot oil creates an instant crust while keeping the interior soft and melty. I first discovered this method during a late-night shift when we ordered from a Scottish chippy, and it completely changed my perspective on pizza possibilities. The key lies in understanding oil temperature dynamics and dough consistency – principles I’ll share from both professional kitchens and emergency response experience. If you’re looking for another unique Gordon Ramsay approach to comfort food, check out this Gordon Ramsay chip butty recipe that applies similar British culinary logic.
Why This Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza Recipe Works (And Where Most Go Wrong)
The genius of Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza lies in three fundamental principles that most home cooks completely misunderstand. First, the oil temperature must remain precisely between 350-375°F throughout the cooking process. When the temperature drops below 350°F, the dough absorbs oil like a sponge, creating a greasy mess instead of a crispy shell. When it exceeds 375°F, the exterior burns while the interior remains raw.
The Batter Consistency Factor
Second, the batter coating creates a protective barrier that prevents oil penetration while promoting even browning. Most people make their batter too thick, thinking more coating equals better results. The opposite is true – a thin, even coating allows for proper heat transfer and creates that signature crunch. Serious Eats research confirms that lighter batters produce superior texture in deep-fried applications.
Timing and Size Control
Third, pizza size directly impacts cooking success. Individual 6-8 inch pizzas cook evenly, while larger pizzas create temperature gradients that result in uneven cooking. The 3-4 minute cooking window is non-negotiable – any longer and you’re creating a oil-logged disaster that no amount of draining can fix.
Ingredients That Actually Matter for Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza
Quality ingredients make the difference between a soggy mess and restaurant-quality Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza. The pizza dough requires bread flour with at least 12% protein content – this higher gluten concentration creates the structure needed to withstand hot oil without falling apart. All-purpose flour simply lacks the strength for this application.
For the batter, use sparkling water or beer instead of still water. The carbonation creates tiny air pockets that expand during frying, producing a lighter, crispier coating. Self-rising flour adds another layer of leavening, but don’t double up – use either sparkling liquid OR self-rising flour, never both together.
Oil selection is critical for both flavor and safety. Vegetable oil or peanut oil with smoking points above 400°F work best. Avoid olive oil – its low smoke point creates acrid flavors and potentially dangerous situations when temperatures spike. From my firefighting days, I’ve seen too many kitchen fires start with inappropriate oil choices.
Fresh mozzarella must be well-drained and patted completely dry. Excess moisture creates steam pockets that can cause dangerous oil spattering. Pre-shredded cheese works better here than fresh because it contains anti-caking agents that absorb residual moisture. For sauce, use a thick pizza sauce or even Gordon Ramsay’s marinara – thin sauces make the dough soggy before it hits the oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza
Preparation Phase
Begin by preparing your workspace with safety as the top priority. **Clear all flammable materials from around your cooking area and have a fire extinguisher nearby.** Heat 3-4 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 365°F using a candy thermometer for accuracy. Never rely on visual cues alone – oil temperature fluctuates rapidly and can reach dangerous levels without warning.
Roll your pizza dough into 6-8 inch circles, keeping them slightly thicker than traditional pizza – about 1/4 inch thick. Brush each circle lightly with olive oil and pre-bake in a 400°F oven for 3-4 minutes. This partial cooking prevents raw dough centers and creates structure for the frying process.
Assembly and Battering
Top each pre-baked circle with a thin layer of sauce, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Add cheese sparingly – remember, less is more in deep frying. Create your batter by whisking 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 cup cold sparkling water until just combined. **The batter should coat the back of a spoon but drip off easily.**
Working with one pizza at a time, carefully dip the entire assembled pizza in batter, ensuring even coverage on both sides. Let excess batter drip off for 10-15 seconds. This technique, similar to the one used in Gordon Ramsay’s fried chicken method, ensures proper coating without oversaturation.
Frying Process
**Use a slotted spatula or spider strainer to lower the battered pizza into the oil away from your body.** The oil will bubble vigorously initially – this is normal. Fry for 2-3 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then carefully flip using two spatulas. **Never use your hands near hot oil, even with gloves.**
Fry the second side for 1-2 minutes until golden. The pizza should sound hollow when tapped gently with a spatula. Remove immediately and drain on a wire rack over paper towels for 2-3 minutes. According to USDA guidelines, proper draining is essential for food safety and quality.
Pro-Tips That Change the Game
- Test your oil temperature with a small piece of batter first – it should sizzle immediately and float within 3 seconds
- Keep cooked pizzas warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack while finishing the batch
- Double-strain your oil after use – it can be reused 2-3 times for similar applications
- Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to your batter for extra crispiness that lasts longer
- Season the batter with garlic powder and Italian herbs for enhanced flavor that penetrates the crust
- Cut finished pizzas with kitchen shears instead of a pizza wheel to prevent crushing the crispy coating
Storage & Leftovers for Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza
Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza is best consumed immediately, but proper storage can maintain quality for later enjoyment. Cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating – hot pizza creates condensation that makes the coating soggy. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
For reheating, avoid the microwave entirely. Instead, reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or use an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. These methods restore crispiness without overcooking the toppings. The FDA recommends reheating all leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Never leave deep-fried foods at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 1️⃣ Clear all flammable materials from cooking area and have fire extinguisher nearby. Heat 3-4 inches of oil in heavy-bottomed pot to 365°F using candy thermometer.
- 2️⃣ Roll pizza dough into 6-8 inch circles, 1/4 inch thick. Brush lightly with olive oil and pre-bake in 400°F oven for 3-4 minutes.
- 3️⃣ Create batter by whisking flour, baking powder, cornstarch, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and cold sparkling water until just combined. Batter should coat spoon but drip off easily.
- 4️⃣ Top each pre-baked circle with thin layer of sauce, leaving 1/2 inch border. Add cheese sparingly – less is more for deep frying.
- 5️⃣ Working one pizza at a time, carefully dip entire assembled pizza in batter, ensuring even coverage on both sides. Let excess drip off for 10-15 seconds.
- 6️⃣ Use slotted spatula to lower battered pizza into oil away from your body. Fry for 2-3 minutes on first side until golden brown.
- 7️⃣ Carefully flip using two spatulas and fry second side for 1-2 minutes until golden. Pizza should sound hollow when tapped gently.
- 8️⃣ Remove immediately and drain on wire rack over paper towels for 2-3 minutes. Keep finished pizzas warm in 200°F oven while completing batch.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions About Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza
What are 5 interesting facts about Gordon Ramsay?
Gordon Ramsay was originally training to be a professional footballer before a knee injury ended his sports career, leading him to culinary arts. He’s a black belt in karate, owns over 35 restaurants worldwide, and has earned 17 Michelin stars throughout his career. Ramsay is also an accomplished marathon runner and ironman triathlete, demonstrating the same intensity in fitness as he brings to cooking.
Who created deep fried pizza?
Deep fried pizza originated in Scottish fish and chip shops in the 1970s, particularly in Glasgow and surrounding areas. While Gordon Ramsay didn’t invent the technique, he’s refined and popularized gourmet versions through his restaurants and television shows. The dish represents Scotland’s unique approach to comfort food, taking Italian classics and giving them a distinctly British twist.
Did Gordon Ramsay ever apologize?
Gordon Ramsay has publicly apologized several times throughout his career, most notably for his treatment of contestants on early Hell’s Kitchen seasons and for controversial comments about various cuisines. He’s acknowledged that his harsh approach, while effective in professional kitchens, wasn’t always appropriate for television audiences. His Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza represents his more approachable, fun side of cooking.
What did Gordon Ramsey say about pineapple on pizza?
Gordon Ramsay has been famously vocal against pineapple on pizza, calling it an “Italian crime” in various interviews and social media posts. However, he’s softened his stance in recent years, acknowledging that personal taste preferences vary. Interestingly, his Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza experiments have included unconventional toppings, showing his evolution toward more experimental approaches while maintaining culinary standards.
This Gordon Ramsay Deep Fried Pizza technique transforms ordinary pizza into an extraordinary culinary adventure that’s surprisingly achievable at home. With proper attention to safety, temperature control, and timing, you’ll create restaurant-quality results that showcase both technical skill and creative flair.
Stay safe,
Jack Sullivan
