Step 1

Place a frying pan (we used a cast-iron skillet), over medium-high heat. Spread two tablespoons of oil evenly in the pan. Place the salmon in the pan skin-side down. Cook the salmon on each side for 4-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the piece. These somewhat thicker fillets took closer to 7 minutes on each side. Don’t fuss with the salmon while it cooks.

Step 2

As a little cheat, look at the side of your filet. There should be no appearance of rawness in the middle. As the cooked salmon converges in the center of the cross-section of your filet as you sear each side, you’ll be able to get a decent sense of when your salmon is cooked.

Step 3

While the salmon is cooking, in a small bowl, mix together the water, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4

Transfer the cooked filets to a plate. In the same pan you seared the salmon in, add 2 tablespoons of oil, and lightly fry the ginger until crisp. Add the scallions and cook until wilted, followed by the prepared soy sauce mixture. Bring the sauce to a boil, and turn off the heat.

Step 5

To serve the salmon, place on a bed of rice, and spoon the scallion and ginger evenly over the salmon. Pour the sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the chopped cilantro.