Step 1

Cure the salmon: Mix the salt and sugar in a bowl. Place 2 long pieces of plastic wrap on a work surface, overlapping them to form a cross. Put half of the cilantro sprigs in the middle of the plastic wrap and top with half of the salt-sugar mixture. Press the salmon into the mixture, making sure the bottom of the fish is covered with salt and sugar. Sprinkle the salmon with the remaining salt-sugar mixture and rub it in, then place the rest of the cilantro on top. Wrap tightly in the plastic and refrigerate for 24 hours.

Step 2

The next day, unwrap the salmon, rinse off the salt and pat dry. Cut into 1/4-to-1/2-inch cubes.

Step 3

Make the salad: Toss the salmon, cilantro, tomatoes, scallions, jalapeno, vegetable and sesame oils and lime juice in a bowl. (Traditionally, the cured salmon is flaked and "massaged" with the other ingredients by hand.) Garnish the salad with chopped macadamia nuts, if desired.