Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 4 medium scallions, chopped
  • 3 medium carrots, grated
  • 1 cucumber--peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley
  • Four 8-ounce skinless center-cut salmon fillets
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method

  • In a medium pot of boiling salted water, cook the rice until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain, then rinse in cold water and drain again thoroughly.
  • In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of the oil with the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and cayenne. Let the dressing stand for 5 minutes, then stir in the rice, scallions, carrots, cucumber and cilantro.
  • Preheat the broiler. Oil a broiler pan or baking sheet. Arrange the salmon fillets on the pan and brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sprinkle with the salt and black pepper. Broil the fillets for about 5 minutes, or until they are just cooked through. Spoon the rice salad onto 4 plates and top with the salmon.
  • Wine Recommendation: Rieslings are among the most versatile of white wines and among the few that work well with salads. With this Thai-inspired dish, try the 1996 Selbach-Oster Riesling Kabinett from Germany.