20 Minutes Start to Finish

1. Make the chile-garlic paste – In a blender or food processor, combine 1 tablespoon water and the garlic, chile, green onions, and cilantro. Add the basil and process until a paste forms.

2. Make the sauce – In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons water and the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar and stir to dissolve the sugar. Heat a small frying pan over medium heat until hot and add 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the chile-garlic paste and sauté until very fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the fish sauce mixture and simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Keep warm.

3. Sear the salmon – Season each salmon filet with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a large frying pan over high heat until very hot and add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add the salmon and Sear, turning once, until golden brown on the outside and still slightly rare in the center, about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the salmon to a platter or dinner plates and drizzle with the warm sauce. Serve with the rice.