Salmon With Pepita-Lime Butter

From EatingWell: November/December 2008: Lime juice, chili powder and pepitas give this salmon Mexican flair. Serve with wild rice and steamed vegetables

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons  unsalted  pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  freshly grated lime zest
• 2  tablespoons lime juice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1  lb salmon fillet, skinned (see Tip)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Directions

1. Toast pepitas (place pepitas in a small dry skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes. )
2. Place toasted pepitas in a small bowl with butter, lime zest, lime juice and chili powder.
3. Generously coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat.
4. Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper, add to the pan and cook until browned and just cooked through in the center, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the salmon to a plate.
5. Add the butter-lime mixture to the hot pan; stir until the butter is melted. Serve the salmon topped with the sauce.
6. Additional serving suggestions: Serve with wild rice and steamed vegetables.
7. PER SERVING: 259 Calories; 17 g Fat; 5 g Sat; 5 g Mono; 74 mg Cholesterol; 2 g Carbohydrates; 24 g Protein; 0 g Fiber; 360 mg Sodium; 458 mg Potassium.
8. Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
9. TIP: To skin the salmon: Place a salmon fillet on a clean cutting board, skin side down. Starting at the tail end, slip the blade of a long, sharp knife between the fish flesh and the skin, holding the skin down firmly with your other hand. Gently push the blade along at a 30° angle, separating the fillet from the skin without cutting through either.