Creamy Cilantro Salmon

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut off and discard any stem ends from the green beans. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Using a zester or the small side of a box grater, finely grate the lime to get 1 tablespoon. Quarter the lime. Roughly chop the pepper. Thoroughly wash your hands immediately after handling. In a bowl, combine the cilantro sauce, mayonnaise, and the juice of 2 lime wedges. Season with salt and pepper.

Carefully rinse the rice (sifting through for any impurities). Drain thoroughly. In a medium pot, combine the rice, a big pinch of salt, and 2 cups of water. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook, without stirring, 13 to 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn off the heat and fluff with a fork.

Meanwhile, in a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the pepitas; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 3 minutes, or until toasted (be careful, as the pepitas may pop as they toast). Transfer to a plate and immediately season with salt. Wipe out the pan.

Pat the fish dry with paper towels; season on both sides with salt, pepper, and the spice blend. In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium until hot. Add the seasoned fish, skin side up. Loosely cover the pan with foil. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Flip and cook 2 to 4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.* Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a plate.

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for fish.

In the pan of reserved fond, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the green beans; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the chopped garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until slightly softened. Add 1/4 cup of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the green beans are softened and the water has cooked off. Turn off the heat; carefully stir in the juice of the remaining lime wedges. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

To the pot of cooked rice, add the lime zest, toasted pepitas, and as much of the chopped pepper as you'd like, depending on how spicy you'd like the dish to be. Stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the cooked fish with the finished rice and cooked green beans. Top the fish with the creamy cilantro sauce. Enjoy!