Picture this: It’s 7 PM, your stomach’s growling like a bear, and you want something actually good - not just another sad sandwich. Enter this Harissa Cod with Creamy White Beans. It’s fast, fancy-ish, and packed with flavor that’ll make you feel like a kitchen rockstar (without the stress). I make this at least once a week, and trust me - you’ll wanna steal this move too.
Try my Herbed COD and Lentil Stew recipe.
✅ Restaurant vibes, couch pants energy: Feels fancy, but takes less effort than deciding what to watch on Netflix.
✅ 25 minutes = dinner magic: Faster than delivery, and you don’t have to tip your microwave.
✅ Spicy, creamy, crunchy, herby: Every bite’s got drama (the good kind).
✅ Pantry MVP: Uses stuff you probably have (or can grab without a treasure hunt).
✅ High-protein hero: Keeps you full longer than that sad desk salad ever could.
✅ Leftovers? LOL: (Spoiler: There won’t be any.)
Basically: It’s the "I’ve got my life together" dinner - with zero pretentiousness. 🔥
Try my Pan-Fried COD in Basil Lemon Butter Sauce recipe.
Let’s Talk Key Ingredients (Because They’re Kind of a Big Deal)
Harissa Paste: This spicy, smoky North African condiment is the flavor MVP here. It turns basic cod into a "wait, did I just cook this?!" moment. No harissa? Mix tomato paste + smoked paprika + a dash of cayenne for a quick fix.
Cod Fillets: Mild, flaky, and cooks in 12 minutes flat. Frozen works too - just thaw it in cold water while you prep the rest. Pro tip: Pat it dry first for maximum crusty goodness.
Cannellini Beans: Creamy, dreamy, and packed with protein. The can liquid? Gold. It thickens the sauce naturally (no flour needed). Chickpeas or butter beans work in a pinch.
Parmesan: Because everything’s better with cheese. It melts into the beans like a cozy blanket.
Lemon Juice: The bright sidekick that cuts through the richness. Bottled works, but fresh makes it sing. (Save a slice for your water - hydration is cool.)
Why This Combo Rocks: You get spicy, creamy, crunchy, and zesty in one bite - without a single "weird" ingredient. Even your "I don’t cook" friends will feel like pros. 🎉
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
Serves: 2 hungry people
Time: 25 minutes (because who wants to wait?)
Glycemic Index: 30-35 (Low) Glycemic Load: 10-12 (Low)
Salmon - Rich and fatty, holds up great to the harissa crust.
Haddock or Halibut - Similar mild, flaky texture.
Shrimp or Scallops - Cooks even faster! (Adjust baking time to 5-8 mins.)
Chicken Breast - Not seafood, but still killer with harissa. Bake at 375°F until 165°F internal temp.
Sriracha + Smoked Paprika - Close-ish in heat and smokiness.
Tomato Paste + Cumin + Chili Flakes - Budget-friendly hack.
Gochujang - Korean twist, sweeter but still spicy.
Great Northern Beans - Nearly identical, just slightly firmer.
Chickpeas (Garbanzos) - Heartier texture, still creamy.
Lentils - For a lighter vibe (cook separately first).
Pecorino Romano - Saltier, tangier cousin.
Feta - Crumbles beautifully for a briny kick.
Nutritional Yeast - Dairy free cheesy vibes.
Half-and-Half or Cream - Extra luscious beans.
Oat Milk or Coconut Milk - Dairy-free but still creamy.
Cilantro - If you’re team "cilantro doesn’t taste like soap."
Basil or Chives - Fresh, herby, and just as pretty.
Why Swap?
No rules, just good food. 😎
Try my COD and Creamy Zoodles recipe.
Extra Heat: Double the chili flakes or add diced jalapeños to the beans.
Smoky Twist: Stir a pinch of smoked paprika into the harissa paste.
Sweet Balance: Drizzle honey over the cod before baking for spicy-sweet vibes.
Lemon Zest: Grate some into the beans for extra brightness.
Fresh Dill: Swap parsley for dill - especially good with salmon.
Orange Juice: Replace half the lemon juice for a sweeter citrus kick.
Crispy Topping: Mix panko into the breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Creamier Beans: Mash half the beans before simmering.
Charred Finish: Broil the cod 1-2 mins at the end for a crispy top.
Greens: Stir baby spinach or kale into the beans at the end.
Grains: Serve over couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Bacon Bits: Sprinkle cooked bacon on top (because bacon).
Less Oil: Use cooking spray instead of olive oil for the crust.
Greek Yogurt: Swirl into beans instead of milk for tangy creaminess.
Zoodles: Swap beans for zucchini noodles (but keep the sauce!).
Sauce Drizzle: Mix harissa with yogurt for a pretty swirl.
Color Pop: Top with pomegranate seeds or cherry tomatoes.
Fresh Cracked Pepper: Always Instagram-worthy.
Tweak Rule: Taste as you go - your kitchen, your rules! 😉
Pat it dry - Remove excess moisture for a crispier crust.
Skin-on? Sear skin-side down in a pan first for extra texture, then bake.
Even coating - Use the back of a spoon to spread harissa paste smoothly.
Don’t drain the can! The starchy liquid thickens the sauce naturally.
Low & slow - Simmer gently to prevent curdling the milk.
Mash a few beans - Creates a creamier texture without extra ingredients.
Bloom the spices - Toast chili flakes in oil before mixing with harissa.
Garlic options - Minced garlic (instead of whole) = stronger flavor.
Zest first - Grate lemon zest before juicing for maximum citrus punch.
Prep ahead - Mix harissa paste & breadcrumbs in advance.
Frozen fish hack - Thaw cod quickly in a bowl of cold water (change water every 10 mins).
One-pan beans - Use an ovenproof skillet to bake cod directly on top of beans.
No oven? Pan-sear cod harissa-side down first, then flip to finish.
Broiler finish - 1-2 minutes at the end for extra browning.
Check doneness - Cod should reach 145°F and flake easily.
Bonus Tip: If the beans get too thick, stir in a splash of hot water or broth to loosen.
Remember: Recipes are guidelines... tweak to YOUR taste! 😊
Try my Light and Healthy Steamed Cod and Vegetables recipe.
Bonus: Check the "manager’s special" section at your grocery store for discounted fish and dairy nearing its sell-by date (perfect for immediate cooking).
Eating well doesn’t have to break the bank! 💰😋
Crusty bread or garlic toast: Perfect for soaking up the creamy bean sauce.
Light green salad: Tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Steamed veggies: Like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a fresh crunch.
Over couscous, quinoa, or rice: Stretches the meal and adds texture.
With roasted potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside.
Warm pita or naan: Great for scooping up beans and fish.
Zucchini noodles (zoodles): A veggie-packed base.
Over arugula or spinach: Turns it into a warm salad.
With roasted cauliflower: Adds a nutty, caramelized touch.
With a glass of crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio): Cuts through the spice.
A side of roasted cherry tomatoes: Bursting with sweet acidity.
Crusty baguette + whipped feta dip: Because extra carbs are always welcome.
Flake into tacos: Add slaw, avocado, and lime crema.
Top a grain bowl: With greens, pickled onions, and tahini drizzle.
Mix into pasta: Toss with spaghetti, olive oil, and extra chili flakes.
Pro Tip: Garnish with extra fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a restaurant-worthy finish.
However you serve it, this dish is a flavor win! 🎉
Try my Baked Cod With Spinach and Crispy Top recipe.
Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Albariño (cuts through the spice).
Light Beer: Pilsner, wheat beer, or a citrusy IPA (refreshes the palate).
Rosé: Dry rosé balances the dish’s richness and heat.
Sparkling Wine/Prosecco: Bubbles + spice = a fun contrast.
Sparkling Lemonade or Limeade: Zesty and refreshing.
Iced Mint Green Tea: Cooling and aromatic.
Ginger Beer (non-alcoholic): Spicy-sweet kick that complements harissa.
Cucumber-Mint Cooler: Ultra-refreshing with a subtle herbal note.
Herbal Tea: Chamomile or lemongrass for a soothing finish.
Turmeric-Ginger Latte : Warm and anti-inflammatory.
Pro Tip: If serving wine, chill it slightly colder than usual - the spice will warm it up!
Sip, savor, and enjoy the flavors! 🍽️✨
Fridge (3-4 days):
Freezer (Up to 1 month):
Oven (Best for cod):
Stovetop (Best for beans):
Microwave (Quick fix):
Stir beans halfway through reheating.
Revive the crust: Broil reheated cod for 1-2 mins to crisp the topping.
Avoid overcooking: Fish dries out fast... reheat just until warm.
Refresh flavors: Add a squeeze of lemon or sprinkle of fresh herbs after reheating.
Note: The beans may thicken when chilled... just stir in broth or water when reheating!
No one likes sad leftovers - keep ‘em tasty! 😉
Try my Spiced Mediterranean Fish Soup recipe.
So there you have it - dinner that’s quicker than your takeout app and tastes ten times better. If you’re into crispy-spicy fish, creamy beans, and looking like you’ve got your life together (even if you don’t), this one’s your new MVP. Give it a shot, tweak it your way, and hey - if you burn the breadcrumbs the first time? No judgment. I’ve been there. Now go eat! 🍴🔥
(P.S. Leftovers? Ha. Good joke.)
This harissa cod recipe is my weeknight hero! Spicy, creamy, and crazy delicious - plus it’s done before your takeout would even arrive. (You’re welcome.)
Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, combine harissa paste, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and breadcrumbs to form a thick, spreadable paste.
Evenly coat the cod fillets with the harissa mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
In a medium saucepan, combine cannellini beans (with their liquid), peeled garlic clove, whole milk, and 50ml (1.7 fl oz) water.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Remove and discard the garlic clove.
Stir in chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Divide the creamy white beans between two plates and top with the harissa-crusted cod.
Garnish with chili flakes, additional Parmesan, and fresh parsley if desired.
Servings 2
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
