Rick Stein’s Hake Butter Beans is a beautifully simple yet flavorful dish that showcases tender hake fillets paired with creamy butter beans in a rich tomato and herb-infused sauce. Perfect for a light dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe brings a Mediterranean flair to your table. Ready in under an hour, it’s a wholesome, satisfying option for seafood lovers.
What is Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans?
Rick Stein’s Hake Butter Beans is a rustic dish where flaky hake fillets are gently cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce with butter beans, garlic, and herbs. It’s a one-pot meal that combines the delicate flavor of hake with the hearty texture of butter beans.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Simple and Delicious: Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from fish and beans.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Mediterranean Inspiration: Brings light and refreshing flavors to your table.
- Versatile Meal: Great as a standalone dish or paired with bread or rice.
Ingredients Needed for Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans
- Hake fillets: 4 (about 600g), skinless and boneless
- Butter beans: 400g can, drained and rinsed
- Tomatoes: 2 large, chopped, or 400g canned tomatoes
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons, for cooking
- White wine: 100ml, for deglazing
- Chicken or fish stock: 200ml, for the sauce
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for depth of flavor
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Lemon wedges: For serving
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Knife and chopping board
- Mixing spoon
- Serving platter
Instructions to Make Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans
- Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Add paprika and tomatoes: Stir in the paprika, followed by the chopped tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the stock and beans: Stir in the chicken or fish stock and butter beans. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Season the hake: Season the hake fillets with salt and pepper, then nestle them into the sauce.
- Cook the fish: Cover the pan and let the hake cook gently for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

What to Serve With Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Steamed Rice: A light side that complements the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adds extra color and nutrition.
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich flavors.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Hake Butter Beans
- Choose fresh hake: Opt for high-quality, fresh fillets for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the fish: Hake is delicate and cooks quickly; watch it closely.
- Use fresh herbs: Parsley or thyme adds a vibrant, earthy flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste and tweak the salt and pepper to balance the dish.
- Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a hint of heat.
- Deglaze thoroughly: Scrape the pan when adding wine for maximum flavor.
What are Variations of Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans?
- Swap the fish: Use cod, haddock, or sea bass as alternatives to hake.
- Make it spicy: Add chili powder or fresh chilies for a fiery twist.
- Use different beans: Replace butter beans with cannellini or navy beans.
- Add vegetables: Include spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrients.
How Do I Store Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans?
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How Do I Reheat Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans?
- On the stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
- In the microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
How Can I Make Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans Healthier?
- Use less oil: Reduce the amount of olive oil for a lighter dish.
- Add more vegetables: Include extra greens like kale or spinach.
- Reduce salt: Opt for low-sodium stock and season sparingly.
- Serve with whole grains: Pair with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
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PrintRick Stein Hake Butter Beans
Rick Stein’s Hake Butter Beans is a rustic dish where flaky hake fillets are gently cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce with butter beans, garlic, and herbs. It’s a one-pot meal that combines the delicate flavor of hake with the hearty texture of butter beans.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- Hake fillets: 4 (about 600g), skinless and boneless
- Butter beans: 400g can, drained and rinsed
- Tomatoes: 2 large, chopped, or 400g canned tomatoes
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons, for cooking
- White wine: 100ml, for deglazing
- Chicken or fish stock: 200ml, for the sauce
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for depth of flavor
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Lemon wedges: For serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Add paprika and tomatoes: Stir in the paprika, followed by the chopped tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the stock and beans: Stir in the chicken or fish stock and butter beans. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Season the hake: Season the hake fillets with salt and pepper, then nestle them into the sauce.
- Cook the fish: Cover the pan and let the hake cook gently for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Final Words
Rick Stein’s Hake Butter Beans is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the delicate flavors of hake and the creamy texture of butter beans. With its Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and comforting nature, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal!