Learn How to Cook Israeli, or pearl, and Instant Couscous on the stovetop in less than 20 minutes. These tiny, pasta-like balls of semolina wheat flour are so quick and easy to make, you simply need 1 ½ cups of water to each cup of couscous.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time20 minutesmins
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Add water or broth to a medium-sized pot. Bring liquid to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.
Stir in Israeli couscous, salt and butter. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired tenderness.
Instant Couscous:
Add water or broth to a medium-sized pot and bring liquid to a boil.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in instant couscous, butter or oil, and salt.
Cover and let steam for 5 minutes.
Remove lid and fluff up couscous with a fork.
Notes
Meal Prep and Storage
How to prep ahead of time: If you're making a bowl with couscous, you can easily make it a few days before you need it.
How to store: Cooked couscous will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How to freeze: Couscous freezes very similarly to cooked pasta or grains. To freeze couscous add it to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or container once cooled. It will keep in the freezer for up to 4-6 months.
How to reheat: For the best results, warm the couscous back up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.