Couscous Recipe (Fluffy, Light & Perfect Every Time)
Couscous is a quick, versatile North African staple made from semolina wheat. Light, fluffy, and ready in minutes, it pairs perfectly with vegetables, meat, or sauces and works well as a side dish or main meal.
This easy couscous recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, and international cuisine lovers.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Couscous Recipe
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Light, fluffy, and never mushy
- Healthy & vegetarian
- Perfect for salads, bowls, or side dishes
- Easily customizable with flavors
🥘 Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional additions:
- Chopped parsley or cilantro
- Lemon zest or juice
- Toasted nuts
- Cooked vegetables
👨🍳 How to Make Couscous (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Boil Liquid
In a saucepan, bring water or broth, salt, and olive oil to a boil.
Step 2: Add Couscous
Remove from heat, stir in couscous, cover with a lid, and let sit for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Fluff
Use a fork to gently fluff the couscous, breaking any clumps.
Step 4: Serve
Add herbs, lemon juice, or vegetables and serve warm.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Couscous
- Always use equal parts couscous and liquid
- Do not overcook — steaming is key
- Fluff with a fork, not a spoon
- Use broth instead of water for more flavor
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- With grilled chicken or lamb
- As a base for vegetable couscous salad
- Alongside tagine or curry
- Stuffed into bell peppers
- Mixed with chickpeas for a vegan meal
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is couscous pasta or grain?
Couscous is technically pasta, made from semolina wheat, though it’s often treated like a grain.
Is couscous healthy?
Yes. Couscous is low in fat, provides carbohydrates for energy, and can be very healthy when paired with vegetables and lean protein.
Can I make couscous ahead of time?
Yes. Store cooked couscous in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is couscous gluten-free?
No. Couscous contains wheat and is not gluten-free. Use quinoa or millet instead for gluten-free options.
🥗 Variations
- Moroccan Couscous – add raisins, cinnamon, and chickpeas
- Mediterranean Couscous – olives, feta, cucumber, tomato
- Lemon Herb Couscous – parsley, lemon zest, olive oil
- Spicy Couscous – chili flakes, cumin, paprika
🔗 Similar Recipes You’ll Love
- Moroccan Vegetable Tagine
- Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing
- Rice Pilaf Recipe
- Bulgur Wheat Salad
- Chickpea & Vegetable Stew
🌍 Final Thoughts
This easy couscous recipe is one of the fastest and most versatile dishes you can make. Whether you’re cooking for a healthy meal, international dinner, or meal prep, couscous fits perfectly into modern kitchens worldwide.

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