If this is your first time trying couscous as an option for your main dish, you are in for a pleasant surprise! That's because I share the best way to prepare traditional couscous that your whole family can enjoy.
Couscous is a staple dish in many cultures and for a good reason.
Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it's also packed with a nutty flavor and pairs well with various dishes.
There are different ways to prepare regular couscous. However, getting the right chewy texture can be challenging, even in a basic recipe such as this one.
The texture is sensitive to the correct type of couscous, cooking method, and cooking time.
With an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, you can tap into the easiest way of cooking couscous. This way, you can change a simple dish into a great main course meal!
Now is the perfect time if you haven't tried making couscous in your Instant Pot yet.
Jump to:
What is couscous?
Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from tiny balls of durum wheat semolina.
It's often served as a side dish, but it can also be used in salads or as a base for stews.
I used Moroccan couscous in this Instant Pot couscous recipe, but you can use any couscous you prefer if you use an Instant pot instead of a stove top.
Follow these simple steps and enjoy a delicious, fluffy batch of instant pot couscous.
Use this cooked couscous to make curried couscous, or vegetable couscous. It's an easy side dish for soups or chili!
Why I love this
- Quick and easy to prepare with few essential ingredients.
- Versatile - goes well with different sauces, soups, or a simple side dish.
- Healthy - a great source of nutrients such as protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and magnesium.
Ingredients
- Couscous
- water or vegetable broth
- Salt (optional)
- Extra virgin Olive oil (optional)
See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Instructions
Pour the 2 cups couscous, 3 ¼ cups water or broth, and a pinch of salt (if using) into the Instant Pot.
If you prefer, you can also add a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavor and prevent the couscous from sticking together.
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the timer for 0 minutes on the high pressure. Make sure the vent is set to 'Sealing.'
The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to build pressure before the timer starts.
Once the timer expires, allow 5 minutes of natural release before manually using the quick release option for any remaining pressure.
Fluff the couscous with a fork after a couple of minutes and serve hot.
Tips and variations
- For added flavor, you can use vegetable stock instead of water.
- After fluffing the couscous, you can mix some fresh herbs, lemon zest, or lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness.
- Garnish your dish with sauteed pine nuts for extra flavor
- I used this instant pot couscous in a curried couscous recipe. I will share that soon. Stay tuned!
- If you have leftover couscous, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a bit of water or broth.
Can I cook the couscous on a stovetop?
Yes, you can also make couscous over the stovetop. Follow package instructions for water to couscous ratio and cook time.
Or boil the water or broth, add the couscous and salt (if using), cover with a lid, and remove from heat.
Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Storage
Store any leftover couscous in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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📖 Recipe
How To Cook Couscous In Instant Pot
Equipment
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Ingredients
- 2 cup couscous
- 3 ¼ cup water
- pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil - optional
Instructions
- Pour the couscous, water or broth, and a pinch of salt (if using) into the Instant Pot.2 cup couscous, 3 ¼ cup water, pinch salt
- If you prefer, you can also add a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavor and prevent the couscous from sticking together.1 teaspoon olive oil
- Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the timer for 0 minutes on the high pressure. Make sure the vent is set to 'Sealing.'
- The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to build pressure before the timer starts.
- Once the timer expires, allow 5 minutes of natural release before manually using the quick release option for any remaining pressure.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork after a couple of minutes and serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can use vegetable stock instead of water.
- After fluffing the couscous, you can mix some fresh herbs, lemon zest, or lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness.
- Garnish your dish with sauteed pine nuts for extra flavor
- I used this instant pot couscous in a curried couscous recipe. I will share that soon. Stay tuned!
- If you have leftover couscous, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a bit of water or broth.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
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