Servings
Font
Back
How to Cook Couscous - Israeli (Pearl) or Instant
5 from 3 votes

How to Cook Couscous - Israeli (Pearl) or Instant

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 Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 107 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Main Course, Salad, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Pearl (Israeli) Couscous
  • 1 ½ cups water or broth
  • 1 cup pearl couscous or Israeli couscous
  • butter optional, or oil
  • salt to taste
Instant Couscous
  • 1 ¾ cup water or broth
  • 1 ½ cups couscous instant
  • butter optional, or oil
  • salt to taste

Instructions

Israeli (Pearl) Couscous:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Add water or broth to a medium-sized pot. Bring liquid to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.
  2. Stir in Israeli couscous, salt and butter. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired tenderness.
Instant Couscous:
  1. Add water or broth to a medium-sized pot and bring liquid to a boil.
  2. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in instant couscous, butter or oil, and salt.
  3. Cover and let steam for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove lid and fluff up couscous with a fork.

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition Information

Calories 107kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 22g (7%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 6mg (0%) Potassium 47mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Calcium 9mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 107

% Daily Value*

Calories 107kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 22g 7%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 6mg 0%
Potassium 47mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Calcium 9mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.