What Is Couscous and How Can I Use It?

If couscous has turned up in a recipe or caught your eye at the store, here's what you need to use it with confidence and how to choose it, cook it, store it, what to substitute, and 155 recipes to try it in.

What are couscous?

Couscous looks like a grain but is not one. It is tiny pellets of pasta, made by rolling moistened durum wheat semolina until it forms small balls, which are then dried.

That detail matters in the kitchen, because it explains why couscous cooks in minutes and behaves like a soft, fluffy pasta rather than a chewy grain like rice or barley.

It is the staple starch of North Africa, with Morocco and Algeria at its heart, where it is traditionally steamed over a simmering stew and served as the base of a whole meal.

Three sizes turn up on shelves. Fine Moroccan couscous is the quick-cooking kind most boxes contain. Larger pearl couscous, often sold as Israeli couscous, is toasted and chewier. Lebanese moghrabieh is larger still.

Cooking It So It Fluffs

The boxed instant couscous most people buy is the easiest starch there is. You do not boil it; you hydrate it. Pour boiling liquid over it, usually an equal volume or a little more, then cover the bowl and let it sit off the heat for about 5 minutes.

Then fluff. Drag a fork through the swollen pellets to break up the clumps and separate the grains. Skipping this step is the difference between light, separate couscous and a dense, gummy lump.

Cook it in stock instead of water, since plain couscous is bland and needs the seasoning. A pat of butter or a slug of olive oil worked in with the fork keeps the pellets from sticking and adds the richness the wheat lacks on its own.

Traditional couscous is a different animal, steamed in stages over a couscoussier for a lamb and sausage couscous, which gives a lighter, fluffier result but takes real time. Pearl couscous is the exception to the no-boil rule: it simmers in liquid like pasta, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Where to Use It

Couscous goes savory or sweet. Cold, it makes a quick salad, the base of a Greek couscous salad or a couscous tabbouleh where it stands in for bulgur.

Hot, it is a fast bed for any stew or braise that has sauce to soak up. It also takes well to sweet treatment, simmered with dried fruit and warm spice for a dried-fruit couscous that works as a side or a breakfast.

Substitutes

Because couscous is pasta, the closest swaps are other tiny pastas. Orzo and acini di pepe cook and behave much the same way, though they need a proper boil.

Bulgur is the best whole-grain stand-in, especially in tabbouleh, with a nuttier flavor and more chew. Quinoa works for a gluten-free table and brings more protein, but it is an actual seed, so it tastes earthier and never gets as soft.

Fine couscous and these swaps are roughly interchangeable by volume once cooked.

Buying and Storing

Dry couscous keeps almost indefinitely in a sealed container in a cool, dry cupboard, the same as any dried pasta. Note that it contains gluten, since it is wheat; the gluten-free boxes are made from corn or rice instead.

Cooked couscous keeps three or four days in the fridge in a sealed container. It firms up as it cools, so loosen leftovers with a fork and a splash of water or a little dressing, which makes it ready to serve cold as a salad straight from the fridge.

Nutrition

Quick facts

Where to find couscous: Couscous are usually found in the pasta section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group: Couscous are a member of the Cereal Grains and Pasta US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

In Chinese

库斯库斯

British (UK) term

Couscous

en français

le couscous

en español

cuscús

How much do couscous weigh?

Related

Cereal Grains and Pasta

Recipes using couscous

There are 155 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Chilled Couscous Vegetable Salad

A scrumptious salad that's made with couscous, romaine lettuce, corn kernels and baby green peas.

Marinated Mushroom, Black Bean Couscous Salad with Cheddar

This tasty couscous salad has layers of delicious flavors and great textures. Chipotle chili in adobo sauce adds some smokiness, a touch cumin gives extra tang. Serve it as a side dish or a light and refreshing main course.

Grilled Mahi mahi, Red Onion Couscous, Chunky Papaya Avocado Salsa

Dolphin fish, AKA Mahi mahi served on top of a red onion couscous with a fresh Papaya Avocado salsa. Wonderfully presented and delicious.

Toasted Lemon Couscous with Peas

This easy, tasty and refreshing couscous salad is a perfect side dish served with an oven-roasted or pan-seared tilapia.

Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango

Absolutely loved it! The other salad I made yesterday, instead of couscous I used quinoa that is much healthier; didn't have cooked chickpea on hand, so I boiled some frozen soy beans instead, and it actually tasted amazing.

Israeli CousCous & Cucumber Salad

Israeli couscous and cucumber salad tosses toasted pearl couscous with crisp cucumber, tomato, lemon, and a handful of fresh parsley and mint. A bright, herby Mediterranean side that eats clean and refreshing.

Couscous with Fennel & Pinenuts

Quick, easy and delicious. Serve it as a side dish or a vegetarian main dish by using vegetable broth.

Cauliflower & Couscous Pilaf

In this recipe, we use whole wheat couscous instead of rice, we add orange juice and currant, so the pilaf is sweet too.

Sweet Chili Lime Chicken with Cilantro Couscous

"Chicken breast cubes simmered in a sweet and spicy lime-soy glaze are served with cilantro couscous in this quick and easy supper."

Israeli Couscous with Sauteed Mushrooms, Pine Nuts & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Earthy sauteed mushrooms, aromatic toasted pine nuts, chewy-sweet sun-dried tomatoes make this delicious and wholesome couscous salad. Enjoy it as a side dish or serve it as a tasty main meal.

Mozzarella, Tomatoes & Israeli Couscous

Israeli couscous with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. A delightful side dish.

Couscous, Lentil & Arugula Salad with Garlic Dijon Vinaigrette

Packed with deliciousness and goodness. A great side dish to go with any main courses, or it can be served as a vegetarian main dish as well.

Israeli Couscous with Bacon & Peas

Simple ingredients create this sophisticated side dish. The bacon performs double-duty creating a silky coating for toasting the Israeli couscous as well as garnish. The couscous and peas produce a very pleasing texture while the bacon and lemon contribute tang and a silky mouth-feel.

Chickpea, Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Mushrooms, & Sun-Dried Tomato Couscous Salad with Feta

This delicious couscous salad has so many layers of flavors and textures. Marinated artichoke hearts and mushrooms, olive-oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, and salty feta cheese together with couscous deliver a satisfying dish that's also eye pleasure too.

Couscous, Lentil & Mixed Green Salad with Garlic Dijon Vinaigrette

In this recipe, we use whole wheat couscous and lentil, these two things add fiber and protein into the salad, mixed green, tomatoes and cucumber give the Vitamins, tossing them with delicious garlic dijon vinaigrette, a good side dish for a supper, or you can serve it as a light main dish.

Fried Tomatoes with Mint Couscous

A lively fresh appetizer perfect for the summer. Mint and oregano brightness the couscous toped with fried tomatoes, almonds and a bit of salty feta.

Mediterranean Israeli Couscous

This Mediterranean style dish is packed with flavor. Couscous is simmered in flavorful broth. Bell pepper, spinach, tomatoes and olives not only just add the nice color but also give the dish very refreshing taste. Fresh basil and parmesan sprinkled on top just before serving. A delicious dish can be served as a side dish or a simply delicious main course.

Arugula Salad Orange Couscous & Citrus Vinaigrette

This salad's presentation is quite lovely. The citrus vinaigrette is top notch and we use the leftovers for other vegetables. The combination of orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit really kick it up a notch. If you really want to impress your guests and blow them away with sophistication this is sure to wow them. Or just make the dressing and use it for other dishes and turn any ordinary vegetable into something special.

Israeli Couscous, Apple & Cranberry Salad with Toasted Almonds

Quick and easy to make, and it comes out very tasty. Couscous absorbs all the yummy flavor from the broth, then tossed with chunks of apples, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds. A light vinaigrette brings all the flavors together and makes it into a delicious meal.

Chinese Couscous Salad

Sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers with garlic, ginger, scallions and Chinese spicies. It comes out delicious, serve it as a side dish or a main course.

Israeli Couscous with Spinach & Parmesan Cheese

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Delicious.

Sunny Breakfast Couscous Cereal

Microwave breakfast couscous cooked in orange juice with honey, almonds, cinnamon, and orange zest. A warm, citrusy low-fat morning cereal that's on the table in 15 minutes flat.

Low Fat Turkey Burgers

Low-fat turkey burgers with couscous, warm spice blend of curry, cumin, allspice, and ginger, plus sauteed red pepper for moisture. A globally-spiced lean burger on whole-wheat buns.

Simple Seasoned Black Beans

Cumin-spiced black beans simmered with sauteed onion, garlic, and lemon juice, served over brown rice or whole wheat couscous. A budget-friendly, protein-packed vegan meal.

Seven Vegetable Couscous

Hearty North African vegetable couscous with chickpeas, cabbage, turnip, squash, and tomatoes spiced with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fresh ginger. A filling vegan one-pot meal over fluffy couscous.

Hot Couscous Breakfast

Hot couscous breakfast with orange zest, toasted almonds, and a splash of half-and-half. A single-serving vegetarian breakfast ready in 15 minutes flat.

Spicy Vegetable Couscous

Sautéed squash, zucchini, red onion, and chickpeas tossed with couscous and seasoned with cumin, curry powder, and red pepper flakes. A 25-minute vegetarian skillet meal.

Saute of Shrimp with Bergamot Infusion

Sauteed shrimp with Earl Grey tea deglaze, asparagus, roasted red peppers, couscous, and papaya salsa. A fine-dining plate with unexpected bergamot flavor.

Garbanzos & Couscous

Slow cooker chickpea stew with carrots, tomatoes, and warm North African spices served over couscous. A dump-and-go crockpot meal with cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon.

Moroccan Couscous Salad

Quick Moroccan couscous salad with warm spiced dressing, sweet raisins, and crisp peppers. Ready in 25 minutes for easy weeknight sides or meal prep lunches.

Lemon Chicken with Pine Nut Sauce & Vegetable Couscous

Lemon-marinated chicken breast with a saffron pine nut and olive sauce served over vegetable couscous. A Moroccan-inspired three-component dinner with bold North African flavors.

Summer Couscous Salad

A vibrant vegetarian couscous salad with chickpeas, zucchini, carrots, raisins, and fresh mint, dressed in orange juice, olive oil, cayenne, and cinnamon. Bright, filling, and ready in 30 minutes.

Couscous Beidaoui

Traditional Moroccan couscous with lamb shanks, saffron, pumpkin, turnips, cabbage, and chickpeas served over buttery couscous with raisins. A spectacular North African feast that feeds six generously.

Herb Garden Couscous Salad

Herb garden couscous salad with black beans, fresh dill, mint, parsley, tomatoes, olives, and a lemon-olive oil dressing. A bright, no-cook grain salad.

Orange-Pecan Couscous

Orange-pecan couscous cooked in orange juice with cinnamon sticks, cloves, turmeric, and raisins. A fragrant, Moroccan-inspired side dish ready in under 30 minutes.

Nutty Veggi Couscous

This is a great accompaniment or serve as a main course with some grilled halloumi cheese.

Whole-Wheat Couscous Pilaf

Whole-wheat couscous pilaf with chicken broth, hot sauce and fresh parsley. Healthy 10-minute side dish with a touch of heat.

Couscous with Spicy Chick Pea Stew

Moroccan-style couscous steamed over a spicy chickpea stew with carrots, zucchini, corn, and warm spices. A traditional one-pot vegetarian meal where the couscous absorbs the aromas of the stew below.

Cous Cous with Lamb

North African lamb and vegetable stew over fluffy couscous, built on a garlic-ginger paste with cumin and tomato. One pot, layered vegetables, tender-braised lamb.

Chick-Pea & Vegetable Stew with Couscous

Moroccan-spiced chickpea and vegetable stew with zucchini, raisins, and tomatoes served over couscous. A fragrant, hearty vegan one-pot meal seasoned with cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne.

Fish Couscous With Onion

Moroccan fish couscous: halibut poached in a golden onion t'faya sweetened with raisins and deeply spiced with saffron, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. Served over whole wheat couscous with toasted almonds.

Couscous with Sundried Tomatoes

Couscous with sun-dried tomatoes, onion flakes, and garlic powder cooked in vegetable broth. A five-ingredient side dish ready in 15 minutes with concentrated tomato flavor in every bite.

Apricot Couscous

Apricot couscous with dried apricots and cardamom, made in the microwave in under 10 minutes. A fragrant, fruity side dish with just five ingredients.

Cousous Topped with Almonds

Couscous salad with almonds and currants: steamed vegetables tossed with fluffy couscous in an orange-lemon-cinnamon marinade. North African-inspired vegetarian side that travels well.

Couscous with Tomato-Eggplant Sauce

Couscous with tomato-eggplant sauce simmered with green pepper, garlic, and a Mediterranean herb blend. Hearty, low-fat vegetarian one-skillet dinner.

Red Pepper Couscous Ring with Vegetables

Molded red pepper couscous ring filled with steamed vegetables and topped with a cool dill yogurt sauce. Stunning vegetarian buffet centerpiece that cuts like a savory cake.

Salmon Couscous

Salmon couscous steamed over a spiced vegetable broth with garlic, caraway, chili pepper, zucchini, and carrots, served with canned red salmon and pumpkin seeds. A North African-inspired one-pot meal.

Savory Beef Stew with Roasted Vegetables

Beef stew with roasted vegetables braises round steak in thyme broth, then folds in oven-roasted mushrooms, plum tomatoes, and onions tossed in balsamic. Served over couscous for a Mediterranean spin.

Veggie Casserole

Easy vegetarian bean and vegetable casserole with kidney beans, chickpeas, canned tomatoes, bell pepper, and frozen vegetables baked together. Top with cheese and serve over couscous.

Couscous with Zucchini

A tasty side dish that can go with any meal you enjoy this summer!

All 155 recipes