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Perfectly Fluffy Couscous Recipe

Master fluffy, flavorful couscous with this fast and easy 15-minute recipe, including step-by-step instructions, variations, and storage tips.

4.8 from 152 votes
15 mins
Total Time
3
servings
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Perfectly Fluffy Couscous

How to Make the Best Perfectly Fluffy Couscous

Couscous is one of those magical side dishes that looks impressive but comes together in just 15 minutes. This perfectly fluffy couscous recipe reveals the simple secret to achieving light, separated grains every time: toasting the couscous before adding the liquid. That quick step adds a subtle nutty flavor and prevents the grains from clumping together.

Whether you’re serving this alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fragrant Moroccan tagine, this couscous recipe is endlessly versatile. The combination of broth, olive oil, and a touch of lemon zest elevates simple couscous into something truly special. It’s naturally vegan when made with vegetable broth and makes an excellent base for grain bowls or salads.

Once you master this basic technique, you can customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, or mix-ins. Try adding toasted almonds, dried cranberries, fresh mint, or crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist. The possibilities are endless with this quick and foolproof side dish.

Perfectly Fluffy Couscous

Perfectly Fluffy Couscous

Master fluffy, flavorful couscous with this fast and easy 15-minute recipe, including step-by-step instructions, variations, and storage tips.

4.8 from 152 votes
CourseSide Dish
CuisineMoroccan
Keywordcouscous, how to make couscous, easy couscous recipe, vegan couscous, healthy couscous
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings3 servings
Calories261kcal
AuthorChristina Hill
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Ingredients

Couscous

Garnish

Instructions

Cooking the Couscous

  1. Toast couscous in a dry skillet until fragrant over medium-high heat and place in a shallow serving dish.
  2. Heat broth in a small pot and add water, oil, salt and pepper. Add additional seasonings except for fresh herbs. Bring to a boil.
  3. Pour liquid over the couscous and give it a stir.
  4. Cover tightly with a lid or foil for 7 minutes, until the liquid is fully absorbed.
  5. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork, separating the grains.
  6. Taste and adjust salt. Garnish with lemon zest and fresh herbs. Serve immediately!

Notes

  • Do not use pearl couscous for this recipe—regular couscous works best.
  • For extra flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
  • Store leftover couscous in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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