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Instant Pot Couscous

This instant pot couscous is quick, easy and delicious. Make fluffy, tender Israeli couscous and pearl couscous for an excellent side dish, or use in soups, stews or…

Instant Pot Couscous

This instant pot couscous is quick, easy and delicious. Make fluffy, tender Israeli couscous and pearl couscous for an excellent side dish, or use in soups, stews or fresh pasta salads! Healthy and versatile recipe for the beginner instant pot user.

3 bowls of instant pot couscous

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If you are a couscous lover, you are in the right place! This instant pot couscous is so easy to make and turns out fluffy and tender.

Instant pot couscous is also the perfect side dish and can be used in so many different ways. I love tossing my couscous with this Pesto with Cashews for a delicious side or dinner.

I also love serving this Salmon with Lemon and Air Fryer Swordfish over a heaping portion of instant pot couscous with a side of Roasted Asparagus or green beans (for the perfect cook, check out how long to boil green beans).

You can also serve instant pot couscous with a veggie or chicken burger such as these Lentil Burgers or BBQ Chicken Burgers for a health and well rounded meal!

Why this recipe works

pearl couscous instant pot in a bowl

Instant pot Israeli couscous is quick and easy to make!

There are many couscous instant pot recipes to choose from, making this the perfect side or main dish.

You can make this couscous in the instant pot and don’t have to monitor while cooking. It turns out perfect every time!

Ingredients

instant pot israeli couscous

Couscous: Any type of couscous will work for this recipe including Israeli or pearl couscous. This toasted Israeli couscous is delicious!

Water

Instant Pot Couscous Instructions

israeli couscous in instant pot
  1. Add couscous and water to instant pot.
  2. Cook on instant pot high pressure setting for 2 minutes.
  3. Quick release steam when done.
  4. Once steam is fully released, remove lid, stir and enjoy!

Couscous water ratio

israeli couscous instant pot in bowls with veggies

The perfect ratio of water to couscous in the instant pot is 1 cup couscous to 1 and ¼ cup water.

What to serve with couscous

instant pit couscous surrounded by fresh vegetables

Couscous is a wonderfully versatile ingredient. It can be used in soups, stews or salads. It can be served as a side or a main dish.

Some of my favorites serve with instant pot couscous are Pistachio Crusted Salmon, Easy Baked Salmon and Blackened Cod.

FAQ and expert tips

instant pot pearl couscous in a bowl
Is couscous healthier than rice?

Couscous and rice are both healthy and delicious carbohydrate options.

Is quinoa or couscous better for you?

Both couscous and quinoa are health options. Quinoa has a higher level of protein than couscous.

What is the difference between Israeli and pearl couscous?

Pearl couscous is a larger version Moroccan couscous. Israeli couscous is toasted giving it a rich nutty flavor.

instant pot couscous in a bowl with fresh chopped vegetables

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instant pot couscous next to blue napkin, tomato and lemon

Instant Pot Couscous

This instant pot couscous is quick, easy and delicious. Make fluffy, tender Israeli couscous and pearl couscous for an excellent side dish, or use in soups, stews or fresh pasta salads! Healthy and versatile recipe for the beginner instant pot user. Print Pin Course: dinner, Side Dish, sides, SnackCuisine: American, israeli Prep Time: 1 minuteCook Time: 2 minutesTime for instant pot to reach full pressure.: 10 minutesTotal Time: 13 minutes Servings: 4 servings Calories: 163kcal Author: Aubrey Cost: $1

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 cup couscous (Israeli or pearl)
  • 1¼ cup water

Instructions

  • Add couscous and water to instant pot.
  • Cook on instant pot high pressure setting for 2 minutes.
  • Quick release steam when done.
  • Once steam is fully released, remove lid, stir and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!