Lemon Couscous Recipe - Cooking Classy (2024)

Published January 13, 2021. Updated January 12, 2022

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This Lemon Couscous is one of the fastest, easiest side dish recipes! Plus it has a delicious bright flavor that pairs well with just about any main dish, it’s incrediblyversatile too.

Lemon Couscous Recipe - Cooking Classy (1)

Easy Lemon Couscous

This simple couscous recipe is just one of those must have recipes! And really after you’ve made it a few times you won’t need a recipe at all.

It’s so straightforward, easy to memorize and also easy to switch things up with other ingredients you have on hand (see ideas below).

With it’s delicious flavor and 10 minutes to finish it will quickly become a weeknight staple!

Pair with chicken, beef, lamb, pork, fish, shrimp, vegetables – options are endless.

Difference Between Moroccan, Israeli and Lebanese Couscous

While all are three types of couscous are traditionally made of durum semolina flour the size and texture are the main differences.

  • Moroccan couscous: This is the smallest type of the three. It cooks the fastest and has a soft, fine texture.
  • Israeli couscous: Also known as Ptitim, giant couscous, or pearl couscous. This type is quite a bit larger than moroccan couscous and takes longer to cook (approximately 10 minutes). It has a chewy texture.
  • Lebanese couscous: Also known as Moghrabeyah, this is the largest of the three types. It’s is about the size of peas and takes the longest to cook (about 15 – 20 minutes). This type also has a chewy texture.

Lemon Couscous Recipe - Cooking Classy (2)

Lemon Couscous Recipe Ingredients

  • Extra virgin olive oil: Standard refined olive oil will work too it just wont have quite as much flavor.
  • Garlic: Only use fresh garlic here.
  • Chicken broth: Vegetable broth works great too.
  • Lemon: Zest before you halve and juice. Use a zester not a grater to zest or you’ll end up with a bitter flavor in the couscous coming from the white pith of the lemon.
  • Salt: Season to taste.
  • Parsley: You can use other herbs here, ideas are listed below.
  • Moroccan Couscous: Note that not all brands require the same amount of liquid. Refer to the back of the package to see if you need to adjust the amount of liquid.

Scroll down below for full recipe with ingredient amounts and print option.Lemon Couscous Recipe - Cooking Classy (3)

How to Make Couscous

  1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
  2. Add garlic and saute until fragrant (not toasting and browning or it will be bitter!), about 20 seconds.
  3. Remove from heat, pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice and season with salt to taste. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
  4. Pour in couscous, stir then remove from heat and immediately cover with lid. Let rest 4 minutes off heat.
  5. Add parsley and fluff with a fork. Serve warm.

Lemon Couscous Recipe - Cooking Classy (4)

Variations

It’s delicious as is but when you want to switch it up try adding one of these:

  • Pine nuts or slivered almonds
  • Basil, mint, dill or cilantro
  • Roasted or sautéed vegetables
  • Flaked salmon or tuna (add a little extra oil at the end)
  • Diced oranges
  • Spices (turmeric, paprika, cumin, coriander, etc.)
  • Fresh greens (spinach, baby kale, watercress, etc.)
  • Feta or fresh mozzarella

More Delicious Recipes to Try

  • Greek Salad
  • Quinoa Salad
  • Moroccan Couscous with Roasted Vegetables
  • Ratatouille
  • Shrimp and Couscous Foil Packs

16 Quick & Easy 30 Minute Recipes! (plus weekly recipe updates)

Lemon Couscous Recipe - Cooking Classy (5)

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Lemon Couscous Recipe

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This is one of the fastest, easiest side dish recipes! Plus it's has a delicious bright flavor that pairs well with just about any main dish, it's incrediblyversatile too.

Servings: 4

Prep3 minutes minutes

Cook4 minutes minutes

Resting4 minutes minutes

Ready in: 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.

  • Add garlic and saute until fragrant (not toasting and browning or it will be bitter!), about 20 seconds.

  • Remove from heat, pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice and season with salt to taste. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.

  • Pour in couscous, stir then remove from heat and immediately cover with lid. Let rest 4 - 5 minutes off heat.

  • Add parsley and fluff with a fork. Finish with a little more olive oil or broth to moisten if desired and serve warm.

Notes

*Other herb options that would be delicious here as a substitute for parsley are basil, cilantro, dill, or mint.

Nutrition Facts

Lemon Couscous Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 234Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 159mg7%

Potassium 175mg5%

Carbohydrates 35g12%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 623IU12%

Vitamin C 14mg17%

Calcium 27mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: Couscous

Author: Jaclyn

Lemon Couscous Recipe - Cooking Classy (2024)

FAQs

What can I put in couscous to make it taste better? ›

I toss it with herbs, lemon juice, pine nuts, and olive oil to make a bright, refreshing pilaf. It pairs nicely with any protein, vegetable main dish, or soup!

How do you keep couscous Fluffy? ›

Add couscous to boiling water

Stir the toasted couscous in the boiling water. Cover the sauce pan and remove from heat or turn the heat off immediately. Let the couscous sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes until it has absorbed all the water. Uncover and fluff with a fork.

What meat goes well with couscous? ›

Couscous can be served as a side dish or a main meal, and goes well with beef, chicken, fish, lamb or as part of a vegetarian meal (with beans, tofu, etc.) You can also stir in additional ingredients (vegetables, nuts, dried fruit) to add something special to your couscous and make it a more substantial dish.

How do you make couscous not mushy? ›

Too Much Water: Stick to the 1:1.5 ratio to avoid mushy couscous. Underseasoning: Don't forget to season your water with a pinch of salt.

Is couscous healthier than rice? ›

Couscous is packed with nutrients and has better selenium per serving than white rice when it comes to selenium and other elements. It is light and filling, making it a good choice for busy professionals, families and people who don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to prepare a healthy, delicious meal.

How to make couscous Jamie Oliver? ›

Method. Place the couscous, cumin, paprika and a big pinch of salt into a bowl. Stir to combine, then pour over just enough boiling water to cover the couscous. Cover the bowl and leave for about 10 minutes.

How to flavour couscous without stock? ›

Dried spices and herbs can be added to the raw couscous before pouring over the water. The couscous can be 'toasted' in butter or oil before cooking to give it a nuttier flavour. Once cooked, couscous pairs nicely with North African and Middle Eastern spices and ingredients.

What happens if you don't rinse couscous? ›

There's no need to wash or rinse the couscous before cooking it as it doesn't contain starch. The butter/oil is optional, but it will help the grains to separate so it's recommended. Add the couscous to boiling water, and then take it off of the heat to avoid it overcooking.

Should you soak couscous before cooking? ›

Simple couscous can be ready in a matter of minutes. Most couscous you will find in supermarkets or other retailers will be the instant variety that has been pre-steamed and needs nothing more than a quick soak in hot liquid.

Is couscous an inflammatory food? ›

The selenium in couscous can also give your immune system a boost. This antioxidant helps reduce inflammation and boosts immunity by lowering oxidative stress in your body ( 2 ).

Do Italians eat couscous? ›

Moreover, we mustn't forget that couscous has been part of Italian food culture for many years.

Do Muslims eat couscous? ›

Couscous is often served with meat and includes a number of different vegetables combined with chickpeas. This blend makes for a nutritious meal and is especially fit for Ramadan because of its high protein! Extra fun fact: Moroccans refer to Friday's as 'Couscous Friday' because that's when it is traditionally served!

How much liquid for 1 cup of couscous? ›

You'll need 1 ¼ cups water or broth per 1 cup of Golden Couscous. After you bring your water or broth to a boil with a ½ teaspoon of salt, add your couscous. To give it a smoother texture, add in butter or oil with the couscous. Stir, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes once you remove it from the heat.

Is quinoa better than couscous? ›

Compared to couscous, quinoa has stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. With 7 percent fewer calories per 100 grams of cooked couscous than quinoa, it is healthier for weight loss. Every 100 grams of cooked quinoa has 120 calories. Every 100 grams of cooked couscous has 112 calories.

How much couscous for 2 people? ›

Allow around 60g of dried couscous per person, which is combined with 90ml of boiled water (using the ratio of 1:1 1/2). Simply pour the hot water onto the couscous, cover and leave for 10 minutes while the couscous absorbs the water.

How do you fix bland couscous? ›

Add flavour

Using chicken or other stock instead of water will give your couscous a deeper flavour and make it more substantial. Bring a cup or two of stock (I tend to add a little extra to allow for evaporation) in a medium to large pot. Remember couscous will expand. Take it off the heat and sprinkle in the couscous.

How do you freshen up couscous? ›

Rehydrating Couscous in a Microwave

Pour water, broth or a combination into a glass measuring cup or small heat-proof bowl. Use about 1 cup of total liquid for every cup of Martino's couscous. Heat the liquid in the microwave on high until the fluid begins to boil. Pour the boiling water over the couscous.

Does couscous taste like pasta or rice? ›

What Is Couscous? Couscous is a type of pasta that's made from semolina wheat flour and water. The subtle nutty flavor of couscous makes it a versatile ingredient that can be combined with fruits, vegetables and meats to create an excellent main or side dish.

Why is couscous bland? ›

You cooked it in water

Couscous' natural flavor is mild and delicate. It isn't as explosively flavor-packed as, say, a nacho cheese Dorito. Couscous is a type of tiny, granular pasta made from semolina flour, says Food Network. The semolina flour is what gives couscous its golden color and nutty taste.

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