Learn how to make easy Instant Pot Couscous! This adorable circle-shaped pasta works great as a side dish, a salad, or mixed into soups.

Never did I ever think I could fall so in love with these little balls of pasta joy.

In fact, up until this past year, the only time I’d really experienced them was in this fabulous Chicken Soup.

But when I suddenly became the owner of a gigantic box of Pearl Couscous, I knew I needed to get to know this ingredient better.

Two ways I recently used it was in this fabulous Greek Couscous Salad and this Summer Peach Salad. If you haven’t tried these yet, GET – ON – IT!

But I’ve also recently discovered that it makes a yummy side dish to roasted veggies and meats of all kinds, a fun salad addition, or the most delicious base for grain bowls with all the leftovers from the week.

Couscous will take on whatever flavor you like (more ideas on that below) so it can easily be added to any meal.

WHAT IS COUSCOUS

Couscous looks similar to rice, but it’s actually pasta. It’s a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, but I’m seeing it pop up more and more in all kinds of recipes.

There are 2 types of couscous: Pearl Couscous, AKA Israeli Couscous, and Moroccan Couscous.

Moroccan Couscous is smaller and fluffier. It reminds me a bit of quinoa.

Pearl Couscous has a texture similar to pasta, more chewy and substantial. Another name for Pearl Couscous is Israeli Couscous, and it can be easily found in the pasta and rice sections of grocery stores. I’m writing about pearl couscous today.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE INSTANT POT COUSCOUS

FAST AND EASY: This is a complete hands-off recipe! There is no need to babysit the stovetop. Just throw it in the pot with water or broth and a bit of butter and salt, and let the Instant Pot do its thing while you get the rest of the meal ready.
UNIQUE AND FUN: The first time I served this to my kids, they were absolutely delighted! The little pasta balls are different from our usual shapes, and they are a lot of fun to eat.
VERSATILE: Couscous takes on any flavor you want to give it, so it can easily be served with many different dishes.

HOW TO MAKE PEARL COUSCOUS IN THE PRESSURE COOKER

Add the couscous, liquid, butter, and salt to the pot; pressure cook
Fluff with a fork and serve

SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR DETAILED COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

USE THE RIGHT COUSCOUS: I can’t stress this enough! Make sure you use Pearl, AKA Israeli Couscous. Moroccan couscous needs a different liquid ratio and cook time.
FLUFF IT: While we don’t typically “fluff” pasta, I’ve found a fork works best to break up the balls once they’re cooked.
DON’T SKIP THE BUTTER: Adding butter to the pot gives the pasta flavor and prevents it from sticking together. You can swap it for olive oil or coconut oil if you like.
MORE FLAVOR: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.

HOW TO STORE, REHEAT, AND FREEZE

STORE: Cool leftovers and store in a sealed container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
REHEAT: Add a splash of water and gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
FREEZE: Scoop leftovers into a freezer-safe ziptop container and freeze flat (this will make it quicker to thaw). When ready to eat, place it in the fridge overnight or on the countertop for an hour, then reheat as directed above.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH ISRAELI COUSCOUS

MEAT: Grilled or air-fried meat makes a great side dish, or try couscous with this Pork Tenderloin or Cheesy Chicken dish in place of rice.
SALADS: To make a salad feel extra fancy, add a sprinkle of couscous! Try it in this Berry Spinach Salad in place of farro.
SOUPS: Add it to creamy soups like Tomato Soup and Vegetable Soup to give it more heft and texture.

FLAVOR VARIATIONS

This is where couscous gets fun! Change up the flavors depending on what you’re serving.

Pesto Couscous: Add a couple of scoops of pesto and a squeeze of lemon.
Mexican Couscous: Add some salsa and spice it up with chili powder and cumin.
Cheesy Couscous: Think of it like mac and cheese! Stirring some of this Squacho Sauce is amazing!
Indian Couscous: Add spices like turmeric, cumin, paprika, and garam masala with a squeeze of lemon.
Mediterranean Couscous: Take inspiration from this Greek Couscous Salad and add lots of lemon and herbs.

Is this the first time you’re discovering Pearl Couscous or have you been a fan for years? I’d love to hear how you enjoy serving it!

Whether you’re a long-time couscous fan or a newbie, give this Instant Pot version a try and discover just how easy this pasta is to whip together!

Enjoy!

MORE INSTANT POT COUSCOUS RECIPES

TOOLS/INGREDIENTS USED