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Lemon Parmesan Couscous Recipe

4.7 from 60 reviews

Lemon Parmesan Couscous is a bright, flavorful side dish featuring fluffy couscous infused with garlic, fresh lemon zest, and rich Parmesan cheese. Prepared quickly by steaming couscous in savory chicken broth and finished with olive oil and lemon juice, it offers a perfect balance of citrus brightness and umami depth, making it an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Couscous & Broth

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavorings & Garnish

  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil the Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the couscous.
  2. Add Couscous and Oil: Once boiling, stir in the couscous, olive oil, and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat the couscous evenly with the oil and salt for flavor enhancement.
  3. Cover and Set Aside: Remove the pan from heat, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let the couscous steam and absorb the broth for 8 minutes. This allows the couscous to become tender and fluffy.
  4. Fluff and Transfer: After 8 minutes, fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains and prevent clumping. Transfer the couscous to a large mixing bowl to continue flavoring.
  5. Add Flavorings: Toss the couscous with minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to distribute all ingredients evenly throughout the dish.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the couscous mixture onto a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges for added color and zest, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Always fluff couscous with a fork to avoid mushy texture.
  • Zest your lemon before juicing to ensure maximum zest yield.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • Chicken broth adds savory depth; vegetable broth works as a vegetarian alternative.
  • This side pairs excellently with grilled chicken, salmon, or roasted vegetables.

Keywords: Lemon Parmesan Couscous, easy couscous recipe, lemon side dish, Mediterranean side, quick couscous, Parmesan couscous, garlic couscous