Can couscous be frozen? - How to do it?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably interested in whether couscous can be frozen, and if so, what would be the best method to do so.

In this article we will answer this question. This will ensure that the next time you make couscous, you’ll know exactly how to freeze it properly.

So can couscous be frozen?

Yes. You can freeze the couscous after making it and reheat it at a later time. Freezing and reheating couscous is similar to freezing other types of grains or pasta, however there are some specific steps you can take to ensure it’s done correctly.

To make sure you’re able to properly freeze couscous, we’ll also go over the best way to prepare the three most popular types of couscous (Moroccan, Israeli, and Lebanese) that you know you’re going to freeze.

Then, to help you out after freezing, we’ll go over the best way to reheat frozen couscous and what the state of your couscous should look like after reheating.

Preparation of couscous before freezing

If you plan to cook a large batch of couscous (by the way, I’ve tried dozens of brands of couscous, and this is by far the best I’ve found), this section will go over exactly how to prepare the couscous you plan to freeze next.

We’ll go over the proper preparation of the three most popular types of couscous: Moroccan, Israeli, and Lebanese.

Although couscous can also be prepared in the microwave, we will describe how to prepare couscous in the kitchen, as this is the preferred method when the couscous is to be frozen later.

Moroccan couscous: preparation on the stove

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked couscous (makes 10 servings)
• 2 cups hot liquid (chicken broth or water flavored with salt, pepper, and spices)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt

Preparation:

• Bring the hot liquid, oil and salt to a boil
• Turn off the heat and add the uncooked couscous
• Cover the pot and let the couscous absorb the hot liquid for 5 minutes
• Remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork.
• Serve and enjoy!

Israeli couscous (pearl): preparation in the kitchen

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked couscous (get real pearl couscous like this) (serves 8)
• 2 cups hot liquid (chicken broth or water flavored with salt, pepper, and spices)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt

Preparation:

• Bring the hot liquid, oil and salt to a boil
• Stir in the uncooked couscous, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Let simmer for 10 minutes
• Turn off the heat and let the couscous rest for 5 minutes
• Remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork.
• Serve and enjoy!

Lebanese Couscous (Moghrabieh): Preparation in the kitchen

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked couscous (makes 10 servings)
• 2 cups hot liquid (chicken broth or water flavored with salt, pepper, and spices)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt

Preparation:

• Bring the hot liquid, oil and salt to a boil
• Stir in the uncooked couscous and reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• drain the water
• Serve and enjoy!

Freeze Couscous: Step by Step Guide

Now that you know how to properly prepare the different types of couscous before freezing, it’s time to learn exactly how to freeze your couscous to ensure it doesn’t get contaminated and is ready to reheat and eat.

Although there are slight variations in the preparation process for different types of couscous, the freezing process described below is the same for all types of couscous.

The goal when freezing couscous is to prevent it from becoming one big frozen “block”, which in turn will help keep it from being mushy after reheating.

Step 1

Make sure the couscous is separate from any other food you served it with. This way you make sure that the freezing of the other foods does not alter the texture and consistency of the couscous itself.

Step 2

Leave the couscous at room temperature until cool. In other words, don’t freeze the couscous until it’s chilled. This is essential because if you place the couscous in the freezer while it’s still warm, the moisture will be released from the couscous and it will freeze, creating a “block” of frozen couscous that will be difficult to reheat.

Note : To speed up the cooling process, you can place the couscous in a closed bag or container and place the bag or container in cold water. Do not rinse the couscous with cold water directly, as after placing the couscous in the freezer, this water will freeze, creating a block of couscous.

Step 3

Once the couscous has cooled or is at room temperature, take a large plate or cookie sheet and spread the couscous out in an even layer. If you have too much couscous, use another plate or baking sheet if necessary.

Note: By placing the couscous in a single, even layer, we prevent clumping during the freezing process. By preventing the formation of lumps, the couscous will not end up mushy after reheating.

Step 4

Place the plate or baking sheet with the couscous in the freezer and freeze.

step 5

Transfer the couscous from the plate or baking sheet to a zip-top bag.

step 6

Remove as much air as possible from the ziplock bag.

step 7

Put the ziplock bag with the couscous in the freezer.

Note : You can use an airtight Tupperware container (I use these) instead of a ziplock bag if needed. However, try to use a container that has as little air in it as possible after you add the couscous.

Reheat Frozen Couscous: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve successfully made a batch of couscous and followed the proper steps for freezing it, you’re ready to take it out of the freezer and begin the reheating process.

The main goal when reheating frozen couscous is to reheat it in such a way that it ends up feeling and tasting the same as a batch of couscous cooked for the first time.

The best way to achieve this is to sauté the couscous on the stove, as during this process you will have the opportunity to again crumble and separate any couscous that may have clumped together during the freezing process.

Step 1 : Heat a drizzle of oil and 2 tablespoons of water in a nonstick saucepan over medium heat

Step 2 : Add the couscous to the saucepan and stir

Step 3: Keep stirring the couscous until the water is absorbed or evaporates

Step 4: Remove from heat and fluff with a fork

Step 5: Season again with your favorite spices (optional), serve and enjoy.

Another method you can use to reheat frozen couscous is to place it in the microwave. Although this method is not preferable to the stovetop method, it is still viable and will work perfectly for those who prefer (or have to use) this method.

How to reheat couscous in the microwave

Step 1: Transfer the frozen couscous to a microwave-safe bowl

Step 2: Add up to 3 tablespoons of water and place in the microwave.

Step 3: Microwave on full power for one minute increments until you see steam coming from the couscous, fluffing with a fork after each increment.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy!

Related questions

How long can I keep frozen couscous?

You can keep the couscous in the freezer for as long as you want. As long as the couscous remains frozen, it will not expire, become contaminated, or pose any health risk.

Be aware, however, that couscous can develop “freezer burn”, where all the moisture in the food is absorbed and the food becomes frosty. This will cause the food to taste extremely bland or rancid after reheating.

The best way to avoid freezer burn is to freeze the couscous in a zip-top bag that has had all the air removed.

Will frozen couscous be mushy after reheating it?

Couscous will only be soft after reheating if it has not been optimally prepared or frozen.

To prevent the couscous from going mushy after reheating it, be sure to follow the preparation and freezing processes outlined above.

Will freezing couscous make it lose its flavor?

Although couscous (and most other foods) usually tastes best after it’s first prepared fresh, as long as you follow the steps in this article, the couscous you eat after reheating it will still taste delicious.

If your couscous is freezer burned when you freeze it, it will most likely taste a bit more stale after you reheat it. Therefore, it is important to follow the proper procedure when freezing couscous to avoid this.

Should I let the couscous thaw before reheating it?

If your couscous has been frozen properly (as described in this article), you shouldn’t need to thaw it before reheating it. However, if your couscous was frozen in such a way that it became one big “block” of frozen couscous, you’ll need to thaw it before reheating it.

To defrost, simply place the frozen couscous in the fridge or immerse it in cold water until thawed.