How To Cook Barley - 2 ways

5 from 2 votes

How To Cook Barley - 2 ways

Learn how to cook barley using two different methods: on the stove or using a pressure cooker! Barley is such an easy grain to cook and can be made with water or broth for extra flavor.

Course Side Dish, Tutorial

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 163kcal

Author Yumna Jawad

Equipment

Ingredients

Instant Pot

1 cup pearl barley rinsed
4 cups water or stock
1 teaspoon salt

Stovetop

1 cup pearl barley rinsed
8 cups water or stock
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Instant Pot

Place the barley, salt and water (or stock) in the InstantPot and stir to combine. Add the lid with the vent set to the “sealed” position.
Cook at manual high pressure for 20 minutes. When cooking time is up, manually release the pressure.
When you are able to open the lid, drain any excess liquid in the pot by running the barley through a fine mesh strainer. Fluff cooked barley with a fork before serving.

Stovetop

In a large pot, bring water and salt to a rolling boil. Add barley and reduce heat so the water is at a gentle boil. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes, or until tender.
Drain any excess liquid in the pot by running the barley through a fine mesh strainer. Fluff cooked barley with a fork before serving.

Notes

The nutrition label is for barley made with water.

Storage: Store cooked barley in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and reheat in the microwave or in a covered saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Tips:

Pay attention to the type of barley you buy. Make sure you use pearl barley. Though it is the most widely available type, hulled barley and pearl barley look nearly identical but require different cooking times.

Don't skip the rinsing. Rinse the barley well before cooking to remove dust and excess starch. This will help get a fluffier, cleaner texture.

Mind the ratio for different cooking methods. Note the different ratios of barley to water to strike the perfect balance between moisture absorption and proper cooking. Instant Pot requires less water than stove-top due to the sealed environment.

Cook with aromatics. Simmer barley with bay leaves or garlic to add robust flavor. And don't forget to salt the water as it also seasons the barley as it cooks.

Presoak for quicker cooking. Consider soaking the barley overnight in a large bowl of cold water. This soaking step may help the barley cook quicker.

Nutrition