How to Cook Pearl Barley (3 Ways)

User Reviews

5.0

6 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    4 people

  • Calories

    1628 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    American

How to Cook Pearl Barley (3 Ways)

Find out how to cook pearl barley on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or the slow cooker. Pearled barley has been trending because it has a type of soluble fiber (beta-glucan) that can help you feel fuller and may aid with weight loss, lower cholesterol, and improve insulin resistance. 

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 cup pearl barley if you prefer, use hulled barley and follow this recipe. However, it may take about 40-50 minutes to cook on the stovetop and 23-25 minutes on the Instant Pot
  • 3 cups water or vegetable or chicken broth for a more flavorful barley. Use only 1 ½ to 2 cups if cooking it in the Instant Pot.
  • table salt about ½ to 1 teaspoon, depending on how salty your broth is. If using water, use 1 teaspoon salt
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Instructions

  1. BEFORE COOKING: Barley is a healthy grain with a nutty flavor. Before cooking, rinse pearl barley to remove any dirt or debris. There is no need to soak it! However, if you are using hulled barley, soak 1 cup of dry hulled barley in 3 cups of cold water in a large bowl for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Drain and rinse the barley before cooking.

Stovetop Method

  1. Add the broth (or water) and salt to a medium pot. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Then, add the pearl barley, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until most liquid is absorbed and the barley is tender with a slightly chewy texture.
  3. Using a fork, fluff the pearl barley and garnish with any chopped fresh herb such as parsley or chives.

In the Instant Pot

  1. Add the barley, broth, and salt to the pot. Lock the lid and turn the valve to seal.
  2. Set the pressure manually to high and cook for 18-20 minutes (23-25 minutes for hulled barley).
  3. Let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes, or until safe to open.
  4. Drain any excess cooking liquid, fluff with a fork, and serve.

In The Slow Cooker

  1. Add the pearl barley, water/broth, and salt to a slow cooker. TIP: If needed, add more water to fully cover the barley!
  2. Lock the lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until tender. Drain any excess liquid and fluff with a fork.

Notes

  • How to Store
  • How to Store
  • Store cooked barley in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze for 1 month.
  • To reheat, thaw the barley in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in a saucepan with a few tablespoons of water, cover, and warm over medium-high heat for a few minutes until heated through.
  • Store cooked barley in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze for 1 month.
  • To reheat, thaw the barley in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in a saucepan with a few tablespoons of water, cover, and warm over medium-high heat for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 162.8kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 33.8g (11%) Protein 5.7g (11%) Fat 1.1g (2%) Saturated Fat 0.2g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g Sodium 5.5mg (0%) Potassium 207.9mg (6%) Fiber 8g (32%) Sugar 0.4g (1%) Vitamin A 10.1IU (0%) Calcium 15.2mg (2%) Iron 1.7mg (9%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1628 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 162.8kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 33.8g 11%
Protein 5.7g 11%
Fat 1.1g 2%
Saturated Fat 0.2g 1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g 3%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Sodium 5.5mg 0%
Potassium 207.9mg 4%
Fiber 8g 32%
Sugar 0.4g 1%
Vitamin A 10.1IU 0%
Calcium 15.2mg 2%
Iron 1.7mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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