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How long to Cook Barley in an Instant Pot (Pearl & Regular)

How long to Cook Barley in an Instant Pot (Pearl & Regular)

Barley is a nutritious grain that you can use in a number of ways. But like many grains, it takes a long time to cook. But if you have an Instant Pot, you’ve probably wondered how long to cook barley in an Instant Pot.

As a general rule, 1 cup barley (pearl barley) can be perfectly cooked in about 20 minutes using an Instant Pot. By comparison, regular barley (hulled barley) can be cooked in an Instant Pot for 25 minutes. In comparison, stovetop cooking takes 40 minutes for hulled or 30 minutes for pearled barley.

Either way, avoid the quick release and use the natural pressure release.

In this article, we’ll explore a couple of important things: we’ll find out the difference between quick and pearled barley, which is better: hulled barley or pearled barley, and if you can overcook barley. But we’ll also explore if barley is supposed to be chewy.

The water ratio varies slightly depending on the different types of barley as well. Use 2 cups of water (vegetable broth or chicken stock) per 1 cup of pearled barley. Then use 2.5 cups of water (or broth) for 1 cup of hulled barley.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents:

Instant Pot barley lg

How to cook barley in an Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of barley (hulled or unhulled)
  • 3 cups of water or broth
  • Salt (optional)

Instructions

For hulled barley:

  1. Rinse the barley under cold running water.
  2. Add the rinsed barley to the Instant Pot.
  3. Add 3 cups of water or broth to the Instant Pot.
  4. Add salt to taste, if desired.
  5. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “sealing.”
  6. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the timer for 25 minutes on high pressure.
  7. When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes.
  8. Once the pressure has released, open the lid and fluff the barley with a fork.
  9. Enjoy!

For unhulled barley:

  1. Rinse the barley under cold running water.
  2. Soak the barley in cold water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Drain the soaked barley and add it to the Instant Pot.
  4. Add 3 cups of water or broth to the Instant Pot.
  5. Add salt to taste, if desired.
  6. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “sealing.”
  7. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure.
  8. When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes.
  9. Once the pressure has released, open the lid and fluff the barley with a fork.
  10. Enjoy!

That’s it! Cooking barley in an Instant Pot is a simple and easy way to prepare this healthy grain.

Is there a difference between quick barley and pearl barley?

The difference between quick barley and pearl barley is that quick barley has been steamed before being packaged. Like pearl barley, it has had the outer layers removed. Quick barley takes just about 10 minutes on the stovetop since it has been pre-steamed.

Don’t try and cook quick barley in an Instant Pot as it can get mushy very fast.

Pearl barley is barley that has been processed: “pearled” — polished. This is why it looks shiny, resembling large grains of rice. Its hull and some or all the outer layer of its bran have been removed.

If it’s been heavily polished, it has a white color and becomes smaller, and it’s tan/yellow colored when it’s been lightly polished.

Quick barley, on the other hand, almost always looks the same irrespective of the type of barley it’s been made from. It looks rugged and flaky, not a “pearled” look.

It can be made from other types of barley, but most of those commercially available are made from pearl barley.

Which is better: hulled or pearled barley?

Hulled barley is more nutritious than pearled barley as it is whole grain. But as with rice or bread, many will prefer the lighter texture of pearled barley where the outer husk has been removed.

Pearl is probably the most common type of barley. Its outer husk and fiber-containing bran layer have been removed, and it has been polished. Therefore, it is less nutritious.

The endosperm layer of barley is the bulk of the kernel. It contains minerals and vitamins.

Hulled barley is different because it has a light golden brown color, and it’s nuttier, but it takes a while longer to cook. You can get them from grocery stores.

Truth be told, both are good, and pearled barley is not as nutritious. Hulled barley is chewy and rich in fiber and phytonutrients. And seeing as it is whole grain, it is the healthier option.

In point of fact, hulled barley has the highest fiber content relative to all other whole grains. Diets rich in whole grains have been correlated with a lower risk of chronic diseases.

One could argue that ultimately, which one is better has to be decided on a case-by-case basis depending on your recipe. Most recipes specify pearl barley, but a substantial number state that hulled barley should be used.

And, there are recipes where either one may be the way to go.

In other words, you can substitute one for the other. Both pearl and hulled barley are essentially the same types of grain. It’s the way they’ve been prepped that differentiates them. Remember to store them in an airtight container.

Can you overcook barley?

Barley can be overcooked. Barley should be slightly chewy with a nutty flavor. So the desired texture is firm but tender. Hulled barley cooks longer, but the final texture should still be the same as pearled barley.

And as with most other types of grains, uncooked barley can be really easy to overcook in an Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker).

The truth is that one can overcook any meal, and barley is no exception. How long to cook it for would be influenced by what you want to use it for and your personal preference.

To cook the perfect barley, use a colander to first rinse it and remove debris and grit that could be in it, especially if you bought it in bulk. Ideally, you do this above the sink, but you can also do it in a bowl of water.

Add salt to boiling water and then add in the barley. Cook it the way you would cook pasta. If it’s hulled barley, remember, it would take a bit longer to cook because of the bran around it.

The upside of cooking it like pasta is that you would be able to shave off 10 to 15 minutes off the time and consequently reduce the risk of overcooking it. It is the easiest way to cook barley.

If you’re pressed for time, you may want to use a slow cooker.

Another serious concern you probably entertain is whether Instant Pots can explode. It’s concerning, right?

In a recent article, I revealed whether Instant Pots are safe, if regular pressure cookers explode, the difference between an instant pot and a regular cooker, and what happens if you overfill an instant pot.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Is barley supposed to be chewy?

Barley is supposed to be chewy but not tough. It should have the consistency of cooked brown rice. The key is to ensure the correct cooking time, which will vary slightly depending on whether regular (hulled) barley or pearl barley is used.

It can be unreasonably chewy, even a bit tough if it is undercooked, and mushy if it is overcooked. When it has been cooked properly, it is tender and chewy. But your recipe might call for something a tad different.

So, in some cases, maybe you will prefer something that’s very tender. Depending on your recipe, when barley is done, there may still be a little bit of water.

They can be used for cooking barley and other stuff. In fact, they are a kitchen staple. But are Instant Pots worth it?

I looked into it and wrote up my findings in a recent article where I explained what an Instant Pot is and how it works, whether an Instant Pot is worth it, and how long it lasts. But I also revealed if an Instant Pot is the same thing as a pressure cooker.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What is the ratio of water to barley in an Instant Pot?

When cooking hulled barley in an Instant Pot, use 2.5 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of barley. For pearled barley, use 2 cups water (or broth) per 1 cup of barley.

The water ratio is critical to avoid mushy barley and get that perfect chewy texture.

Excess water will ruin your barley, so make sure you have just enough water. Then make sure you set the cooking time correctly. As I mentioned above, for most Instant Pot recipes, you’ll do 20 mins for pearled barley or 25 mins for hulled barley.

But can you boil water in an instant pot?

Check out a recent article of mine where I shared the steps to boil water in an Instant Pot, what programs should you use to boil water in an Instant Pot, and how long it takes for water to boil in it But I also revealed whether you could boil water in an Instant Pot without a lid.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Why is my Instant Pot barley mushy?

As a general rule, Instant Pot barley would become mushy if overcooked and/or if too much water was used. Ideally, barley should be chewy but tender to taste. So, ensure the proper cooking time and water ratio and avoid using instant barley or quick barley in an Instant Pot.

Of course, sometimes adding certain ingredients to your barley and water in the Instant Pot could also make it potentially mushy. So, avoid other types of liquids, such as olive oil. And don’t add things like parmesan cheese while cooking. That can be sprinkled on after it’s done.

And don’t presoak your barley unless the Instant Pot recipe calls for that.

As we’ve covered above, when cooking hulled barley in an Instant Pot, use 2.5 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of barley. And for pearled barley, use 2 cups water (or broth) per 1 cup of barley. Then for the cooking process, cook for 20 mins for pearled barley or 25 mins for hulled barley.

You’ll be left with the perfect texture for this awesomely healthy grain!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to soak barley before cooking?

If you want to cook barley and save time in the process, you do not need to soak it. Simply rinse it and add it to boiling water, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45-50 minutes until it is tender.

However, if you want to improve the digestibility and texture of the barley, soaking it can be helpful. To soak barley, place it in a bowl and cover it with water for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Drain the water and rinse the barley before cooking it.

Soaking barley can also reduce the cooking time by up to 30 minutes and make it more tender. Moreover, soaking removes some of the anti-nutrients and enzyme inhibitors present in the grain, making it easier to digest and absorb the nutrients.

Do you rinse barley before or following cooking it?

Rinsing barley is an important step in preparing it for cooking. Before cooking, you should rinse the barley under running water to remove any dirt or debris that may be present. Rinsing can also help remove excess starch and improve the texture of the cooked barley.

After cooking, you do not need to rinse the barley again. In fact, rinsing it after cooking can remove some of the nutrients and flavors that were absorbed during cooking. Instead, you can simply drain any excess water and use the cooked barley as desired.

It is important to note that the method of cooking barley can also impact how much rinsing is necessary. For example, if you cook barley in a rice cooker, there may be less need for rinsing compared to cooking it in a pot on the stove. Similarly, if you soak the barley beforehand, it may require less rinsing.

What are the best ways to use cooked barley?

Cooked barley is a versatile and nutritious grain that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some of the best ways to use cooked barley:

  1. In soups and stews: Cooked barley can add a nutty flavor and hearty texture to soups and stews. Simply add it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  2. In salads: Cooked barley can be a great addition to salads. Mix it with vegetables, herbs, and a simple vinaigrette for a tasty and filling salad.
  3. As a side dish: Cooked barley can be a delicious and healthy side dish. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or fish.
  4. In grain bowls: Cooked barley can be a great base for grain bowls. Top it with roasted vegetables, a protein source like chicken or tofu, and a flavorful sauce.
  5. In pilafs: Cooked barley can be used in place of rice in pilafs. Sauté onions and garlic in a pan, add the cooked barley, and stir in some chopped herbs and spices for a tasty side dish.

These are just a few ideas for using cooked barley. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways, so get creative and experiment with different flavors and combinations to find your favorite recipe!

Can you freeze cooked barley?

Yes, you can freeze cooked barley. Freezing cooked barley is a great way to save time and reduce waste, especially if you have leftover barley from a previous meal.

To freeze cooked barley, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents.

When you’re ready to use the frozen barley, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add a little bit of water or broth to the barley to help it rehydrate and prevent it from drying out.

It’s important to note that freezing can change the texture of the barley, so it may not be quite as firm or chewy as freshly cooked barley. However, it’s still a great option for adding to soups, stews, salads, and other dishes.

Overall, freezing cooked barley is a convenient and practical way to make the most out of this nutritious grain. So, go ahead and freeze your leftover barley to enjoy it later!

What seasonings do you cook barley with?

Barley is a versatile grain that can be cooked with a variety of seasonings to enhance its natural flavor. Here are some of the most common seasonings used to cook barley:

  • Salt: A pinch of salt can help bring out the nutty flavor of barley.
  • Pepper: Black pepper can add subtle heat and depth of flavor to cooked barley.
  • Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, or parsley can add a fragrant and earthy flavor to barley.
  • Spices: Warm and fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, or turmeric can add a depth of flavor and complexity to barley.
  • Bouillon: Adding a bouillon cube or powder to the cooking water can infuse barley with a savory flavor.
  • Vinegar or Lemon Juice: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can add a bright and tangy flavor to cooked barley.

Of course, the seasonings you use to cook barley will depend on your personal preference and the dish you’re making. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to find the combination that works best for you!

How do you store cooked barley?

Properly storing cooked barley is important to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage. Here are some tips on how to store cooked barley:

  • Refrigerate: Store cooked barley in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
  • Freeze: If you have a large batch of cooked barley, you can freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 6 months.
  • Cool Down: Before storing cooked barley, allow it to cool down to room temperature to prevent the formation of condensation and mold.
  • Label: Be sure to label the container or bag with the date and contents so you can keep track of when it was cooked and what it is.

It’s important to note that cooked barley can spoil quickly if not stored properly, so it’s best to consume it within a few days of cooking or freeze it for later use. When reheating cooked barley, add a small amount of water or broth to prevent it from drying out and becoming tough.

Overall, storing cooked barley is simple and easy as long as you follow these basic guidelines. By properly storing your cooked barley, you can enjoy its delicious flavor and nutritious benefits for days or even months to come!

How nutritious is barley?

Barley is a highly nutritious cereal grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and protein. Here are some key nutritional benefits of barley:

  • Fiber: Barley is a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, and control blood sugar levels.
  • Protein: Barley contains a moderate amount of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Barley is a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium.
  • Low Glycemic Index: Barley has a low glycemic index, meaning it doesn’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for those with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.
  • Antioxidants: Barley contains several antioxidants, including ferulic acid and vitamin E, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Overall, barley is a highly nutritious food that provides a wide range of health benefits. Adding barley to your diet can help support healthy digestion, manage blood sugar levels, and protect against chronic diseases.

How much cooked barley does 1 cup of uncooked barley make?

The amount of cooked barley you can get from 1 cup of uncooked barley depends on several factors, including the type of barley and the cooking method used.

Here’s a rough estimate for both hulled and unhulled barley:

  • Hulled barley: Hulled barley is the whole grain form of barley, with only the outermost hull removed. On average, 1 cup of uncooked hulled barley can yield around 3 cups of cooked barley.
  • Unhulled barley: Unhulled barley is barley that still has its outer hull intact. It is less common than hulled barley and takes longer to cook. On average, 1 cup of uncooked unhulled barley can yield around 2 cups of cooked barley.

It’s important to note that the amount of water used to cook barley can also affect the final yield.

If you use more water, the barley will absorb more liquid and result in a larger final yield. Additionally, the cooking time and method can also impact the final yield, so it’s important to follow a recipe or cooking instructions closely to ensure the best results.

Conclusion

Let’s quickly recap what we reviewed and learned. We found out the difference between quick and pearled barley, which is better: hulled barley or pearled barley, and if you can overcook barley.

Quick barley has been pre-steamed and dried. Naturally, it is fast cooking. Hulled barley is richer. Yes, you can overcook barley.

But we also explored if barley is supposed to be chewy. Yes. Then, we looked at the ratio of water to barley in an Instant Pot. Three to one. Lastly, we wrapped things up by considering why an Instant Pot of barley is mushy. You probably overcooked it.

Image by uirá uirá from Pixabay and Image by David Stephanus from Pixabay