Go Back
–+ servings
Barley in a jar on a counter, along with other jars of grains
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

How to Cook Barley

Learning how to cook barley is a simple way to add some diversity to the grains you eat. Try the stove top method, the oven baked method, or the Instant Pot method of cooking!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 3 cups
Author: Sophie MacKenzie

Equipment

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Medium pot Dutch oven or Instant Pot

Ingredients

Stove Top Method

  • 1 cup pearl or hulled barley
  • 3 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1-1½ tablespoons vegan butter optional

Oven Baked Method

  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1-1½ tablespoons vegan butter optional

Instant Pot Method

  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 2½ cups water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1-1½ tablespoons vegan butter optional

Instructions

Stove Top

  • Add the water, salt, butter, and barley together in a medium pot.
    1 cup pearl or hulled barley, 3 cups water, ½ teaspoon salt, 1-1½ tablespoons vegan butter
  • Turn the mixture to high and bring it to a boil. Once it is boiling, cover the pot and turn the heat down to a low simmer.
  • Pearl barley will be ready and tender around 40-45 minutes simmering, while pot barley will be ready at 50-60 minutes. 
  • If there is any water left in the pot, drain it then fluff the barley with a fork and serve.

Oven Baked

  • Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place the barley in a dutch oven along with the water, salt, and spices or butter (if using). Stir to combine the mixture.
    1 cup pearl barley, 2 cups boiling water, ½ teaspoon salt, 1-1½ tablespoons vegan butter
  • Cover the pot with aluminum foil to seal it well and then top with the lid. Bake it for around 1 hour.
  • After 1 hour, remove the lid and foil. Fluff the barley with a fork, then serve it.

Intant Pot Method

  • Add the barley, water, salt, and butter to your Instant Pot.
    1 cup pearl barley, 2½ cups water, ½ teaspoon salt, 1-1½ tablespoons vegan butter
  • Pressure cook it on high for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes is up, do a quick release of the pressure.
  • Once the pressure has been released, lift the lid and a fluff the barley with a fork.

Notes

  • Pearl barley can be cooked by simmering it directly in a soup. Just be sure to add more liquid as it will absorb some of the stock.
  • Barley is cooked when it has absorbed most of the the water and has expanded in size. It will be soft yet chewy.
  • Like rice, barley tends to foam while cooking, so check it often so it doesn't foam over.
  • To make your barley a pilaf, try adding dried herbs, fresh garlic, or spices while it cooks.