How to Cook Barley

Close view of grains of barley on a wooden spoon.

5 from 1 vote

Barley is a nutritious and versatile whole grain that can be a great addition to many dishes. Before you boil your pot of barley, learn how to cook it in this post.

Cook Time30

Total Time30

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: General

Servings: servings (about 3 cups)

Calories: 117kcal

Author: Cassie Johnston

Ingredients

For Stove Top:

1 cup of pearled or hulled barley
3 cups water or bone broth

For Instant Pot, Pearl Barley

1 cup pearl barley
2 cups water or bone broth or broth

For Instant Pot, Hulled Barley

1 cup hulled barley
2 ½ cups water or bone broth or broth

Instructions

For Stove Top:

Bring barley and water or broth to a boil, then remove the lid and reduce the heat. Simmer uncovered.
For pearl barley, start checking at 25 minutes. For hulled barley, start checking at 40 minutes. The barley is done when it has tripled in volume and is soft yet chewy. Add more water if the pan becomes dry before the barley has finished cooking; check every 5 minutes until desired chewiness is reached.

For Instant Pot:

Cook barley and water or broth on high pressure for 20 minutes for pearl barley or 25 minutes for hulled barley.
Let Instant Pot naturally release for 15 minutes.

Nutrition