Instant Pot Pearl Barley

Quick answer

For fluffy, tender pearl barley in an Instant Pot, use 1 cup pearl barley to 2 cups water or broth, add a pinch of salt and a little oil or butter, then cook on High Pressure for 18 to 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then vent the rest and fluff with a fork.

Instant Pot’s own basic recipe uses a slightly different scale, 1 1/2 cups pearl barley to 3 cups water with oil and salt, for 18 minutes on High. The ratio is the same, 1 : 2.

Pearl barley basics

Pearl barley has had its outer hull removed and has also been polished to remove some or all of the bran. That makes it faster to cook than hulled barley, with a milder flavor and a softer, slightly creamy texture. It is the type of barley most commonly sold in grocery stores in the United States.

If you are working with the more whole-grain hulled barley, it needs more liquid and more time. See our guide to cooking hulled barley in a rice cooker for a version of that, or the chart in our Instant Pot grain recipes overview for pressure cooker starting points.

Barley contains gluten, so it is not suitable if you need to avoid gluten.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 cups water or low-sodium broth
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt (less if using salted broth)
• 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, optional

Step-by-step

1. Rinse the barley in a fine-mesh strainer if you like. Rinsing is optional for pearl barley, though it removes some surface starch.
2. Add to the pot. Put the barley, liquid, salt and oil or butter in the Instant Pot and stir once.
3. Seal and set. Lock the lid, turn the valve to Sealing and select Pressure Cook (or Manual) on High for 18 to 20 minutes.
4. Release. When the timer ends, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then switch the valve to Venting to release the remaining steam.
5. Fluff and drain. Open the lid, drain off any extra liquid and fluff the barley with a fork.

Tips for better texture

• Use a natural release. It reduces foaming and sputtering, and lets the grains finish absorbing moisture. A quick release right away can give a firmer result, if you prefer that.
• Add a little fat. Barley is starchy and can foam. A spoonful of oil or butter helps keep foam under control.
• Do not overfill the pot. Barley expands a lot. Stay well under the maximum fill line for foaming foods listed in your manual.
• Adjust for texture. For firmer, more separate grains, use a bit less water or shorten the time by a minute or two. For a creamier, risotto-like barley, add more liquid.
• Toast first for more flavor. Saute the dry barley in a little butter or oil on the Saute setting for a few minutes before adding the liquid.

Is pearl barley healthier than rice?

It depends on what you compare it to and on what matters to you. Pearl barley is a good source of fiber and is usually considered a more filling grain than white rice. Hulled barley, which keeps its bran, generally contains more fiber than pearl barley. Brown rice is another whole-grain option. If you have a medical condition or special dietary needs, such as celiac disease or a need to manage blood sugar, speak to a doctor or registered dietitian about which grains suit you, and remember barley contains gluten.

Easy ways to use pearl barley

• Soup: Stir cooked barley into beef, wild mushroom or vegetable soup near the end so it does not soak up all the broth.
• Grain salad: Toss cooled barley with chopped vegetables, herbs, lemon juice and olive oil.
• Risotto-style dish: Stir cooked barley with broth, Parmesan and butter until creamy.
• Side dish: Serve in place of rice with roasted chicken, braised beef shank or vegetables.
• Breakfast bowl: Warm with milk, cinnamon and fruit, as you would oatmeal.

Storage

Cool the barley quickly, then refrigerate it in a covered container for up to several days. Cooked barley also freezes well in portions. Reheat until hot throughout, with a splash of water to loosen it.

FAQ

How long should I cook pearl barley in an Instant Pot? Around 18 to 20 minutes on High Pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural release, is a common recommendation.

What is the best way to cook pearl barley? For most people, a pressure cooker or a simmering pot both work. The Instant Pot is hands-off and quicker than simmering.

Should I soak pearl barley? It is not necessary in the Instant Pot.

Can I use this method for hulled barley? Yes, but use more liquid, around 1 : 2.5 to 1 : 3, and extend the time. Check the results and adjust.