What are the best tips for cooking barley?

Pearled cooks faster but hulled has more fiber. Chewy, nutty, and hearty. Great in soups, risotto-style, or as a rice substitute.

How do you stovetop (pearled) barley?

Stovetop (pearled) at 25–30 min. 1:3 water ratio. Drain any excess.

Stovetop (hulled) at 45–50 min. 1:3 water ratio. Soak overnight to reduce time.

Instant Pot (pearled) at 20 min + 10 min release. 1:2.5 water ratio. Natural release.

Oven at 55–48 min. Covered, with boiling broth. Like oven risotto.

grain

Pearled or hulled barley

↕ Slide the temperature to see how cook times change

Boil → low simmer, lid on25–30 min

✎ 1:3 water ratio. Drain any excess.