Instant Pot Barley

Make tender, chewy pearl barley in the Instant Pot with just barley, water, and 20 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for meal prep, soups, salads, grain bowls, and more.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Pressurize and Depressurize Instant Pot 20

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 163kcal

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup pearl barley
▢ 2 cups water

Instructions

Instant Pot Instructions

Add water and barley to the Instant Pot. Lock the lid in place and check that the pressure valve is closed.
1 cup pearl barley, 2 cups water
Set high pressure cook for 20 minutes.
When the pressure cook time ends, allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Then carefully open the pressure valve to allow the rest of the pressure and steam to release.
Remove the lid and stir up the barley.

Stove Top Instructions

Place 1 cup pearled barley and 3 cups water in a medium sauce pan.
Cover with a lid. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 45 minutes or until barley is tender.
Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.

Notes

Barley varies by brand: Different brands may absorb different amounts of water. If there’s excess water after cooking, simply drain it before using the barley.
Adjust the texture: This recipe makes soft, plump, slightly chewy barley. For firmer barley, reduce the water by ½ cup and use a quick release instead of a 10-minute natural release.
Older barley may take longer: Older grains can require additional cooking time. If the barley isn’t tender, make sure some liquid remains in the pot, then reseal and cook for another 5–10 minutes on high pressure.
Adding barley to soups and stews: Add cooked barley just before serving to prevent it from overcooking. If cooking it directly in the soup, use plenty of liquid since barley thickens soups and stews.

Nutrition