How to Microwave Barley
Prep Time
1 minCook Time
15-16 minsFree Time
to schedule an eye exam
Looking for a new grain to jazz up your meals? Consider microwaving quick-cooking barley! This chewy, fiber-rich grain offers a flavorful and textured alternative to brown rice, quinoa, or farro.
Important: This recipe calls for quick-cooking barley, which can be found in most grocery stores. This par-cooked variety significantly reduces cooking time and doesn't require overnight soaking. If you are looking to microwave pearled barley, you will need to soak it overnight in water, or more cooking time. Read on for more instructions!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (45g) barley
- 1½ cups (360ml) water
Preparation
- Place the barley in an Anyday dish and rinse thoroughly under cold tap water. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water.
- After straining, add the water and stir to combine.
- Cook uncovered in the microwave for 15-16 minutes, or until the water is almost fully evaporated and the barley is tender but still slightly firm.
- Allow the barley to rest for 3-5 minutes with the lid on. Serve immediately, or store in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the fridge for later.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Mediterranean grain salad: Toss cooked barley with baby mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, store-bought pesto, and sliced olives for a flavorful Mediterranean-style dish.
- Fiber boost: Stir cooked barley into your favorite soup for an easy way to add extra fiber and heartiness.
- Quick lunch: Mix in some chili crisp and top with a poached egg for a simple, satisfying meal.
- Grain substitute: Use cooked barley in place of grains like quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a versatile alternative in your favorite recipes.
- Discover more grain recipes by exploring our collection here!
Recipe notes
- For a more tender result, add 1/4 cup extra water and add 5-10 minutes to the total cooking time.
- This recipe calls for quick-cooking barley. To cook pearled barley in the microwave, you must soak it overnight. Note: Soaked barley will double in size, so make sure to soak half the amount of barley you intend to cook.
- Freeze the cooked barley in our silicone 1/2 Cup Anytime Freezer Trays and use as desired.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Barley
See for yourself— microwaving barley is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 12-15 mins |
| Stovetop* | 15-20 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 15-25 mins |
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Barley
How long does it take to cook barley in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Water | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup quick-cooking barley | 1 1/2 cups (360ml) water | 15-16 mins |
| 1/2 cup quick-cooking barley | 1 1/2 cup (360ml) water | 15-16 mins |
| 1 cup quick-cooking barley | 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) water | 15-16 mins |
| 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking barley | 3 cups (700ml) water | 15-16 mins |
To determine how long barley takes to cook in the microwave, start by checking the package directions. It takes about 15 minutes to cook 1 cup of quick-cooking barley in the microwave. Depending on your microwave’s strength, you may need to add more cooking time for a weak microwave and less time for a more powerful machine.
How to tell when barley is cooked through?
Properly cooked barley will be chewy, but not tough. Check for firm, bouncy kernels that hold their shape. When in doubt, add more cooking time until the barley is cooked to your desired texture.
Can you cook all types of barley in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook all types of barley in the microwave! Whether it’s quick cooking or pearled barley, you can use the same basic instructions and adjust the cook times accordingly. Just like its name, quick-cooking barley takes about 15 minutes per 1 cup of barley to cook in the microwave. Pearled barley takes a lot longer to cook; double the cooking time (about 30 minutes per 1 cup) for best results.
Is it necessary to soak pearled barley before cooking it in the microwave?
While it’s not necessary to soak pearled barley before cooking it in the microwave, it is recommended to cut the long cooking times. We found that soaking pearled barley overnight speeds up the cooking time for pearled barley, cooking 1 cup in about 15 minutes. While this soaking method works well for pearled barley, it is not necessary to soak quick-cooking barley before microwaving it. Soaking quick-cooking barley might result in mushy or overcooked grains.
How to freeze cooked barley?
Once the barley is cooked through, strain any excess cooking water and allow it to cool completely. Transfer cooked barley to our 1/2 cup Anytime Freezer Trays, then cover with the lid and freeze for up to 2 months.
How to reheat microwaved barley?
Place the desired amount of frozen barley in any Anyday dish and sprinkle with some water. Cover with the lid and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
