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.