Effortless Rice Cooker Barley: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Barley is an incredibly healthy and versatile grain that adds a delightful, nutty flavor to your meals. If you’re new to cooking barley, fear not – your rice cooker does most of the work for you! Whether you have a Zojirushi machine or another brand, you can transform this ancient superfood into a fluffy and delicious side dish with practically no effort.

Why You Should Use Your Rice Cooker for Barley

Set-it-and-Forget-it: Rice cookers take the guesswork and constant stirring out of the equation.
Perfect Texture: Avoid overcooked or undercooked barley. Rice cookers ensure consistent fluffiness every time.
Easy Clean-Up: Most rice cooker bowls have nonstick surfaces for stress-free cleaning.

That’s it! With your rice cooker as your ally, you’ll unlock the simple joys of this tasty and healthy grain.

Types of Barley and What to Use

Hulled Barley: The most nutritious with the intact hull, but takes the longest to cook.
Pearl Barley: The most common type, has bran and some of the hull removed for a faster cooking time.
Pot Barley: Similar to pearl barley but with even more of the hull removed for the fastest cook time

For rice cookers, pearl barley is the best option, offering a good balance between cooking time and nutritional value.

Step-by-Step Guide

Rinse, Rinse, Rinse: Thoroughly rinse your barley in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water to remove dust and debris. This prevents clumping later.
The Magic Ratio: The standard ratio is 1:3, meaning 1 cup of barley to 3 cups of liquid. Use water or broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable) for deeper flavor.
Season to Taste: A pinch of salt enhances barley’s natural flavor. Feel free to add other seasonings to create unique variations.
Load and Cook: Add everything to your rice cooker. Use the “brown rice” setting or a barley-specific setting (if available). Pearl barley typically cooks in about 45-50 minutes in a rice cooker.
Relax: Let the rice cooker do its thing! Most rice cookers automatically shut off and switch to “keep warm” mode when finished. Let your cooked barley rest for 5-10 minutes for optimal tenderness.

Expert Tips

Check Your Manual: Always consult your rice cooker’s instructions for the most accurate barley cooking times and any recommended settings.
Soaking (Optional): Soaking barley overnight can shorten cooking time and improve texture, but many rice cookers can handle barley without pre-soaking.
Customize It: Stir in your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables once the barley is cooked.

References:

https://gobarley.com/pot-barley/