Does Pearled Barley Have a Shorter Cooking Time Than Rice?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

Pearled barley typically takes 25 to 30 minutes to cook on the stovetop, a specific duration that contrasts significantly with the varied cooking times of different rice types. The answer to whether pearled barley has a shorter cooking time than rice is nuanced, depending on the specific rice you are comparing it against.

Quick Summary

The cooking duration for pearled barley is generally shorter than brown rice but longer than most white rice varieties. It is crucial to understand the differences in processing and grain density to correctly gauge cooking expectations for each grain.

Key Points

Shorter than Brown Rice: Pearled barley's cooking time is significantly shorter than that of brown rice.
Longer than White Rice: Pearled barley generally takes longer to cook than white rice.
Processing Matters: The removal of the bran layer in pearled barley is what makes it cook faster than whole-grain hulled barley.
Pre-soaking Speeds Up Cook Time: Soaking pearled barley for several hours can reduce its cooking time to as little as 15 minutes.
Pressure Cooking is Fastest: Using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot is the quickest way to cook both pearled barley and brown rice.
Texture Difference: Pearled barley is chewy and releases starch for thickening, while white rice is fluffy.

Pearled Barley Versus Rice: A Head-to-Head Cook Time Comparison

When planning a meal, understanding the cooking time of your grains is essential for proper timing and a successful dish. The question of whether pearled barley cooks faster than rice is common, but the answer isn't straightforward. The reality is that the cooking time depends heavily on the type of rice being compared, as well as the preparation method used.

Pearled barley, which has had its outer bran layers removed, cooks significantly faster than hulled (or whole-grain) barley, typically requiring about 25-30 minutes on the stovetop. This processing removes the tough outer shell and reduces its fibrous content, which shortens the cooking duration. For the home cook, this makes pearled barley a more convenient and faster-cooking option than its whole-grain cousin.

Rice, however, comes in many forms, each with a different cooking time. Here's a breakdown of how pearled barley stacks up against different rice varieties.

The Pearled Barley and Rice Cook Time Table


Grain	Average Stovetop Cook Time	Typical Texture	Soaking Requirement	Comparison to Pearled Barley
Pearled Barley	25-30 minutes	Tender and chewy	No (unless for faster cooking)	Baseline
White Rice	15-20 minutes	Soft and fluffy	No	Faster than pearled barley
Brown Rice	45-60 minutes	Chewy and nutty	Recommended to shorten time	Slower than pearled barley
Basmati Rice	~20 minutes (soaked)	Fluffy, long grains	Recommended	Faster than pearled barley (with soaking)
Instant Rice	~5 minutes	Soft, quick-cooking	No	Significantly faster than pearled barley

Factors That Influence Cooking Time

Beyond the grain type, several other variables can influence how long you'll be at the stove:

Pre-Soaking: While not strictly necessary for pearled barley, soaking it for several hours or overnight can dramatically reduce the cooking time, potentially bringing it down to as little as 15 minutes. Soaking also shortens the cooking time for brown and basmati rice.
Cooking Method: How you cook your grains makes a huge difference. A pressure cooker or Instant Pot can reduce the cooking time for pearled barley to about 20 minutes. A rice cooker can also handle pearled barley, often with a similar cooking time to brown rice.
Liquid-to-Grain Ratio: Using more liquid, particularly in a 'pasta method' of cooking where excess liquid is drained, can sometimes speed up the process by ensuring the grains are fully submerged.
Grain Condition: Fresh grains may cook slightly faster than older, dried-out ones. Always check packages for specific cooking instructions.

Practical Cooking Tips for Faster Grains

To make your grain cooking as efficient as possible, consider these techniques:

Use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot: This is the fastest method for both pearled barley and brown rice.
Pre-soak your grains: This is especially effective for barley and brown rice if you know you'll be cooking them ahead of time.
Choose the right grain: If a dish needs to be ready in under 20 minutes, opt for white rice or instant rice instead of barley. For dishes with longer simmering times, like soups or stews, pearled barley holds up well without becoming mushy.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinsing pearled barley can remove some surface starch, which can help prevent clumping and may slightly reduce cooking time.

Nutritional Differences and Applications

While cooking time is a major consideration, the nutritional profile of each grain is also important. Pearled barley is a good source of fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which can help with satiety. However, because it is not a whole grain like brown rice, it lacks some of the nutrients found in the bran and germ. White rice, being the most processed, has the least fiber and nutrients unless enriched.

Because of its chewy texture and starch release, pearled barley is an excellent thickener for soups and stews. It can also be used as a substitute for Arborio rice in a risotto-style dish. Rice is more versatile, serving as a base for countless dishes, from pilafs to stir-fries, and is naturally gluten-free, unlike barley.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, does pearled barley have a shorter cooking time than rice? The definitive answer is: it depends on the type of rice. Pearled barley cooks considerably faster than whole-grain brown rice but requires more time than most white rice varieties. For the fastest cooking grain, instant rice is the clear winner, but pearled barley offers a satisfying chew and a different nutritional profile that makes it a worthy addition to many recipes, particularly those with a longer simmer time.

For more detailed cooking guides, check out The Mediterranean Dish's guide to cooking barley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cooking pearled barley and rice together is not recommended unless you are using a type of rice with a similar cooking time, like brown rice after it has been pre-soaked. White rice will finish cooking much earlier and become mushy if cooked with barley.

Pearled barley typically takes between 25 and 30 minutes to cook on the stovetop using the absorption method. Cooking times may vary depending on the pot and stove.

In many aspects, yes. Pearled barley contains more dietary fiber, protein, and minerals than white rice, contributing to a lower glycemic index and greater satiety.

It is not necessary to soak pearled barley before cooking, though doing so can significantly reduce the cooking time. Soaking is more crucial for whole-grain hulled barley.

The quickest methods to cook pearled barley are to use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, which can reduce the cooking time to around 20 minutes, or to pre-soak the grains in water for several hours.

Yes, pearled barley contains gluten. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid it and opt for naturally gluten-free grains like rice.

Yes, you can cook pearled barley in a rice cooker. The cooking time will be similar to cooking brown rice, and the specific timing may vary by appliance model.

Brown rice takes longer to cook because it is a whole grain that retains its outer bran layer. This fibrous layer must be penetrated by water during cooking, requiring a longer simmering time than the more processed pearled barley.