Out of Barley, one case
Pearl barley substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Farro
Same amount as the barley
The best substitutes for pearl barley are farro, brown rice, or quinoa, depending on the use. Use 1:1 ratio and follow these techniques for optimal results.
- Best for —
- soups
One casethe full barley card
Why it works
BarleyPearl barley is a whole grain with nutty flavor and chewy texture that works well in soups, stews, and salads. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar texture and can be used in the same applications. Each substitute offers different benefits depending on your specific needs and available ingredients.
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of barley |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farrosoups | Same amount |
| 2 | Brown ricesoups | Same amount |
| 3 | Quinoasoups | Same amountTweak it |
| 4 | Wheat berriessoups | Same amount |
| 5 | Bulgursoups | Same amount |
Farro
nutty
Ancient wheat grain with similar nutty flavor and chewy texture. Good substitute for pearl barley in most applications.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, when you want nutty flavor
- Texture
- chewy
Similar nutty flavor to pearl barley but slightly different texture. Cook for 20-25 minutes until tender.
Brown rice
nutty
Whole grain rice with similar nutty flavor and chewy texture. Good substitute for pearl barley in most applications.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, when you want whole grains
- Texture
- chewy
Similar nutty flavor to pearl barley but different texture. Cook for 45-50 minutes until tender.
Quinoa
different taste, similar texture
Protein-rich grain with different flavor than pearl barley but similar texture. Good substitute for most applications.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, when you want protein
Different flavor than pearl barley but similar texture. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Rinse before cooking.
Wheat berries
nutty
Whole wheat kernels with similar nutty flavor and chewy texture. Good substitute for pearl barley in most applications.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, when you want whole grains
- Texture
- chewy
Similar nutty flavor to pearl barley but different texture. Cook for 45-60 minutes until tender.
Bulgur
nutty
Cracked wheat with similar nutty flavor and chewy texture. Good substitute for pearl barley in most applications.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, when you want quick cooking
- Texture
- chewy
Similar nutty flavor to pearl barley but different texture. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting pearl barley, consider the nutty flavor and chewy texture you want. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar functionality to pearl barley in various cooking applications.
Tips for substituting barley
5 tips- Pearl barley adds nutty, chewy texture to soups, stews, and salads
- Rinse pearl barley before cooking to remove any dust or debris
- Cook pearl barley in plenty of salted water for 25-30 minutes until tender but still chewy
- Store pearl barley in airtight container in cool, dry place for up to 2 years
- Add pearl barley to soups during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking
Notes on barley
- Use farro for similar nutty flavor and chewy texture
- Use brown rice for similar whole grain benefits
- Consider the specific dish when choosing your substitute
- Use quinoa for protein-rich alternative
Questions
5 questionsCan I use farro instead of pearl barley?
Yes, farro is a good substitute for pearl barley. It has a different texture but similar nuttiness and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between pearl barley and farro?
Pearl barley is a type of grain with a chewy texture, while farro is an ancient wheat grain with a similar texture. Both have nutty flavor but different compositions.
Can I use brown rice instead of pearl barley?
Yes, brown rice can substitute for pearl barley in most recipes. It has similar nutty flavor and whole grain benefits, though it has a different texture.
Can I use quinoa instead of pearl barley?
Yes, quinoa can substitute for pearl barley in most recipes. It has different flavor but similar texture and is protein-rich.
Do I need to adjust the recipe when substituting pearl barley?
Generally no ratio adjustment is needed, but consider the cooking time. Some substitutes may need more or less cooking time to achieve the desired tenderness.