Pearl barley is a quick-cooking variety of barley that can be used in a variety of delectable recipes. There are a ton of substitutes you can use if you want to completely omit the barley, though. What are the most effective alternatives to pearl barley? Pearl barley cooks much more quickly than regular or even hulled barley and has a neutral flavor. Other foods like oats, millets, quinoa, farro, brown rice, buckwheat, sorghum, and many more have similar flavors and textures. Discover more about pearl barley, its traits, and the best alternatives by reading the information below!
Pearl Barley Vs Regular Barley
Most people confuse hulled and pearl barley because they look so similar, but these grains have a few key differences! Pearl barley is barley that has had its outer hull removed and then polished to remove its bran layer. Consider it a multi-processed grain stripped of its layers, similar to how brown rice is processed to create polished white rice! All of this processing transforms barley into pearl-like grains with a distinct flavor and textural profile from regular barley.
Characteristics of Pearl Barley
Before we discuss its substitutes, let’s first take a look at the characteristics of pearl barley!
Flavor
The flavor of pearl barley is very bland and cereal-like. It has lost all of its fiber and, as a result, all of its flavor because it has undergone extensive processing. Naturally, this does not imply that pearl barley has no flavor at all. While the natural flavors of pearl barley are still detectable in the grain, they are frequently overpowered when it is used in elaborate recipes.
Texture
Pearl barley is distinguished from regular barley by its shiny outer surface. As previously stated, you can compare pearl barley to other hulled and polished grains such as white rice to get a good idea of what to expect! Pearl barley is also easier to cook as a result of its processing. Pearl barley is much easier to render in boiling water than regular barley, which is surrounded by its hull and bran layers. The grain can also absorb flavors much more efficiently than unprocessed grain!
Uses
Pearl barley is distinguished from regular barley by its shiny outer surface. As previously stated, you can compare pearl barley to other hulled and polished grains such as white rice to get a good idea of what to expect! Pearl barley is also easier to cook as a result of its processing. Pearl barley is much easier to render in boiling water than regular barley, which is surrounded by its hull and bran layers. The grain can also absorb flavors much more efficiently than unprocessed grain!
Why Substitute Pearl Barley?
Pearl barley is not gluten-free, which is the main reason why most people substitute another grain instead. In addition, barley lacks nutritional value compared to its unprocessed counterparts. In terms of health, those who aren’t used to eating any kind of barley, including pearl barley, may experience gas, bloating, and other stomach problems.
Additionally, it has been demonstrated that this grain can trigger allergic reactions in people who are hypersensitive to the ingredients in barley. Another straightforward and less sinister reason to substitute barley, aside from its nutritional and allergen warnings, is that you might not have any in your pantry.
Best Substitutes For Pearl Barley
Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about pearl barley, let’s look at some of its alternatives!
1. Farro
Given how similar the two grains are, farro may be the best alternative to pearl barley. They not only have a similar appearance, but they also have similar applications and textural advantages. Of the two grains, farro is renowned for having a better flavor and providing slightly better nutrition. Since it is prepared similarly to pearl barley, you can use the same directions to prepare farro. We advise using it in the same proportion as pearl barley.
2. Quinoa
If you’re looking for a nutritionally superior substitute, we highly recommend quinoa. Quinoa, a seed, has all the characteristics of grain and can mimic the texture and flavors of pearl barley. Quinoa has a much broader amino acid profile than pearl barley and can be used in any recipe that calls for pearl barley. When using quinoa in any recipe, use equal parts!
3. Brown Rice
Brown rice can easily replace pearl barley and is already a significant component of many peoples’ diets all over the world. This starchy grain is healthier nutritionally and has many similarities to pearl barley. While brown rice does take a little longer to cook, it is just as adaptable and can be used in place of pearl barley in almost all recipes! For the best results, we advise using one cup of brown rice for every cup of pearl barley.
4. Millet
Millet has been a staple of the human diet for centuries, and with reason! It’s simple to prepare and can provide essential nutrients, particularly protein. While it does not have the same appearance as pearl barley, millet has a similar texture and flavor in any recipe. Millet, in particular, has a lightly chewy texture similar to white rice — but it cooks much faster than even brown rice! To replace pearl barley, use equal parts millet in any recipe.
5. Sorghum
Sorghum doesn’t have a flavor that is as neutral as pearl barley does. Sorghum, like millet, has been consumed for centuries and is a significant source of nutrition, particularly fiber. It is best to compare the grain to corn because it is smaller than pearl barley and has a nuttier flavor that goes well with any recipe. To achieve roughly the same value, substitute one cup of sorghum for each cup of pearl barley.
6. Buckwheat
Buck “wheat” is technically a seed that is also gluten-free, despite its name. Buckwheat may not be as nutritious as pearl barley, but it tastes very similar — it can even have the same texture and mouthfeel! If you can get past its irregular and unusual appearance, we believe this grain can be an excellent substitute for pearl barley in any recipe.
7. Corn Kernels
Although corn kernels might not be your first choice, they are one of the healthiest and tastiest alternatives to pearl barley. Yes, corn kernels are classified as a grain. They can be used in the same way, but you can also mix and match different seasonings and recipes with corn kernels to get even more use out of them. In every recipe, we advise using equal parts of each ingredient.
8. Teff
Teff is arguably the most expensive grain on our list, but it has the same texture as pearl barley and is nutritionally superior in every way! Teff has been a staple in Ethiopian kitchens for centuries, and it is a delicious grain that can be used in a variety of recipes. Although some regions may have difficulty finding teff, if you do, we recommend trying it instead of pearl barley for a better experience!
9. Oats
In oatmeal and porridge, oats are unmatched! Oats are among the world’s healthiest grains and are just as adaptable as pearl barley. The best thing about them is that they can be used in most recipes just like pearl barley and have a similar neutral flavor. To obtain the same texture and cooking benefits, choose steel-cut oats.
10. Amaranth
Amaranth can imitate the flavor and texture of pearl barley while not having the same appearance as it and sometimes having a very different mouthfeel. Amaranth can be popped like popcorn in a non-stick pan or boiled in water. This grain is very adaptable, so you can use it in place of pearl barley in both complicated and simple recipes.
11. Bulgur Wheat
Bulgur wheat, also known as cracked wheat, is a small, irregularly shaped grain with the texture and flavor of pearl barley. It can also be “overcooked” and softened, making it an excellent choice for porridge and other soft-food recipes. Bulgur wheat has a nuttier, earthier flavor than pearl barley, and it pairs well with both savory and sweet ingredients!
Related Questions
Now that you know all the substitutes for pearl barley, here are some related questions.
Can I use Arborio rice as a substitute for pearl barley?
Yes. Short-grain rice known as arborio can be used in place of pearl barley in any recipe. This kind of rice has a starchy flavor, a softer texture, and is excellent at absorbing ambiance flavors from other ingredients!
Can I use lentils as a substitute for pearl barley?
Yes. You can substitute red or green lentils for pearl barley. However, keep an eye on the cooking time because some lentils cook faster than barley!