Oat Groats Substitute for Barley: Exact Ratio
Looking for a barley substitute? Oat Groats works as a direct replacement. Use 1:1 in any recipe that calls for barley. This swap works best for soups, stews, pilafs.
Best Substitute
Oat Groats
1:1
Similar chewy texture and mild flavor. Takes about 30-40 minutes to cook.
Tips When Replacing Barley in Recipes
Pearl barley cooks in about 30 minutes; hulled barley takes 45-60 minutes. For beef barley soup, pearl barley is standard. Barley releases starch as it cooks, which naturally thickens soups and stews. If using a substitute, add a small amount of cornstarch for similar thickening.
What Is Barley and Why Substitute It?
An ancient cereal grain with a chewy texture and mild, nutty flavor. Pearl barley (most common) has the hull and bran removed, while hulled barley retains more fiber. Barley is popular in soups, stews, risotto, and salads.
Oat Groats is one of 5 alternatives you can use instead of barley. For a complete list of barley substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full barley substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Barley?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use oat groats instead of barley?
Yes, you can use oat groats as a substitute for barley. Use 1:1. Similar chewy texture and mild flavor. Takes about 30-40 minutes to cook.
How much oat groats equals barley?
Use 1:1 to replace barley with oat groats. Works best for soups, stews, pilafs.
What is the best substitute for barley?
Oat Groats is a popular substitute for barley. Use 1:1 for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our barley substitute page.
Is oat groats a vegan substitute for barley?
Yes, oat groats is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to barley. Use 1:1.