Learn how to cook wheat berries in the Instant Pot with this quick and easy hands-off recipe. They can be used as a side dish or in soups, salads, stews, stir-fries, and other recipes in place of rice or quinoa.
In my quest to add more grains to my diet, other than just the usual quinoa, I started cooking wheat berries a few years ago.
What is a wheat berry? It's the whole, unprocessed wheat kernel in its most natural form, composed of the bran, germ, and endosperm. It has a chewy flavor and tastes great in salads and bowls.
While it's easy to cook wheat berries on the stovetop, it's even easier in the Instant Pot. I've been using it to prep both grains and veggies, including carrots, beets, cabbage, and more.
Ingredients you'll need
To make wheat berries in your pressure cooker, all you need is:
- A cup of wheat berries (hard or soft)
- Water
- A pinch of salt
How to cook wheat berries in the Instant Pot
1. Rinse: Rinse the wheat berries in a mesh sieve under cool running water.
2. Add ingredients to Instant Pot: Combine the rinsed wheat berries, water, and salt in the pot of the pressure cooker.
3. Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve on “sealing”, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Once completed carefully quick release the steam, remove the lid, and drain the wheat berries.
4. Drain: Carefully remove the lid and drain the cooked wheat berries.
Storing and reheating
To store: Cooked wheat berries will store well in the fridge for 3-4 days in a sealed container.
To freeze: They can be stored in the freezer a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
To reheat: Warm wheat berries in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of water to add moisture. Alternatively, use the microwave.
Serving suggestions
Prepared wheat berries can be used in many ways and make a tasty addition to soups, salads, and side dishes. Here are some ways to enjoy them:
- Side dish: A delicious side dish dressed with oil or butter, salt, and pepper. Or infused with more flavors, such as garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon.
- Soup: Cook into a hearty soup with beans, herbs, and fresh vegetables.
- Salad: Add cold or warm berries into a salad with leafy greens, fresh vegetables, nuts, and fresh herbs. Sub the quinoa with wheat berries in this Mediterranean Salad.
- Breakfast: Use cold wheat berries as a topping in a breakfast yogurt bowl.
- Add to a main dish: A base for a delicious veggie stir-fry. Simply replace the rice with the cooked wheat berries.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to rinse the wheat berries before cooking them? Yes, it's best to give them a quick rinse.
Do you eat them hot or cold? Either way.
How long do they last? If stored in an airtight container, uncooked wheat berries will keep for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place. Alternatively, they'll last up to a year in the freezer.
Which pressure cooker do you use to cook wheat berries? I've used both my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo and the 3 quart Instant Pot Duo Mini.
How do you know when they're done? The texture should be chewy but not tough. If it's not done, continue cooking by using the "Saute" button. Be sure to check the berries every 5 minutes for doneness.
How much does 1 cup wheat berries yield? About 3 cups of cooked wheat berries.
More easy Instant Pot recipes
If you enjoy using your pressure cooker, check out these recipes:
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
- Instant Pot Carrots
- How to Cook Chickpeas in the Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Instant Pot Black Rice
Did you make this Instant Pot wheat berries recipe? Leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let us know how it turned out. Save this easy side dish recipe for later by pinning to your favorite Instant Pot Pinterest board and be sure to tag me on Real + Vibrant’s Instagram.
Ingredients
- 1 cup wheat berries
- 4 cups water
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Instant Pot Instructions:
- Rinse the wheat berries in a mesh strainer under cool running water.
- Add water, salt, and rinsed wheat berries to the Instant Pot.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve on “sealing”, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Once completed carefully quick release the steam, remove the lid, and drain the wheat berries.
- Serve or store for later.
Nancy says
I like making a cold salad by adding chopped onion, peppers, jalapeno, (etc, olives, peas, corn, whatever is on hand) some salt and pepper, garlic powder, oil and vinegar.
Trecia Hunter says
Great tips
Thank you
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
You're so welcome, Trecia!
PM says
Cooked perfectly. Thanks!!
Cindy says
These turned out perfectly tender!
Jenna says
I like how easy wheat berries are to cook using this method. I added blueberries to mine after they were done.
Bee says
I like them for breakfast cold with milk and a sweetener. Great with fresh berries. Warm with butter and honey or brown sugar. I could go on.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Hi Bee! Those are some delicious ways to enjoy wheat berries. Thank you for sharing!
Courtney says
So easy and the wheat berries turned out perfectly fluffy!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Courtney!
Ariel says
These would be so yummy added to homemade bread dough! Thanks for the easy recipe!
Beth Neels says
I've been trying to up my grain game too , so searching for different recipes! These wheat berries are so delicious! We all loved them! Thanks for the inspiration!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy you love them!
Catherine says
I love buckwheat in my fall soups and stews especially. This is such a timely post...the instant pot is such a wonder!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
It truly is!
Tisha says
I've never tried wheat berries before! I love how versatile they are, great for everyday!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Can't wait for you to try them!
Raia Todd says
I've never tried eating wheat berries like this. I'm sure my family would love them.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I'd love to hear what they think!
Megan Ellam says
Well there you go I had never heard of wheat berries. They sound great do you think they would work well in burgers too?
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Yes, they absolutely would!
Caitlin says
I don't know why I've never used my instant pot to make wheat berries! This will be on repeat as my kids love them.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear!