Instant Pot Garlic Butter Rice with Parmesan is such a perfect side dish. It requires almost zero hands on time and pairs well with a variety of dishes.

Ingredients in Instant Pot Garlic Butter Rice

Butter: I used olive oil blend, but whatever your favorite is will work fine
Garlic Powder
Sushi Style Rice
Chicken Broth: If you prefer you could substitute vegetable broth
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This is the granulated style that typically comes in a can rather than the freshly shredded style.
Salt and pepper to taste

What is Sushi-Style Rice?

Sushi-style rice, also known as Japanese rice or sushi rice, is a short-grain rice that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine, particularly for making sushi. Sushi rice is different from other types of rice because of its sticky texture, which makes it easy to shape into small balls or rolls for sushi.

To make sushi-style rice, the rice is first rinsed thoroughly to remove any excess starch and then cooked with water at a specific ratio of water to rice (usually 1:1.25 or 1:1.5). Once cooked, the rice is seasoned with a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt, which gives it a sweet and tangy flavor and helps it to stick together.

Sushi-style rice is an essential ingredient in making sushi, but it can also be used in other dishes, such as rice bowls, stir-fries, and rice pudding. The sticky texture and delicate flavor of sushi rice make it a popular choice in Japanese cuisine, and it is widely available in Asian grocery stores and some mainstream supermarkets.

How to make garlic butter rice in the Instant Pot:

The beauty of this recipe is really in its simplicity. One of the reasons it makes such a perfect side dish is the almost non-existent preparation required. Here is what you will do:

Add everything except for the parmesan cheese to the pressure cooker and set the time. Wait, or prep the rest of dinner while you wait for it to pressurize and cook.
Stir through the parmesan and serve.

That is is! No complicated steps, no extensive prep, just a simple, straightforward recipe.

What to serve with Instant Pot Garlic Butter Rice?

Grilled or roasted chicken: Garlic butter rice goes particularly well with grilled or roasted chicken. The rich and savory flavor of the garlic butter complements the mild taste of the chicken.
Grilled or roasted vegetables: You can also serve garlic butter rice with grilled or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers. The earthy flavors of the vegetables balance well with the buttery taste of the rice.
Grilled or sautéed shrimp: Garlic butter rice pairs well with seafood, particularly grilled or sautéed shrimp. The garlic butter enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
Salad: To balance out the richness of the garlic butter rice, consider serving a fresh salad on the side. A simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette would work well. This copycat Chick Fil-A salad would be great Copycat Chick Fil A Kale Crunch Salad.
Bread: A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread would be a great addition to garlic butter rice. The bread can be used to soak up any leftover butter sauce from the rice, making for a tasty and satisfying meal.
Meatballs: This would go especially well with these Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs.

How to Store Leftover Garlic Butter Rice

Cool the rice quickly: After preparing the sushi-style rice, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or a zip-top plastic bag.
Refrigerate the rice: Place the airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator. The rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Do not freeze: Sushi-style rice should not be frozen as the texture and flavor will be negatively impacted.
Reheat gently: To reheat the rice, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish and sprinkle a little water on top to add moisture. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heat in the microwave for 30-second increments until the rice is warmed through. Alternatively, you can steam the rice by placing it in a steamer basket over boiling water for a few minutes.