15 Must-Try Korean Groceries from Trader Joe’s

Korean cuisine has become a favorite around the world, known for its bold flavors, spicy heat, and unique textures. Trader Joe’s has embraced these delicious tastes, offering a range of Korean-inspired grocery items that make it easy to bring authentic Korean flavors into your kitchen. These Trader Joe’s products offer a fantastic way to explore Korean ingredients without needing to visit a specialty store. If you’re a longtime fan of Korean food or just beginning to explore, you should try these items as they offer a convenient way to enjoy traditional flavors and experiment with new recipes.

Rice Vinegar

Trader Joe’s Rice Vinegar is a pantry essential that adds the perfect tang to a variety of Korean dishes. Known for its mild and slightly sweet flavor, it works beautifully in marinades, salad dressings, and dipping sauces. This vinegar is great for seasoning rice, especially if you’re making sushi or kimbap at home. A small splash in stews or soups brings a gentle acidity that balances out savory flavors without overpowering. It’s also low in calories and adds depth to many meals, making it a versatile ingredient for both Korean and other Asian-inspired dishes.

Green Onions

Green onions, or scallions, are a key ingredient in Korean cooking, adding a fresh, mild onion flavor to countless dishes. Trader Joe’s green onions are crisp and vibrant, perfect for chopping into soups, stews, and garnishing dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi. They add a great crunch to salads, give dumplings an aromatic lift, and work as a garnish that brings both color and taste. Green onions also make for a delicious addition to scallion pancakes or jeon, a popular Korean side dish. Plus, they’re rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a nutritious, flavorful addition to any meal.

Sweet Cinnamon Filled Korean Pancakes

Trader Joe’s Sweet Cinnamon Filled Korean Pancakes, also known as Hotteok, are a delightful, easy way to enjoy this popular Korean street food at home. These pancakes are filled with a warm, gooey cinnamon and brown sugar mixture that melts perfectly into the soft, doughy interior when heated. They’re crispy on the outside and filled with a sweet and slightly spiced center, making them a delicious snack or dessert. Perfect for chilly days, these pancakes can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat. Ready to cook in minutes, they’re a convenient way to experience a taste of Korea’s bustling food markets right from your own kitchen.

Kimbap

Trader Joe’s Kimbap is a delightful Korean-inspired snack that’s similar to sushi, featuring rice, vegetables, and sometimes protein rolled in seaweed. Conveniently pre-made, it’s perfect for a quick meal or snack and is packed with flavors like pickled radish, carrots, and spinach. Kimbap can be enjoyed as a picnic food, a lunch box addition, or an appetizer before a larger Korean meal. The roll is light yet satisfying, offering a great balance of rice and veggies in each bite. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy a Korean staple without the time-consuming preparation.

Tofu

Trader Joe’s tofu is versatile, protein-rich, and a staple in many Korean dishes, from hearty stews to simple side dishes like dubu kimchi. Its neutral flavor soaks up marinades exceptionally well, allowing it to be seasoned to perfection for any dish. Try slicing it for a stir-fry, adding it to a spicy kimchi jjigae, or pan-frying for a crispy exterior. The tofu is both affordable and packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic alternative to meat in Korean cooking. With its soft texture and ability to absorb flavors, it’s a highly adaptable ingredient in both traditional and modern Korean recipes.

Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce

Trader Joe’s Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce provides a flavorful base for many Korean dishes with a lower salt content. This soy sauce offers a rich umami depth that enhances marinades for bulgogi, dipping sauces, or even simple stir-fries. It’s perfect for those looking to control their sodium intake while still achieving authentic flavors in their cooking. The slightly lighter flavor profile lets other ingredients shine while still providing a savory touch. It’s an essential seasoning for anyone looking to recreate traditional Korean tastes with a healthier twist.

Toasted Sesame Oil

Trader Joe’s Toasted Sesame Oil is a must-have for adding a nutty, aromatic depth to Korean dishes. Just a few drops can elevate bibimbap, enhance the flavor of marinades, or add warmth to vegetable side dishes like namul. Its intense, roasted aroma brings out the savory notes in any dish, making it indispensable in Korean cooking. The oil is rich and flavorful, making it a fantastic ingredient to drizzle over rice, noodles, or meat just before serving. A little goes a long way, so this small bottle packs a punch that will last through many meals.

Organic Roasted Seaweed with Sea Salt

Trader Joe’s Organic Roasted Seaweed with Sea Salt offers a light, crispy snack that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Made from sustainably sourced seaweed, these thin sheets are delicately roasted and seasoned with just the right amount of sea salt for a savory, umami-rich taste. This snack is low in calories but high in essential minerals like iodine, making it a healthy choice for those looking for a satisfying alternative to chips. It’s perfect on its own or crumbled over rice, salads, and soups to add a hint of ocean-fresh flavor. 

Jumeokbap

Jumeokbap, or “fist rice,” is a delicious and filling Korean snack that’s now available at Trader Joe’s. These rice balls are seasoned with sesame oil, seaweed, and various other flavors, making them a great on-the-go snack or side dish. They’re packed with flavor and have a fun, chewy texture that’s both satisfying and versatile. Jumeokbap can be enjoyed alone, paired with kimchi, or served as part of a larger Korean meal. They’re a fantastic alternative to sandwiches or wraps and bring a unique Korean flavor to any lunch or picnic.

Fully Cooked Pork Belly

Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Pork Belly is perfect for creating samgyeopsal, a popular Korean BBQ dish, at home. This pork belly is rich, tender, and ready to eat, making it a convenient option for quick Korean-inspired meals. It can be pan-fried for a crispy finish, served with dipping sauces, or added to stews and stir-fries for extra flavor. Pair it with lettuce wraps, ssamjang (a spicy dipping sauce), and garlic for a full Korean BBQ experience. The pork belly is flavorful and indulgent, providing a taste of authentic Korean barbecue without the grilling setup.

Beef Bulgogi

Beef bulgogi is a beloved Korean dish, and Trader Joe’s has made it easy to enjoy with their pre-marinated version. This bulgogi is sweet, savory, and tender, ideal for grilling, stir-frying, or simply heating and serving over rice. The beef is marinated in a sauce that includes soy, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. It’s a great choice for a quick dinner or a tasty addition to lettuce wraps with fresh vegetables. This ready-to-cook bulgogi brings a traditional Korean favorite right to your kitchen, saving time without sacrificing flavor.

Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack

For a crispy and spicy snack, Trader Joe’s Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack delivers both flavor and crunch. This unique treat combines seaweed with a light, crispy tempura coating and a hint of spice, perfect for satisfying cravings in a Korean-inspired way. It’s an ideal snack for on-the-go, offering a tasty blend of textures and flavors that’s both light and filling. The seaweed provides a natural umami flavor, while the tempura and spice add an extra kick. It’s a fantastic alternative to chips and brings a touch of Korea’s popular street food to your snack time.

Tteok Bok Ki

Trader Joe’s Tteok Bok Ki offers the popular Korean street food right from the comfort of home. These chewy rice cakes are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made from gochujang, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The dish is easy to prepare and makes a perfect snack, side dish, or light meal, especially on chilly days. With its spicy kick and satisfying chewiness, it’s a favorite among fans of Korean food. It’s a fantastic introduction to Korean cuisine for those new to it and a nostalgic treat for anyone familiar with tteokbokki.

Gochujang

Gochujang is a staple in Korean cooking, known for its rich, spicy-sweet flavor, and Trader Joe’s version is a versatile addition to your pantry. Made from red chili peppers, rice, and fermented soybeans, it adds a depth of flavor to marinades, stews, and dipping sauces. A small spoonful can transform dishes like bibimbap, jjigae, and even pasta with its umami and heat. Gochujang is both spicy and savory, offering a unique flavor that’s difficult to replicate. Its bold taste is a must-try for those looking to explore authentic Korean flavors.

Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil

Trader Joe’s Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil is a high-quality option that adds protein and flavor to many Korean dishes. The olive oil keeps the tuna moist and flavorful, making it an excellent choice for Korean-style tuna kimbap or as a topping for rice bowls. This tuna pairs well with soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, creating a light but satisfying flavor profile. It’s also convenient for quick meals and adds a nice, rich texture to salads or side dishes. This tuna is an ideal pantry staple for incorporating a mild, versatile protein into Korean-inspired recipes.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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