Mandarin Orange Chicken $4.99/22 Oz
Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken combines the ease of a frozen meal with the complex flavors of a gourmet dish, priced at $4.99 for a 22 Oz package. This popular item features tender chunks of chicken in a crispy coating, served with a sweet and spicy orange sauce.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: The meal consists of breaded chicken (chicken, wheat flour, cornstarch, water, salt) and a vibrant orange sauce (sugar, water, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, orange peel).
The secret to its success lies in its simplicity and versatility. For the best flavor, bake the chicken until it’s crispy, then toss it in a hot skillet with the orange sauce until the sauce caramelizes around the chicken. This method enhances the dish, giving it a restaurant-quality finish. Serve with rice and vegetables for a complete, flavorful, and affordable meal that’s ready in minutes.
Chicken Tikka Masala $4.49/8.5 Oz
Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala, a beloved selection since its debut in 2009, features roasted chicken chunks in a creamy, mildly spicy tomato-based curry sauce. This dish offers a delightful taste of Indian-inspired cuisine, with an interesting twist on its origins.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: The entrée includes chunks of oven-roasted chicken and a rich curry sauce made with tomatoes, cream, and a blend of spices, accompanied by cumin-flavored basmati rice.
Despite the dish’s debated origins—potentially more British than Indian—its popularity is undeniable. Trader Joe’s version is crafted by a U.S.-based company specializing in Indian-inspired foods, ensuring authentic flavor. This meal promises convenience without compromise, ready in under five minutes in the microwave, making it a perfect quick lunch or dinner option. The combination of rich sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic rice delivers a satisfying and exotic culinary experience.
Riced Cauliflower Bowl $3.49/10 Oz
Embracing the boundless possibilities of cauliflower, Trader Joe’s Riced Cauliflower Bowl transforms this versatile vegetable into a vibrant and hearty meal. This dish is a testament to the creativity and innovation that cauliflower can bring to the table, offering a low-carb, veggie-packed alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: The bowl starts with a base of riced cauliflower, topped with nutritious and colorful ingredients including chopped sweet potatoes, red onions, and tofu. Chickpeas marinated in olive oil and seasoned with chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and cumin add a robust flavor. The dish is finished with a spicy sambal oelek red chili paste, tamari soy sauce, and a creamy tahini sauce, creating a complex flavor profile that is both bold and balanced.
Trader Joe’s Riced Cauliflower Bowl is a culinary delight that brings together simple ingredients and big flavors. The variety of textures and the depth of flavors make every bite an adventure, perfect for those seeking a satisfying, plant-based meal. The convenience of this microwaveable dish makes it an excellent choice for a quick work lunch or an easy dinner. For an extra boost of flavor and nutrition, you can add slices of avocado or a fried egg. This dish not only caters to the ongoing popularity of cauliflower but also celebrates it in a form that is both innovative and delicious.
Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese $3.29/12 Oz
Combining the distinctive flavor of Hatch Chiles from New Mexico with the comfort of classic macaroni and cheese, Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese is a unique twist on two beloved staples.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: This dish features semolina elbow macaroni enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce made with aged cheddar, milk, and butter, enhanced with roasted, chopped Hatch Chiles for a smoky, spicy kick.
Hatch Chiles are renowned for their earthy, sweet, and spicy flavors, which bring a special depth to the creamy, rich cheese sauce of the macaroni. The combination of smoky heat with the creamy texture of the macaroni makes this dish a heavenly pairing. It’s an innovative take on mac & cheese that delivers both comfort and a touch of sophistication with every bite. Perfect for those who enjoy a little spice with their cheesy pasta, it’s a hearty meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.
Beef Birria $7.99/16 Oz
Trader Joe’s Beef Birria brings the rich flavors of a traditional Mexican dish from Jalisco right to your kitchen, offering a hassle-free way to enjoy this slow-cooked delicacy.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: This dish features beef slow-cooked until tender in a savory broth composed of crushed tomatoes, dried chiles, and a blend of aromatic spices, capturing the essence of authentic birria.
Beef Birria is perfect for those who love deep, complex flavors but might not have the time to spend hours cooking. Trader Joe’s version allows you to enjoy this traditional meal effortlessly, whether as a hearty stew or transformed into crispy, savory tacos. Serving suggestions include topping with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavors. The broth, richly spiced, is ideal for dipping tacos, offering a truly immersive and delicious dining experience. This dish is a summer must-have, perfect for pairing with a cold beer and good company.
Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice $4.49/12.5 Oz
Trader Joe’s Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice is a sumptuous dish that brings a classic Indian favorite conveniently to your dinner table. Inspired by the inventive culinary techniques of Chef Kundan Lal Gujral, this meal is a delightful blend of rich flavors and tender chicken, paired with perfectly cooked basmati rice.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: This dish features tender chunks of chicken bathed in a creamy curry sauce made with crushed tomatoes, cream, onions, garlic, ginger, and butter, seasoned with a select blend of spices. It is accompanied by delicate, fragrant basmati rice, offering a balanced and fulfilling meal.
Trader Joe’s Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice epitomizes convenience without compromising on taste. The mild yet flavorful curry is both comforting and satisfying, making it an ideal quick meal solution. It pairs excellently with Trader Joe’s other Indian offerings like Palak Paneer and Channa Masala, allowing you to easily create a full feast. Enjoy it with some Tandoori Naan, Mango Ginger Chutney, and sliced cucumbers for a complete, restaurant-quality Indian meal right at home.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts $5.99/14 Oz
Elevate your side dish game with Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts. This dish transforms the humble Brussels sprout into a bold and exciting experience, merging the classic vegetable with the vibrant flavors of a beloved Chinese sauce.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: This dish features whole Brussels sprouts that are roasted until tender and then tossed in a zesty Kung Pao sauce. The sauce is a rich blend of hoisin, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers, offering a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory elements.
Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are a fantastic twist on a traditional side dish. The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts and the dynamic Kung Pao sauce creates a flavor profile that is both complex and delightful, ensuring these sprouts are anything but ordinary. They serve as an ideal complement to any hearty entrée, adding a punch of flavor that enhances the overall meal without overpowering it. Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat and depth in their vegetables, these Brussels sprouts are sure to impress at any dining table.
Trader Joe’s Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells $2.69
Trader Joe’s Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells offer a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy goodness encased in tender pasta shells, providing a classic Italian-inspired dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: Each serving includes large pasta shells filled with a rich blend of ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. These ingredients come together in a harmonious filling, all nestled in a savory tomato marinara sauce.
These Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells from Trader Joe’s are beloved for their convenience and gourmet flavor. The creamy filling, complemented by the tangy marinara, makes for a fulfilling meal that feels homemade. Perfect for a quick dinner, these shells can be easily baked and served within minutes, offering a substantial meal that appeals to both children and adults alike. Ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a touch of Italian dining at home, this dish is sure to satisfy your pasta cravings with its rich flavors and comforting texture.
Spicy Peanutty Noodle Bowl With Chicken $3.49/10.8 Oz
Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanutty Noodle Bowl with Chicken is an exciting and flavorful meal that turns any quick dining experience into a delightful affair. Drawing inspiration from the classic Szechuan dish dandanmien, this noodle bowl is perfect for a quick lunch or an easy weeknight dinner.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: This noodle bowl features chewy wheat noodles topped with tender minced chicken and a mix of chopped vegetables including bok choy, onions, and carrots. The dish is brought together with a spicy, umami-rich peanut sauce, flavored with ginger, Szechuan pepper, and tamari.
The Spicy Peanutty Noodle Bowl with Chicken is a testament to the fact that quick meals can be both effortless and extraordinarily satisfying. The rich peanut sauce, combined with the heat from the chile and the complex flavors of tamari, creates a perfect balance of taste and texture. Ready in just about five minutes in the microwave, this noodle bowl is not only convenient but also a flavor-packed meal that will keep you coming back for more.
Chicken Tikka Samosas $4.49/8.5 Oz
Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Samosas offer a delightful twist on traditional Indian flavors, combining the rich, creamy taste of Chicken Tikka Masala with the crispy, convenient form of a samosa. This fusion creates a perfect snack or appetizer that’s ready in minutes.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: These samosas are stuffed with a filling made from roasted chicken chunks marinated in a creamy, mildly spicy, tomato-based curry sauce, all encased in a flaky pastry shell. The ingredients reflect a blend of East meets West, with spices that hint at the dish’s complex colonial backstory.
The Chicken Tikka Samosas are a crowd-pleaser with their flavorful filling and crispy exterior. They are easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for a quick snack or a unique side dish at dinners. The fusion of traditional Indian curry wrapped in a bite-sized, easy-to-eat pastry makes these samosas a delightful culinary experience, bringing together the best of both worlds in flavor and convenience.
Korean Beefless Bulgogi $4.99/10 Oz
Trader Joe’s Korean Beefless Bulgogi is a bold, plant-based twist on the classic Korean dish known for its sweet and savory flavors. This innovative version replaces traditional beef with textured soy protein, maintaining the beloved taste and texture of the original.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: The main ingredient is 100% beefless textured soy protein, marinated in a traditional Korean bulgogi sauce made from soy sauce, pear puree, garlic, ginger, green onions, and sugar. This vegan-friendly product is crafted in the Republic of Korea, ensuring authenticity in every bite.
Trader Joe’s Korean Beefless Bulgogi brings a vegan option to the table without sacrificing the deep, rich flavors bulgogi is known for. It cooks quickly from frozen in just 3-7 minutes and can be served with Organic Jasmine Rice or incorporated into a stir-fry with your favorite vegetables. For those looking to experiment, it can also be used to make delicious, non-traditional tacos using TJ’s tortillas. This dish is perfect for anyone seeking a meat-free alternative that still promises a satisfying, meat-like texture and a burst of traditional Korean flavor.
Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower $3.79/16 Oz
Trader Joe’s Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower is a vibrant and flavorful alternative to traditional rice dishes. Infused with bold Mexican-inspired spices and colorful vegetables, this dish offers a healthy, low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients: This dish features cauliflower rice seasoned with cumin, cayenne, and lime, enhanced with tomato concentrate for depth of flavor. It includes additions of diced tomatoes, tri-colored bell peppers, and pickled jalapeños, creating a colorful and tasty blend.
The Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower is a versatile side that fits beautifully into a variety of dietary preferences, being both vegan and gluten-free. Its robust flavor profile makes it a perfect base for a burrito bowl or an excellent accompaniment to any Mexican meal. The combination of spices and fresh vegetables delivers a delightful crunch and kick, making it a scrumptious choice for anyone looking to add a spicy twist to their meal.
