Trader Joe’s Japanese-style fried Rice offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a rice dish that combines traditional Japanese flavors with the ease of a frozen meal. This vegan-friendly option is loaded with edamame, tofu, hijiki seaweed, carrots, and a savory soy sauce base, delivering a balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re in a rush to whip up a quick lunch or need a satisfying side dish, this rice makes for a versatile and filling meal. Priced around $3.79 for a 16-ounce bag, it’s an affordable and convenient addition to any freezer.
Product Description
Trader Joe’s Japanese Style Fried Rice is a one-pound, frozen rice dish with a mix of edamame, tofu, and hijiki seaweed. These ingredients are combined with soy sauce and sweet cooking rice wine (mirin), which gives it a deep umami flavor. The texture is varied, with crunchy edamame, tender tofu, and perfectly chewy rice.
Honest Review
Pros:
- Convenience: It’s incredibly easy to prepare, whether you choose to microwave it or cook it on the stovetop. The stovetop method tends to bring out the best flavor and texture.
- Versatile: While the fried rice can be eaten on its own, it also serves as a fantastic base for other dishes. Adding a fried egg or serving it alongside grilled tofu can elevate it to a complete meal.
- Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, edamame, and hijiki seaweed creates a rich, umami flavor, but the mild sweetness from the mirin adds balance.
- Vegan: For those looking for plant-based meal options, this is a great choice.
Cons:
- Mild Flavors: Some find the flavors a bit bland and prefer to add soy sauce, chili oil, or additional seasoning for more punch.
- Texture Variability: If not cooked properly, the rice can become mushy or stick to the pan, so stovetop cooking is recommended for a better texture.
Nutritional Information and Ingredients
Ingredients: Rice, water, edamame, tofu, soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt), mirin (rice wine), hijiki seaweed, carrots, and sesame oil.
Nutritional Info (per 1-cup serving):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
While it's relatively low in calories and offers a decent amount of protein for a rice dish, it’s higher in sodium, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
How to Prepare Trader Joe’s Japanese-Style Fried Rice
Stovetop:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Pour the contents of the bag into the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is thoroughly heated.
Microwave:
- Cut a small slit in the bag and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Let it sit for a minute before serving
Serving Suggestions
Trader Joe’s Japanese-style fried Rice works well as a base or a side. Here are some ideas:
- Topped with a Fried Egg: Add a fried egg for extra protein and richness.
- Paired with Salmon: Serve alongside teriyaki-glazed salmon for a flavorful and balanced meal.
- Added to a Stir-Fry: Stir in some additional veggies or tofu for a heartier dish.
Pairing Suggestions
Beverage Pairings:
- Sake: A chilled sake pairs well with the soy sauce and umami flavors.
- Green Tea: A hot green tea provides a refreshing contrast to the salty flavors of the rice.
Food Pairings:
- Grilled Tofu: Lightly grilled tofu complements the soft, savory rice.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Pair with a side of shiitake mushrooms or snap peas for added texture and freshness
FAQs about Trader Joe's Japanese Style Fried Rice
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
No, it contains soy sauce, which includes wheat.
Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp would make a great addition.
For best quality, use the rice within 3-4 months of purchase.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Japanese-style fried Rice is a versatile, convenient, and flavorful meal that works well on its own or as part of a larger dish. Its unique ingredients like hijiki seaweed and edamame set it apart from other fried rice options, making it an interesting and tasty choice for a quick meal. While it might not offer the intense flavors of a restaurant dish, it’s a satisfying option for a freezer meal.
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Trader Joe's Japanese Style Fried Rice
Product Name: Trader Joe's Japanese Style Fried Rice
Product Description: Trader Joe's Japanese Style Fried Rice is a classic freezer dish that can quickly be turned into a meal or a side with minimal effort.
Price: $3.79
Summary
Trader Joe's Japanese Style Fried Rice is a classic freezer dish that can be made into an entire meal.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Quick and Convenient: Cooks in just minutes on the stovetop or in the microwave, making it great for busy schedules
- Vegan-Friendly: Completely plant-based, suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets
- Flavorful: Offers a rich umami flavor thanks to the soy sauce, edamame, tofu, and hijiki seaweed
- Versatile: Can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various proteins, vegetables, or eggs
- Good Texture: A balanced combination of tender tofu, crunchy edamame, and chewy rice
Cons
- High in Sodium: Contains 560mg of sodium per serving, which may be too much for those on a low-sodium diet
- Mild Flavor: Some may find the flavor too subtle and might need to add extra seasoning
- Texture Issues in Microwave: The rice may turn out mushy when microwaved compared to the crispier stovetop version
- Small Portion Size: The 16-ounce bag is often considered too small for a full meal if serving more than one person
updownflight says
Yay! Another yummy looking product with no garlic (hubby is allergic).
Last night we ate Trader Joe's French Onion soup. It was delicious! It comes frozen with croutons and cheese. I just baked it 40 mins in French onion soup bowls and it looked and tasted homemade.
Julie says
This is a staple in my house.
Julie says
I should also mention that drizzling some of the green dragon hot sauce makes it even better.
becomebetty says
That sounds like a good suggestion for the heat junkies out there
Ttrockwood says
I always have this in my freezer! For a quick meal i add in more edamame or cubes of the prepared "savory tofu" that TJs sells. I put the hot fried ontop of a bowl of baby spinach so the spinach wilts a bit and adds more veggies to the meal. SO delicious!
becomebetty says
Yup. This is a staple in my household too. I haven't seen the savory tofu. I'll keep an eye out for that too. I never thought of putting spinach with it. That actually sounds pretty awesome. Thanks for sharing!