On my most recent shopping trip, I picked up a few essentials (after waiting in line but walking into a fully stocked store) and brought home enough groceries to last a bit when I came across Trader Joe's Kung Pao Chicken Mochi Balls.
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Taste
In an effort to continue some semblance of normalcy, I'm back. And reviews will continue. I might be digging through some pantry items in between, but a bit of normal is good for everyone who feels cooped up inside for the time being.
So I picked up a whole bunch of freezer food for easy meals. Being in the house still means that my job expects me to show up. But it also means I don't want to cook as often either.
So my feelings toward mochi tend to be all over the place. There were times I really liked it and times I thought it was kinda gross. However, this was my first truly savory application of mochi.
Knowing that I had a lack meal of leftovers in the refrigerator as a backup plan, I made this little box of mochi balls.
And even though I don't love mochi, this was actually pretty good.
Now, be warned, this seemed far more of a medium heat than other items. And the filling didn't quite look like it did on the box either. It was paler in color but the ratio of filling to mochi outside here worked.
There is a strong taste of green onions in this too. So if you aren't a fan, that's just a quick heads up. And if you aren't a fan of the taste of ground chicken or at least really finely chopped chicken, this might not be for you.
There is a lot going on here in terms of flavor: there is a good punch of ginger and garlic along with bites of water chestnuts for texture. It isn't too saucy or too dry either.
I found each bite to be relatively pleasant. The mochi was both crisp and sort of chewy. And while I made these in the toaster oven and air fryer would work just as well.
And realistically, this box is about 2 servings. But the heat totally slowed me down on these. They reheated fine the next day if you don't have someone to share this with.
Overall
For $3.99 these won't break the bank. So if you are stuck in the house or practicing some social distancing, these are a good try.
Would I buy these again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Kung Pao Chicken Mochi Balls again. It was a pleasant surprise to see how well mochi goes with a savory filling.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Visual rundown
The box of Trader Joe's Kung Pao Chicken Mochi Balls:
The nutritional information and the ingredients:
How to prepare:
Out of the package you get:
After being cooked you get:
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Trader Joe's Kung Pao Chicken Mochi Balls
Product Name: Trader Joe's Kung Pao Chicken Mochi Balls
Product Description: Trader Joe's Kung Pao Chicken Mochi Balls are a new and spicy addition to the freezer aisle
Price: $3.99
Currency: USD
Availability: Discontinued
Summary
Trader Joe's Kung Pao Chicken Mochi Balls are a new Asian inspired appetizer in the freezer section
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- A flavorful and unusual combination of tastes and textures that seem to work well together
- Wasn't greasy
- Directions were on point
Cons
- Medium heat, so if you are sensitive, just be aware.
- Mine seemed to have quite a bit of green onion.
Alek says
Pretty interesting usage of mochi. Nice to see mochi being used in savory.
Chief Winehound says
Thought you might find this article from the Sunday LA Times worth a skim. https://enewspaper.latimes.com/desktop/latimes/default.aspx?pnum=56&edid=4c6b2253-18bd-4b45-af05-80789b176c14
Stay well.
LD
Beth says
What cook time and temperature would you use for air fryer?
Dagmar says
Well I work in Healthcare AND have to go in every single day. I am on a clinical question line for patients for our series of community health clinics. Wish I didn't have to go in but Healthcare has always been my chosen profession so I understand that the health of the community comes first. I went to Trader Joe's this evening and they had a bouncer at the front door. Only so many people couldn't come in after so many people went out. I waited 20 minutes to get in and half the place was just empty to include all of the vodka. Oh no. People had really done all their alcohol stocking today after the governor announced the stay-at-home situation last night on the news. But I did get a package of these savoury mochi balls and I can't wait to try them. And I saw something new-frozen Shrimp Tikka Masala!!!!!!!. I bought two. I will let you know how they are.
becomebetty says
Thank you Dagmar for all you do and please, please, please stay safe. My local TJ's had the same policy. But we were greeted with hand sanitizer on the way in and out. I saw social media pictures of the shrimp tikka masala and am super excited to find it. Again, please stay safe. And thanks again for being on the front lines.
Dagmar says
Thanks Brenda! Seattlites do not seem to be following the governor's orders. I see a ton of people out everywhere and somebody is currently moving into the apartment next to me. Her and all her friends are here unloading trucks.sigh.
Dagmar says
Wow! Just ate these......ALL of them!!!! I love them! I wish I bought more. I know this sounds really weird but I took some packets of Chinese sweet and sour sauce and mixed them with a small amount of light mayonnaise to create a dip. Combo was yum yum.