The pros: Trader Joe's Pork Gyoza Potstickers comes in a large bag that has lots of suggestion on how to prepare this product.
The cons: While the directions say this can be prepared in the microwave, you really shouldn't. Ever. Even with a wet paper towel the pasta partially dried out and was rubbery. The filling does not have a lot of flavor or salt, so you may want to consider dipping this in something salty like a soy sauce.
The verdict: For $2.99, these are ok but not great. My biggest problem with the product is the completely bland filling. This is where gyoza should shine and it just doesn't here. A soy dipping sauce is almost mandatory to bring some welcomed flavor here.
Beyond that these should not be microwaved. The product says it can be. I'm telling you it shouldn't be. Pan fried it was solid with the wrapper getting a nice crisp. I did not have this with soup but imagine it would work well to address the lack of salt in this product. The only pronounced flavor in this product was the green onions in the filling.
The pork did not stand out and cabbage is not terribly flavorful without some salty element. If you are looking for way more flavor, you'll have to bring it yourself. But otherwise, these are on par with dumplings you might get in an Asian grocery store.
The bag in the freezer aisle:
The nutritional information:
The ingredients and allergy information:
How to prepare and yes, there are many in this case:
Meanwhile, pan fried and served with some of Trader Joe's Gyoza Dipping Sauce you get:
Would I buy this again? I was really looking forward to these, but I was disappointed. I'll try other flavors but I won't be repurchasing Trader Joe's Pork Gyoza Potstickers.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
mltrautz@yahoo.com says
I hate when things say microwave and I know it won't be good. I have made my own egg rolls and would be willing to make pot stickers, but it is a lot of work. It is easier to buy from a restaurant. I never like the sauce in the frozen bags. Well, at least you tried it.
becomebetty says
Actually, the directions said they can be placed in soup and because of the lack of salt in the product I think they would make good dumplings. They were good in the pan.
mltrautz@yahoo.com says
Yes, I read that and thought I might actually try that. I usually have broth on hand.
RossC says
I agree with your review but, this is another of those quick TJ's products we like to have on hand.. Pan fry only and I make a few different dipping sauces so, for us its a winner served with left over stir fry and rice from a previous dinner... Actually, if we are really lazy and not too hungry, these make a good snack, saving room for cake or pie... ;o)