For about a month, I've been putting together a list of the worst things I've had from Trader Joe's. If this wasn't seasonal, it would make the list. How bad was it? Well, the conversation in my household went something like this:
"How was lunch, honey?" my husband asked me.
"I'm making a new one," I responded.
"Why?" he inquired.
"This was the biggest Trader No's I've had in a while." "Seriously?" "Seriously."
Taste
Not since the Beef Cabbage Rolls and the Carrot Cake Spread did I feel such instant negativity.
I usually like all things Asian-inspired at Trader Joe's. There are honestly a few things I disliked.
And then I had this box.
Now, when I saw these, I thought these were the replacement for the Shrimp and Salmon Trio of last year which was pretty good.
But Trader Joe's likes to mix things up from time to time. Since the previously mentioned item was pretty good, I didn't hesitate to pick these up.
I mean, I like the Lemongrass Chicken Stix, so why wouldn't I like these?
Well for starters, for two things that are supposed to taste different, the feeling seemed very similar. It was the same notes of shrimp and spice.
But the wontons were overpoweringly lemongrass-y. I felt like I was chomping on the herb itself. Then there was a problem with cooking the wonton. They were cooked on either end but managed to be soft on the equator-like line that developed when you flip over food.
And then there were the shrimp rolls, while shrimp was up there in the filling ingredients, the flavor was buried under all the other flavors. As an added detractor, these seemed fishier than usual. I know shrimp is shrimp, but it didn't have that familiar freshness to it.
So these were three-note appetizers: fishy, spicy, and greasy. All the kiss of death in my book. Even though I didn't have breakfast and was starving by the time I cracked into these, I had no desire to push myself beyond eating one of each. That was even a stretch.
I managed to have one of each, before returning them to their rightful place: in the trash can.
And while some form of sauce is pictured here, it's only a serving suggestion. There is no sauce that would bring some balance to these.
Overall
For $4.99 this was probably my least favorite appetizer I've tried this year.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product photos
The box of Trader Joe's Spicy Shrimp Appetizer Duo:
Calories
Ingredients
Directions
After being cooked you get:
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The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Spicy Shrimp Appetizer Duo
Product Name: Trader Joe's Spicy Shrimp Appetizer Duo
Product Description: Lemongrass shrimp wontons and Kung Pao Shrimp Rolls
Price: $4.99
Currency: USD
Availability: Discontinued
Summary
Trader Joe's Spicy Shrimp Appetizer Duo is a dozen shrimp filled appetizers
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Another quick appetizer in the freezer section
- They do look pretty
Cons
- Overwhelming flavor of lemongrass
- Shrimp was lacking
Alek says
WOW! That is pretty bad. Maybe if they could use the lemongrass in a dipping sauce that would came in this pack. I bet it will not make a comeback next time. Maybe if they just used whole shrimp marinated and wrapped it in wonton skin. That would be better.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! Some appetizers are better off scrapped and attempted. Last years seafood trio was pretty good, I'm not sure why the messed with it in the first place. It's always so odd what comes back and what doesn't. Anyways, thanks as always for taking the time to stop by and share!
Dag says
I so completely agree with you. These were a huge disappointment and you hit the nail on the head - they are greasy, fishy and way to lemongrassy. And a sauce would have at least balanced some of the flavor as you said. I am just so depressed about the appetizers this year so far. Major pout!
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! I feel the same way, but at least some of the classics are back on shelves, but I love my appetizers. Better luck next year I guess... Thanks so much for sharing!
AJ says
Oh no! I hate when food is a disappointment!
becomebetty says
Hey AJ! You and me both! I really want to like everything and sometimes there are just duds.Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and share!
Andrea says
These were horrible in exactly the way that you described. Unfortunately, I had already purchased them before you reviewed them....but had the advantage of your review before eating them. One bite of each was enough for me, I commend you for actually eating one of each!
becomebetty says
Hey Andrea! Sorry I couldn't review this sooner. I'm also really sorry to hear you had the same experience that I did. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on these!