Who knew a frozen pancake could bring this much joy? Trader Joe's Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes are my latest freezer obsession. They're crispy, flaky, and perfect for when I want a snack that's almost like the real deal but without the late-night Uber Eats regret. These have all the good stuff: layers, green onion, a hint of oil, and are as versatile as that black dress hanging in the back of your closet.
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Review
Trader Joe's Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes come in a pack of five, each separated by wax paper for easy handling. Made in Taiwan, these pancakes are crafted from a simple dough of unbleached wheat flour, water, scallions, coconut oil, and leavening agents. At approximately 7 inches in diameter, they're substantial enough to serve as a snack, appetizer, or even the base of a meal.
Okay, confession time: I wasn't sure how a frozen pancake could measure up to the real deal. But Trader Joe's Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes? They actually surprised me in the best way possible.
First off, the packaging is no-nonsense: five pancakes stacked with wax paper between them-no frills, no drama. They're about the size of a small dinner plate, and you don't even need to thaw them. Just toss one into a hot, oiled pan and let the magic happen.
Once it hits the skillet, that dough starts to transform. You get this satisfying sizzle, and in just a few minutes, the pancake goes from frozen disc to crispy, flaky goodness that's golden brown and begging to be devoured. The texture is seriously impressive for something that's been living in your freezer-crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and loaded with flaky layers that make every bite a treat.
Flavor-wise, the green onion is there, but it's not super punchy. If you're expecting it to be like biting into a bouquet of scallions, you might want to dial your expectations down a bit. That said, it's mild enough to work as a canvas for all sorts of toppings or dips. Want to level it up? A splash of soy sauce, a sprinkle of chili oil, or even a smear of hoisin sauce takes it to a whole new level.
One thing to know: these pancakes can get a little greasy. Not deep-fried donut greasy, but enough that you might want to drain them on a paper towel before digging in. Still, that oil is part of what gives them that irresistible flakiness, so I'm not complaining too much.
Compared to a restaurant scallion pancake or a homemade version? Sure, they're not quite as thick or as deeply layered, but for a freezer find, they're shockingly close. And let's be real-on a weeknight when I'm too tired to cook, these are a crispy, satisfying snack that totally hits the spot.
The most similar product in terms of texture that I can compare this to is Trader Joe's Malabari Paratha. It had similar layers but was quite different in terms of taste.
And did I mention how big these are? One would make a nice snack if not a meal along with some fried rice.
A quick comparison
So if you are saying to yourself, "doesn't Trader Joe's already sells a scallion pancake in the freezer already?" They do. Trader Joe's sells both this and Pa Jeon which is a Korean scallion pancake. This is Cong You Bing which is made from dough as opposed to the Korean pancake which is made from batter.
Pa Jeon is eggier in taste and this scallion pancake is made up of several flaky layers of crisp dough on the outside and a tender inside.
Which one is better to buy? I prefer this, however, both are totally solid choices in the freezer section to which I recommend both.
How to Serve
The directions are vague at best here and rely on the home user to eyeball it. So below are my recommendations for cooking this properly
Stovetop: Heat a teaspoon of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Place the frozen pancake in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Air Fryer:Preheat the air fryer to 400F. While it is preheating, quarter your pancakes. This step reduces cooking time as the surface area is reduced. Place in air fryer basket. Cook for 4-6 minutes until the outside is golden brown.
The layers become more pronounced this way, but this way tastes less greasy. In my onion, air fry was better than pan fry.
Dipping Sauces
If you enjoy this then feel free to use soy sauce or some gyoza dipping sauce to enhance this further. My favorite Chinese restaurant used to use a bit of peanut butter with soy, rice vinegar, sesame oil, scallions, and some sesame seeds to dip theirs in.
Creative Uses
- Breakfast Wrap: Use as a base for scrambled eggs, avocado, and hot sauce.
- Asian Quesadilla: Fill with cheese, kimchi, and scallions, then fold and crisp in the pan
- Mini Pizzas: Top with hoisin sauce, shredded veggies, and bake until bubbly.
- Dipping Delight: Cut into wedges and serve with soy-ginger dipping sauce or chili oil.
FAQs about Trader Joe's Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes
Yes, these pancakes are vegan-friendly.
Yes, they are made with wheat flour and are not gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes are a delightful addition to any freezer. Their authentic texture and versatility make them suitable for various meals, from quick snacks to creative dishes. While the flavor is on the milder side, they serve as an excellent base for your favorite toppings and sauces. Given their convenience and quality, they're a must-try for any food enthusiast.
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Trader Joe's Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes
Product Name: Trader Joe's Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes
Product Description: Trader Joe's Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes are new and noteworthy in the freezer section.
Price: $2.49
Currency: USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Summary
Trader Joe's Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes is a new and noteworthy addition to the freezer aisle.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- A very well-done Scallion pancake
- Flavorful on its own and doesn't need anything added to be enjoyed
Cons
- Packaging could be made to be resealable.
EllenLV says
Thanks Brenda, I will get these, you have never steered me wrong.
Ricky Jones says
These are my fav new item at trader Joe's. I went threw so many packs already. You are in for a treat.
A lot of carbs per piece tho is the only bad thing
Alek says
Great idea for crouton topping. Airfry then cut into squares
Melissa says
They come 5 to a package, not 4. An even better value!
becomebetty says
You are correct Melissa. I'll make the correction.
Plinio says
Any idea why it can't be found anymore? Has it been discontinued ?
Jodi says
No! They were delayed on a ship! I just got some, but had been waiting for 2 months!
Denis says
"In my onion, air fry was better than pan fry." I saw what you did there. lol
becomebetty says
Thanks for pointing out the typo, I'll have to go into the post and fix it.
y R says
MY trader joes doesn't have these
becomebetty says
These have been in and out of stock more often then not. I know it has been spotty at my local store too.
Roxanne says
They are fantastic! I prepare in a very lightly oiled cast iron pan, med high heat until both sides are brown and crispy. The chewy, crispy and layers are satisfying. Lately, I have been enjoying by itself as a snack, but often prepare the as an accompaniment to a vegetable stir fry. At your mention, I will next try them with a dipping sauce. I keep 1-3 packages in the freezer always!
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Roxanne!
Bonnee says
I was intrigued by the opening statement of your review which stated: "So if savory pancakes are your thing, then you are in luck. "
Truthfully?
Mine would read as follows: "So if bland and flavorless pancakes are your thing, then you are in luck."
I was so happy to try this but ended up incredibly disappointed once I tried one. If there are onions (of any type) in these pancakes they are invisible to the taste. Yes, I see some green (even after dismantling one because it was so flavorless) but cannot imagine that they were not dried.
And no matter what other things I tried to enhance the taste -- they were (and are) tasteless...
I have had them in my freezer now for months and seeing no way in which they can be redeemed decided today to toss them.
You win some.
You lose some.
These were like vanilla ice cream without the vanilla. (Puzzling and disconcerting to say the least.)
I am glad I tried them but will not be buying them again.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing!