Trader Joe’s is no stranger to global flavors, but its Korean-inspired lineup has quickly become a fan favorite—and for good reason.
If you’re a longtime K-drama foodie or just dipping your toes into Korean flavors, you’ll love our curated list of best Korean food. These 15 standout products offer an easy and delicious way to explore Korea’s rich culinary heritage—no plane ticket required.
Tteok Bok Ki $3.99/16 Oz
Inspired by royal Korean cuisine, Trader Joe’s frozen Tteok Bok Ki features chewy rice cakes and a bold gochujang sauce. Made in Korea, it’s quick to prepare—boiled, pan-fried, or air-fried—and pairs perfectly with a fried egg or grilled meat for a fiery, satisfying snack or meal.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 61g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 10g
- Includes 10g Added Sugars
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 1.1mg
- Potassium: 130mg
Ingredients
Rice cakes (rice, water), water, brown sugar, red pepper, soy sauce (water, fermented soybeans, salt, alcohol [to preserve]), scallions, red pepper paste (rice, tapioca syrup, hot red pepper seasoning [red pepper powder, water, salt, garlic, onion], water, salt, alcohol [to preserve]), toasted sesame seeds, modified cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, sesame oil.
Serving Suggestion
Top with a fried egg, grilled short ribs, or enjoy with a cold soju or lager for a full experience.
Beef Bulgogi $11.99/16 Oz
Trader Joe’s Beef Bulgogi brings a classic Korean favorite to your freezer. Made with thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, and fruit juices, it’s sweet, savory, and full of umami. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect over rice and pairs well with sides like Japchae, Kimchi, or Tteok Bok Ki for a quick, satisfying Korean-inspired meal.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 740mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Includes 9g Added Sugars
- Protein: 21g
- Vitamin D: 0.1mcg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 2.5mg
- Potassium: 280mg
Ingredients
Beef, water and binder product (beef, water, contains 2% or less of cornstarch, tapioca starch), water, soy sauce (water, soybean, wheat, salt), sugar, onion, pear puree (pears, ascorbic acid [to maintain color]), apple puree (apples, ascorbic acid [to maintain color]), pineapple juice (pineapple juice, ascorbic acid [to maintain color]), garlic, cornstarch, black pepper, sesame oil.
Contains: Soy, sesame, wheat.
Serving Suggestion
Serve Trader Joe’s Beef Bulgogi over a bed of steamed white rice or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a Korean BBQ-style bite. Pair with kimchi, scallion pancakes, or japchae for a full Korean meal. For extra flavor, top with sliced green onions and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
Bool Kogi $7.99 / 16 oz
A Korean BBQ staple, Trader Joe’s Bool Kogi features marinated beef strips in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce with hints of garlic and sesame. It’s a go-to choice for weeknight dinners or backyard grilling.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 13g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 23g
Ingredients
Beef, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, black pepper, onion.
Preparation Instructions
Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 7–10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Serve with rice or wrapped in lettuce.
Rice Vinegar $2.49/16.9 Fl Oz
Trader Joe’s Rice Vinegar is a versatile pantry essential perfect for dressings, marinades, or balancing flavors in Korean dishes like japchae or bibimbap.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 0
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Rice vinegar diluted with water to 4.2% acidity.
Preparation Instructions
Use as is in recipes—no preparation required. Store in a cool, dry place.
Crushed Garlic $2.49/ 8 oz
No peeling, no chopping—just ready-to-use garlic that adds bold flavor to everything from bulgogi marinades to kimchi stews.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 10
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 2g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Garlic, citric acid, water.
Preparation Instructions
Scoop out desired amount and add to sauté pans, marinades, or soup bases.
Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack $3.29/2.1 oz
This crispy snack combines seaweed with a light, crunchy tempura batter and a spicy kick. It’s great solo or as a garnish over rice and noodles.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Seaweed, rice flour, wheat flour, sunflower oil, sugar, salt, chili powder.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat out of the bag. Store in a sealed container for maximum crunch.
Toasted Sesame Oil $3.49/5 Fl Oz
A rich, nutty oil that’s essential in Korean cooking. Trader Joe’s Toasted Sesame Oil adds depth and aroma to everything from bibimbap to dipping sauces.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
100% toasted sesame oil.
Preparation Instructions
Drizzle over finished dishes or mix into sauces—best used raw to preserve flavor.
Scallion Pancake $3.49/14 oz
Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancake (Pajeon) is a crispy Korean-style flatbread layered with chopped green onions. It’s savory, slightly chewy, and perfect for dipping in soy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 35g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, scallions, soybean oil, salt, water, egg.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry from frozen in a non-stick skillet for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown.
Bulgogi Beef Fried Rice with Kimchi $5.49/16 Oz
This flavorful fried rice features bulgogi-style beef, kimchi, and vegetables for a complete, umami-rich meal straight from the freezer.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 340
- Total Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 41g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 14g
Ingredients
Cooked rice, beef, kimchi (napa cabbage, chili, garlic), soy sauce, eggs, green onions, sesame oil.
Preparation Instructions
Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 7–9 minutes or microwave for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Jumeokbap (Korean Rice Balls) $4.99/10.58 Oz
These pre-made Korean rice balls are filled with seasoned vegetables and a hint of sesame, offering a convenient, satisfying snack or lunchbox addition.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
White rice, carrots, spinach, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 1–2 minutes or steam until heated through. Serve as-is or with dipping sauce.
Korean Beefless Bulgogi $4.99/10 Oz
A plant-based twist on the classic, Trader Joe’s Korean Beefless Bulgogi is made with soy-based protein strips marinated in a sweet and savory bulgogi sauce. It delivers all the flavor without the meat.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients
Water, soy protein concentrate, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, onion, pear puree, black pepper.
Preparation Instructions
Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until browned. Serve with rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce.
Gochujang $1.99/7.05 Oz
This fermented Korean chili paste is spicy, sweet, and packed with umami. Trader Joe’s Gochujang adds instant depth to marinades, stir-fries, soups, and sauces.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 40
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 8g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Red chili powder, rice, fermented soybeans, salt, water, sweeteners.
Preparation Instructions
Use as a condiment, or stir into dishes during cooking for a spicy-sweet kick.
Japchae $3.99/14 oz
A Korean noodle stir-fry made with sweet potato glass noodles, vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. It’s naturally gluten-free and packed with umami.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Sweet potato noodles, carrots, spinach, onions, mushrooms, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave or stir-fry for 4–6 minutes until heated through. Serve as a main or side.
Gyoza Potstickers $3.49/16 oz
These juicy dumplings are filled with pork, cabbage, garlic, and ginger, wrapped in a thin dough. Steam, pan-fry, or boil for a versatile snack or meal.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 200 (per 5 pieces)
- Total Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 24g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients
Pork, cabbage, soy sauce, green onion, garlic, ginger, wheat flour.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry with water and oil, steam, or boil for 7–10 minutes until fully cooked.
Green Onions $0.99/6 Oz
Fresh and crisp, Trader Joe’s Green Onions add color and mild bite to any dish. Use as a garnish, in marinades, or stir-fried with meat or tofu.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 5 (per 1 medium stalk)
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Preparation Instructions
Wash thoroughly. Slice and use raw or cooked in stir-fries, soups, and rice dishes.
Conclusion
With these Korean favorites, Trader Joe’s brings crave-worthy flavor to your kitchen—fast, affordable, and full of heat. Stock up and enjoy a Korean-style feast anytime.
