Trader Joe’s freezer aisle is packed with Asian-inspired frozen meals, but not all are created equal. We tried 17 of the most buzzed-about options—from crispy dumplings to noodle stir-fries—and ranked them from worst to best. Some disappointed, some impressed, and one dish truly blew us away.
17. Okonomiyaki Japanese Vegetable Pancake $4.99/10.2 oz
Savory, crunchy, and unexpectedly addictive. A true hidden gem that brings Japanese street food home.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 180
- Fat 7g
- Carbs 25g
- Sodium 410mg
- Sugar 10g
- Protein 5g
- Dietary Fiber 3g
Ingredients
- Pancake (cabbage, egg, wheat flour, water, canola oil, green onion, grated Japanese yam, skipjack tuna powder, salt, kelp extract [water, kelp, salt], sugar, dried yeast extract, black pepper blend [corn flour, black pepper, rice flour], guar gum, dextrin), sauce (water, sugar, molasses, salt, tomato paste, soy sauce [soybeans, water, salt], modified cornstarch, apple puree, distilled white vinegar, onion puree, spices, yeast extract, date juice concentrate, xanthan gum, shiitake mushroom powder), dried skipjack tuna flakes.
- Contains: egg, soy, wheat, tuna.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry or air-fry until golden and crisp.
16. Jumeokbap $4.99/10.58 oz
Portable and creative, but rice can get dense and dry quickly.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 190
- Fat 2.5g
- Carbs 38g
- Sodium 460mg
- Sugar 5g
- Protein 5g
- Dietary Fiber 2g
Ingredients
- Water, rice, sauce (sugar, soy sauce [water, soybeans, wheat, salt], water, onion, salt, garlic, modified tapioca starch, black pepper powder, citric acid [to preserve]), beefless bulgogi (water, sauce [sugar, water, soy sauce {water, defatted soybean, wheat, salt}, pear puree, onion, garlic, apple puree, caramelized sugar syrup {sugar, water}, modified cornstarch, ginger, green onion extract {water, green onion, maltodextrin, salt, pectinase}, dextrin, black pepper, guar gum, xanthan gum], textured soy protein [soy protein isolate, rice flour, wheat gluten, cocoa powder], soybean oil), carrot, green onion, cabbage, onion, textured soybean protein concentrate, soybean oil, soy sauce (water, defatted soybean flakes, wheat, salt), sugar, garlic, cornstarch, sesame oil, salt, wheat gluten.
- Contains: soy, sesame, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave or air-fry for better texture.
15. Shiitake Mushroom Chicken $5.99/22 oz
A decent stir-fry with umami notes, but lacks balance between chicken and mushrooms.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 260
- Fat 12g
- Carbs 20g
- Sodium 710mg
- Sugar 5g
- Protein 18g
- Dietary Fiber 2g
Ingredients
Chicken, shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Stir-fry on medium heat.
14. Steamed Soup Dumplings (Chicken + Veg) $3.49/6 oz
Great broth center, but wrappers tear easily. The chicken edges out the vegetable slightly in flavor.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 250
- Fat 7g
- Carbs 29g
- Sodium 610mg
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 16g
- Dietary Fiber 1g
Ingredients
- Filling: chicken, water, gelatin, autolyzed yeast extract, chicken flavored powder (yeast extract, natural flavor, salt), sea salt, onion, green onion, soy sauce (water, soybean, wheat, salt), ginger, cooking rice wine (water, alcohol, salt), sesame oil, soybean oil, sea salt, white pepper. dough: enriched wheat flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, wheat flour, modified tapioca starch, sea salt, soybean oil.
- Contains: soy, sesame, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave in tray or steam in basket.
13. Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons $3.49/12 oz
Light and bright flavor with cilantro and garlic. Versatile enough for soup, snacks, or stir-fry.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 50
- Fat 0.5g
- Carbs 9g
- Sodium 150mg
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 3g
- Dietary Fiber 1g
Ingredients
- Filling: chicken, cabbage, bean thread (water, sweet potato starch, carrageenan, salt), onion, green onion, cilantro, soybean flour, water, soy sauce (water, wheat, soybean, salt), sugar, garlic, salt, black pepper. dough: wheat flour, water, soybean oil, salt.
- Contains: wheat, soy.
Preparation Instructions
Boil, steam, or pan-fry.
12. Bulgogi Beef (includes fried rice & regular version) $5.49/16 oz
Sweet, salty, and rich Korean-style marinated beef—great with added veggies or kimchi.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 680
- Fat 18g
- Carbs 103g
- Sodium 1960mg
- Sugar 11g
- Protein 19g
- Dietary Fiber 5g
Ingredients
- Seasoned cooked rice (cooked rice [water, rice], sauce [soy sauce {water, soybeans, wheat, salt}, sugar, sesame oil, sea salt, canola oil, water, granulated garlic, dehydrated onion, seasoning {natural flavoring, maltodextrin}, molasses, red pepper powder (red pepper, salt), seasoning {sunflower oil, natural flavor}, black pepper, xanthan gum], canola oil), stir-fried vegetables (green cabbage, kimchi [napa cabbage, chili pepper, cayenne pepper, carrot, garlic, green onion, cane sugar, onion, sea salt, ginger], onion, canola oil, garlic), beef, water and potato starch product (beef, sugar, water, garlic puree, soy sauce [water, soybeans, wheat, salt], toasted sesame oil, less than 2% of potato starch, onion juice concentrate, lemon juice concentrate, vinegar, sea salt, grill flavor [tapioca dextrin, salt, grill flavor {from sunflower oil}, smoke flavor, silicon dioxide], flavoring, black pepper), green onion, green beans.
- Contains: soy, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Sear in a hot pan.
11. Chicken Chow Mein $4.49/20 oz
Saucy and soft noodles with tender chicken. Tastes like takeout, though a bit bland without seasoning.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 310
- Fat 9g
- Carbs 45g
- Sodium 670mg
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 15g
- Dietary Fiber 3g
Ingredients
Wheat noodles, chicken, cabbage, soy sauce.
Preparation Instructions
Sauté in skillet for 5–7 minutes.
10. Thai Vegetable Gyoza $4.79/16 oz
Gingery and flavorful dumplings—great pan-fried or steamed.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 160
- Fat 4.5g
- Carbs 25g
- Sodium 300mg
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 3g
- Dietary Fiber 2g
Ingredients
- FIlling: white cabbage, carrot, chive, white radish, green onion, onion, ginger, garlic, soy sauce (soybeans, wheat, salt, alcohol, water), wheat flour, wheat starch, corn flour, soybean oil, sesame oil, sugar, salt, pepper, vegetable powder (onion, cabbage, carrot, spring onion, maltodextrin [corn], salt). dough: unbleached wheat flour, tapioca starch, water, palm oil.
- Contains: soy, wheat, sesame.
Preparation Instructions
Steam or pan-fry until golden.
9. Pork Gyoza Potstickers $3.99/16 oz
Juicy pork filling with crispy edges when pan-fried right. A freezer MVP.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 200 (per 5 pcs)
- Fat 7g
- Carbs 26g
- Sodium 550mg
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 8g
- Dietary Fiber 2g
Ingredients
Pork, cabbage, soy sauce, garlic, flour.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry in oil and add water to steam.
8. Shrimp Noodle Rolls $3.99/9.88 oz
Delicate and flavorful with sweet soy drizzle. Can be tricky to reheat.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 120
- Fat 3.0g
- Carbs 19g
- Sodium 250mg
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 3g
- Dietary Fiber <1g
Ingredients
- Dim sum style noodle (water, potato starch, rice flour, tapioca starch, soybean oil, cornstarch, salt), filling (seasoned mixed vegetables [carrot, jicama, onion, shallot, soybean oil, wheat flour, ginger, garlic, coriander leaf, spring onion, sugar, tapioca starch, soy sauce {water, soybean, wheat flour, salt}, black pepper, salt], marinated shrimp [cooked shrimp {shrimp, water, salt, sodium bicarbonate, citric acid (acidifier), sodium citrate}, garlic, sugar, soybean oil, shallot, salt, paprika oleoresin {color}]).
- Contains: soy, wheat, shrimp.
May contain: sesame.
Preparation Instructions
Steam for best texture.
7. Vegetable Fried Rice $2.99/16 oz
Reliable, customizable base for any meal. Great solo or with a protein boost.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 230
- Fat 2.5g
- Carbs 45g
- Sodium 510mg
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 6g
- Dietary Fiber 3g
Ingredients
- Cooked rice (rice, water), carrots, edamame (soybeans), corn, green peas, leeks, red bell peppers, soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt), sweet cooking rice wine (water, mirin [water, rice, alcohol, salt, koji {aspergillus oryzae}], sugar, lactic acid), contains 2% or less of canola oil, sugar, onions, seaweed extract (water, kelp extract, dextrin, alcohol, salt, xanthan gum), salt, sesame oil.
- Contains: soy, wheat, sesame.
Preparation Instructions
Sauté in pan with oil.
6. Vegetable Biryani with Vegetable Dumplings $2.99/10 oz
Aromatic Indian rice with rich spiced dumplings. Balanced and bold.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 210
- Fat 6g
- Carbs 36g
- Sodium 690mg
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 5g
- Dietary Fiber 6g
Ingredients
- Cooked basmati rice (water, basmati rice), onions, whole wheat flour, green peas, cabbage, red bell peppers, lima beans, canola and/or sunflower oil, cauliflower, carrots, spices, garlic, salt, sugar, raisins, cashews, cilantro, green chili, citric acid (acidulant), turmeric (spice and color), sodium bicarbonate, mint.
- Contains: wheat, cashew.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave or stir-fry.
5. Garlic Shiitake Green Beans $2.69/10.58 oz
Umami-loaded and garlicky. A savory side dish worth repeating.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 70
- Fat 2.0g
- Carbs 11g
- Sodium 390mg
- Sugar 5g
- Protein 2g
- Dietary Fiber 4g
Ingredients
- Green beans, garlic shiitake sauce (shiitake sauce [soy sauce {brine (water, salt), soybean, millet, sorghum, black rice, water, sugar}, sugar, shiitake mushroom, water, tapioca starch, salt], garlic, water, soybean oil, black pepper, salt).
- Contains: soy.
may contain: sesame, coconut.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave or pan-sauté.
4. Chicken Karaage $6.49/18.97 oz
Japanese fried chicken with a crisp finish and soy-citrus flavor. Underrated star.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 340
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 25g
- Sodium 730mg
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 15g
- Dietary Fiber 0g
Ingredients
- Crispy seasoned chicken
boneless skinless chicken leg meat, water, soybean oil, wheat flour, cornstarch, modified tapioca starch, corn meal, sea salt, sugar, soy protein concentrate (soy protein concentrate, soy lecithin), natural flavors, yeast extract, salted mirin [sake (water, rice, koji [aspergillus oryzae]), sugar, water, salt, yeast extract], soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt), white wine vinegar, sodium bicarbonate, garlic powder, ginger powder, black pepper, eggs, rosemary powder. - Sauce
water, canola oil, salted egg yolk (egg yolks, salt), modified food starch, rice vinegar, malt vinegar, salt, tomato concentrate, sugar, enzyme modified egg yolk (egg yolks, phospholipase), gum arabic, spice, yeast, garlic powder, xanthan gum. - Contains egg, soy, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Air-fry or bake until crisp.
3. Japchae Korean Glass Noodles & Vegetable Stir Fry $3.49/10.05 oz
Sweet-savory noodle dish with bounce and flavor. Even better with added tofu or beef.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 190
- Fat 6g
- Carbs 34g
- Sodium 560mg
- Sugar 7g
- Protein 1g
- Dietary Fiber 2g
Ingredients
- Cooked sweet potato glass noodles (water, sweet potato, soy sauce [water, fermented soybeans, salt, ethyl alcohol], brown cane sugar, sesame oil, expeller pressed canola oil),
onion, spinach, carrot, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion oil (expeller pressed canola oil, onion). - contains soy.
Preparation Instructions
Sauté or microwave.
2. Chao Tôm (Shrimp Paste on Sugarcane) $5.49/9.88 oz
A bold Vietnamese-inspired shrimp treat. Unique, sweet-savory flavor with excellent chew.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 130
- Fat 6g
- Carbs 11g
- Sodium 720mg
- Sugar 7g
- Protein 8g
- Dietary Fiber 3g
Ingredients
- Cooked sweet potato glass noodles (water, sweet potato, soy sauce [water, fermented soybeans, salt, ethyl alcohol], brown cane sugar, sesame oil, expeller pressed canola oil),
onion, spinach, carrot, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion oil (expeller pressed canola oil, onion). - Contains: soy.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry or air-fry.
1. Mandarin Orange Chicken $4.99/22 oz
This fan favorite has its loyalists, but it can be overly sweet and sticky with uneven texture if not baked just right.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 320
- Fat 16g
- Carbs 24g
- Sodium 330mg
- Sugar 6g
- Protein 21g
- Dietary Fiber 1g
Ingredients
- Battered chicken dark meat chunks:
(chicken dark meat, water, corn starch, flour [unbleached enriched wheat flour, barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], whole eggs, vegetable oil, salt, white pepper, green onion, garlic, ginger) - Sauce:
(sugar, water, vinegar, light soy sauce [soybean, water, salt, wheat flour], modified food starch, dark soy sauce [soybean, water, straw mushroom extractives, salt, wheat flour], garlic, green onions, ginger, white pepper, sake, mandarin orange peel, orange juice, red chile), soybean oil.
Preparation Instructions
Best when baked and tossed in sauce after heating.
Conclusion
While some frozen meals just get the job done, others are worth savoring—and in Trader Joe’s freezer aisle, it pays to be picky. Whether you’re reaching for a veggie-packed noodle bowl or venturing into bold new flavors like shrimp paste on sugarcane, these frozen finds offer plenty of reasons to skip takeout. Just maybe leave the orange chicken for the die-hard fans.
