Everyone has their favorite products at Trader Joe’s. For me, that means making a monthly pilgrimage to the only store in my city to ensure my household is stocked with frozen hot wings for my selective child and frozen Japanese-Style Fried Rice for the rest of the family. The convenience of having several bags of this fully cooked rice in my freezer provides me with peace of mind, knowing that even if the day takes an unexpected turn, we can still enjoy a timely dinner together.
Trader Joe’s Japanese-Style Fried Rice stands out from the typical fried rice offerings. Instead of the usual peas and carrots, this version features edamame, slivers of hijiki seaweed, carrot strips, and fried tofu bits. The rice is seasoned with soy sauce and mirin, a Japanese rice wine commonly used in cooking, eliminating the need for additional seasoning.
Preparing this dish is a breeze. Simply heat it in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave, and you have a complete meal at your fingertips – starch, protein, and vegetables all in one.
While the fried rice is satisfying on its own, I often use it as a base to create more elaborate dishes throughout the week to keep our weeknight dinners varied and engaging.
Enhancing the flavor: To add depth to the dish, I like to drizzle a bit of sesame oil, chili crisp, and sliced scallions, complementing the existing flavors.
Incorporating eggs: Some nights, I serve the rice with a fried egg on top or mix scrambled eggs into the cooked rice for added protein.
Creating a bowl: Transform the fried rice into a bowl meal by topping it with grilled chicken or steak strips, or roasted salmon.
Adding vegetables: Boost the vegetable content by mixing in sautéed spinach or bok choy, providing additional nutrition and texture to the dish.
Whether used as a foundational element for dinner or enjoyed as the main course, the affordability of this product, priced at under $4 per bag, makes it a versatile and budget-friendly option for any household.
This article was originally published on Southern Living.
