Trader Joe’s 18 Most Popular Frozen Asian Foods
Craving takeout vibes without leaving the couch? Trader Joe’s freezer aisle delivers weeknight wins that taste far better than they have any right to.
I pulled together the most loved picks that shoppers grab on repeat, plus quick tips to make each one shine. Ready to build a fast, delicious lineup you can mix and match any night of the week?
1. Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings
These are the microwave miracle that actually feels like a tiny restaurant moment at home. The skins turn tender while the broth inside stays surprisingly rich and gingery.
Set them in a spoon, bite gently, and slurp that savory soup before finishing the dumpling.
They are best with a quick soy-vinegar dip and a dot of chili crisp. Keep a pack on hand for last-minute lunches or pre-dinner snacks.
If you want extra punch, shower with scallions, sesame oil, and a squeeze of fresh ginger juice.
2. Butter Chicken With Basmati Rice
This tray is cozy, creamy, and genuinely satisfying for a solo dinner. The tomato-butter sauce tastes round and rich, with enough spice to feel warm without overwhelming heat.
Fluff the rice halfway through heating so it steams evenly and soaks up every glossy bit.
Add a squeeze of lemon or a spoon of yogurt if you want extra brightness. Garlic naan or scallion pancakes on the side make it feel like a full spread.
It is the definition of low-effort comfort that still tastes like a proper meal.
3. Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
When you want that same soup dumpling joy but lighter, the chicken version delivers. The broth leans cleaner and gentler, with a smooth, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with black vinegar.
Microwave carefully, then rest the tray for a minute so the soup settles.
I like a mix of soy, vinegar, and ginger for dipping. Add a quick side of sautéed greens or frozen edamame and you have lunch in minutes.
They are crowd friendly, freezer friendly, and shockingly dependable for weeknights.
4. Mandarin Orange Chicken
The legend for a reason. Bake or air-fry the chicken until shatteringly crisp, then toss with the warmed sauce at the very end.
The result is sticky-citrus glaze clinging to crunchy edges that absolutely hits the takeout craving.
I add orange zest, scallions, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra lift. Serve over fried rice or plain rice, or pile into lettuce cups.
When you want a guaranteed crowd pleaser that tastes like a Friday night, this is the no-brainer pick.
5. Chicken Tikka Masala
This is the dependable classic that anchors an easy Indian-inspired night. The sauce tastes tangy, spiced, and creamy, with tender chunks of chicken that reheat well.
I like to brighten it with a squeeze of lime and a spoonful of chutney if available.
Pair with naan, roasted cauliflower, or a quick cucumber salad to balance richness. For bolder heat, swirl in chili crisp or red pepper.
It is hearty, satisfying, and perfect when you need dinner with minimal thinking but maximum comfort.
6. Vegetable Fried Rice
This is the Swiss Army knife of the freezer. It is tasty on its own and even better as a base for saucy mains.
Cook it hot in a nonstick pan with a little oil, let it sit to char slightly, then toss so you get smoky bits.
Crack in an egg, add leftover protein, or sprinkle with sesame seeds. A splash of soy and a drizzle of sesame oil finish everything.
Keep a bag around because it turns anything into a meal fast.
7. Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
These are weeknight MVPs when you want something savory and quick. Pan-fry with a little oil, add water, cover to steam, then uncover to re-crisp the bottoms.
You get that perfect contrast of chewy tops and crunchy lace around the edges.
Serve with soy, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar for a simple dip. Toss with chili oil and scallions if you prefer heat.
They play well alongside fried rice, soup, or a salad, and they disappear fast at parties.
8. Pork Gyoza Potstickers
Richer and a touch more savory than the chicken version, these bring deeper flavor. The pork filling tastes juicy with a hint of garlic and ginger.
Use the classic fry-steam-fry method so the bottoms caramelize and the tops stay tender.
I like a black vinegar dip with a few drops of sesame oil. Add chili crisp for heat or a smear of hot mustard for zing.
Great for dumpling dinner nights with a side of greens or a quick cucumber salad.
9. Shrimp Gyoza
These feel lighter yet still special, thanks to the sweet shrimp filling. Steam-pan-fry them until the bottoms pick up color and the centers are just cooked.
The delicate flavor really shines with a soy-vinegar dip and fresh grated ginger.
They pair beautifully with a crunchy salad or a bowl of miso soup. Drizzle with chili oil if you want gentle heat without overpowering the seafood.
Perfect for appetizer boards or a simple dumpling-and-rice dinner that still feels celebratory.
10. Chicken Spring Rolls
When you need crunch, these deliver immediately. Bake or air-fry until the wrappers blister and turn deeply golden.
The filling tastes savory and balanced, and the shape makes them perfect for dipping and sharing.
Serve with sweet chili sauce or a quick mix of soy, vinegar, and honey. They sit nicely next to a salad or noodles for a complete plate.
Keep a box on standby for last-minute guests, game nights, or snacky dinners.
11. Shrimp or Vegetable Shu Mai
Dim sum energy at home with almost no effort. These bite-size dumplings steam quickly and taste great with soy or chili crisp.
The wrappers stay tender while the filling stays punchy and juicy.
I like to serve a mixed platter so everyone can grab their favorite. Add a drizzle of sesame oil and shower with scallions to finish.
They make an easy starter or a light main when paired with rice, soup, or sautéed greens.
12. Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao style)
These are pure comfort, with pillowy buns and sweet-savory barbecue pork inside. Steam them until fluffy and warm all the way through.
The filling tastes nostalgic, like a hawker stall classic simplified for home.
I like to serve with a side of cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to cut the sweetness. A swipe of hoisin or chili crisp takes the flavor bigger.
They are a treat item that people rebuy because they always hit the spot.
13. Scallion Pancakes
Pan-fry these until the layers puff and the edges go brown and crisp. The flaky texture and scallion aroma make any meal feel restaurant-level.
Slice into wedges and serve with soy-vinegar and chili oil for dipping.
Top with fried eggs and chili crisp for a brunch moment. Or use wedges as a base for leftover stir-fry and quick salads.
They are endlessly versatile, freezer friendly, and elevate dumpling nights in minutes.
14. Kung Pao Chicken
When you want bolder flavor, this brings the sweet-spicy punch. The sauce clings to the chicken and veggies, with peanuts adding crunch and roasted aroma.
Heat level lands in friendly territory, but you can boost it with extra chilies.
Finish with scallions and a splash of rice vinegar for brightness. Serve over steamed rice or fold into lettuce wraps for a lighter take.
It satisfies that craving for something lively and saucy without calling for takeout.
15. Teriyaki Chicken
Reliable and kid friendly, this is the easy win. The teriyaki glaze is sweet-savory and glossy, perfect for spooning over rice.
Heat the chicken until caramelized at the edges, then add sauce so it coats without thinning out.
Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for color and crunch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and scallions finishes the bowl.
It is weeknight simplicity that still tastes complete and comforting, especially when time is tight.
16. Thai-Style Shrimp Fried Rice
When plain fried rice is not enough, this brings punchy shrimp flavor and aromatic seasonings. Cook it hot so the rice picks up wok-like char and the shrimp stay bouncy.
A squeeze of lime wakes up the savory notes and balances richness.
Add crushed peanuts or chili flakes if you want extra texture and heat. It stands alone as a quick meal, or side it with teriyaki or kung pao for variety.
Easy, satisfying, and just different enough to feel special.
17. Pad Thai
Sometimes you just need noodles now, and this gets you there fast. The sauce leans sweet-tangy with tamarind vibes, and the noodles reheat to a pleasant chew.
Add a squeeze of lime to brighten and a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
Top with crushed peanuts and extra bean sprouts if you have them. It is a satisfying solo dinner or a shareable side with dumplings.
Not restaurant-level complex, but absolutely craveable on busy nights.
18. Korean-Style Beef
Sweet-savory, saucy, and ultra satisfying, this bulgogi-style beef makes building bowls effortless. Cook until the edges caramelize, then spoon over hot rice to catch all the juices.
Add kimchi for tang and a runny egg if you want richness.
It is excellent with sautéed spinach, cucumbers, and gochujang for heat. The flavors are balanced enough for weeknights but bold enough for guests.
Think of it as the anchor for a mix-and-match Korean-inspired bowl night at home.
