3 SIMPLE MEALS FROM TRADER JOE’S
Do you have a handful of grocery stores that you normally shop with when it’s that time to load up on food items? Depending on what I’m cooking, I will definitely drive to a few different stores to purchase certain brand or specialty food items.
Trader Joe’s is definitely at the top of my list! Not only because of the organic options, (I really love their produce selection) but for their in-store brand specialty items.
There are times throughout the week that I’m just fresh out of ideas on what to cook. Although food delivery is an option, you all know that adds up! Plus, I just believe nothing beats a fresh home cooked meal, especially with what the world is currently facing.
Here’s a look at 3 meals that are pretty quick, easy, and a bit of a take-out alternative. These are all my top go-to options when shopping with Trader Joe’s!
Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina
This is a mixture of frozen gnocchi (small flour dumplings) and frozen flying-saucer-shaped chunks of sauce.
I must say, this dish is pretty darn good to be a frozen meal! You have the option to cook via microwave or stovetop. I’ve cooked it both ways. My decision normally depends on what kind of time I have, but I would prefer to cook it via stovetop. To me it just feels more authentic that way! Initially I thought I would need to add a little more garlic, salt, and pepper to the pre-made sauce, but no ma’am! It’s perfect as is.
Adding a few garnishments like mozzarella or parmesan cheese with a little fresh basil is always a nice touch!
Mandarin Orange Chicken & Vegetable Fried Rice
I paired these items together in a more traditional way since I was craving take-out and also a little pressed for time. There are so many other ways that you can have the Mandarin chicken— with noodles and snow peas, on top of pizza, or even with the fried rice as a burrito!
KITCHEN SINK STIR FRY
This is probably one of my favorite meals to prepare with Trader Joe’s items hands down! This meal was inspired by Ryan Shepard of Brown Sugar + Bourbon. After seeing her prepare this dish, I just had to try it for myself!
The meal consists of Trader Joe’s sirloin steak tips, red + yellow peppers, and onions over a bed of brown rice. I topped everything off with blistered shishito peppers, chopped green onions, cilantro, and Chili Onion Crunch! Let me know in the comments if you’d like a post of the full recipe.
When was the last time you’ve been to Trader Joe’s? With convenient meals like these, I find myself still being able to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal regardless of how simple it was to make!
