Trader Joe's has built a strong reputation for offering high-quality frozen meals that are easy to prepare, delicious, and cater to various tastes and dietary needs, making it a favorite for busy individuals and families. Their commitment to using high-quality ingredients ensures that each dish is nutritious and flavorful, all at an unbeatable price. One standout product is the Ginger Shrimp Lo Mein, which promises a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The anticipation of whether this dish matches the high standards of other Trader Joe's meals adds excitement. Key elements include tender shrimp, perfectly cooked noodles, vibrant vegetables, and a well-balanced sauce. Given Trader Joe's consistent track record, there's optimism that the Ginger Shrimp Lo Mein will meet or exceed expectations, continuing the tradition of convenience and quality.
Like always, I tried to stick to the cooking instructions as best as I could, making tweaks here and there as needed. Check out the instructions above. I did have to tweak a few things. First off, I had to lower the heat from medium-high to medium. Even with a non-stick pan and some oil, the noodles started sticking, and the veggies were getting overcooked. Another hiccup was with thawing the sauce. It definitely takes more than the one minute it says on the bag. Give it a good 8-10 minutes in water to thaw properly. If you only leave it for a minute, you'll still have a frozen block. The shrimp are in the sauce pouch and they're raw, so trying to cook with frozen sauce just won't work out right.
After cooking, we are left with the finished product that you see above. I should have put something next to the bowl so that you can tell the scale of the portion but sadly I didn't. I served the lo mein in a standard sized pasta bowl and as you can see, this portion contains the full contents of the bag. The bag states that the completed contents contains three portions. Like I've seen with other Trader Joe's meals, I don't see how that's possible. This portion barely satisfied my hunger.
I appreciated the flavor of the dish. The sauce achieved a nice balance of savory and sweet, which complemented the shrimp well. The noodles had a pleasing texture and firmness, thanks to some minor adjustments I made during cooking. Ultimately, I still prefer lo mein from my local Chinese restaurant and wouldn't choose this product over takeout. However, it is a healthier option compared to local takeout, and I believe it would serve as a good alternative for anyone seeking such a substitute.
Enjoy!
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