Trader Joe's really knows how to keep me curious. I'll walk in for milk and bananas, and somehow I walk out with… rice triangles. Yep, these little Jumeokbap Korean Rice Balls caught my eye in the freezer section, and there was no way I was leaving without them. They looked too fun not to try.
What's in the Bag
You get three individually wrapped rice balls in each package. They're triangles, not fists (the word "jumeok" means "fist rice"), but let's not get picky-it's still a ball of rice you can eat with your hands, and that's fun enough for me.
Inside, they're stuffed with bulgogi-style filling, some veggies, and a light seasoning that leans a little sweet. Each one is about the size of a generous snack-definitely not a whole meal unless you eat all three.
Cooking Experience
The package says you can microwave them, and yes, it works. But if you want a little extra magic, give them a quick sear in a pan after microwaving.
The outside crisps up, and suddenly they feel more special than just "frozen rice in a triangle." I tried one both ways, and let me tell you-crispy wins every time.
At my house, the rice triangles caused a small debate. My daughter looked at me like I was trying to trick her into eating alien food. She poked one, shrugged, and finally took a bite.
My son, on the other hand, was way too excited to hold a triangle of rice in his hand. He stuffed the whole thing in his mouth like it was a competition. I had to laugh-these little guys turned into dinner entertainment.
Flavor and Texture
The rice is sticky in the best way-it holds together when you pick it up, but still feels soft and tender when you bite in. The filling has that savory-sweet bulgogi vibe, though I found it just a touch sweeter than I usually like.
The veggies give it a little crunch, but the overall flavor is pretty mild. That's not a bad thing-it makes them a perfect canvas for dipping sauces. Soy sauce, chili crisp, sriracha… these rice balls are basically begging for a little accessorizing.
My Honest Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fun little snack that feels different from anything else in the freezer aisle
- Individually wrapped, so you can grab one at a time
- Sticky rice texture is on point
- Super easy-ready in just a couple minutes
Cons:
- More of a snack than a meal
- Filling leans a little sweet for my taste
- Can fall apart if you're too rough with them
Final Verdict
Trader Joe's Jumeokbap isn't going to fill you up for dinner, but it's a unique snack that I'll happily keep in my freezer for those "I just need something quick" moments. Add a drizzle of soy sauce or some chili crisp, and they go from good to "hey, this is actually kind of addictive."
Would I buy them again? Yes. Not every week, but definitely when I want something different and fun. I'd give them a solid 8 out of 10-points for creativity, convenience, and kid-approved entertainment value.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
Similar Products
If you like these, you might also enjoy:
- Costco Bibigo kimchi rice balls
- Trader Joe's Kimbap - another freezer gem, this time rolled in seaweed.
- Trader Joe's Japanese Fried Rice - my go-to when I want rice but don't want to cook.
- Trader Joe's Beefless Bulgogi - the same bulgogi flavor, but ready to toss into stir-fries or over rice.
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