Are you a fan of Korean cuisine and always on the lookout for tasty vegan options?
I have one to share with you…Trader Joe’s Beefless Bulgogi Jumeokbap.
I’ll give you a complete rundown on these Korean-style rice balls.
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What is Jumeokbap?
Jumeok-bap (주먹밥), literally means “fist rice.”
They are traditional Korean rice balls, typically made by hand.
These versatile snacks are enjoyed by Koreans as a quick meal, during picnics, or as a convenient snack.
In the past, jumeokbap was a common food item in Korea among farmers and travelers due to its portability and ability to provide nourishment on long journeys.
They can be filled with various ingredients, making them a popular choice for their versatility, simplicity, and deliciousness.
According to Trader Joe’s, “Traditionally, jumeokbap are spherical, reflecting the shape of a closed fist. Trader Joe’s jumeokbap are a little more pyramidal, making them a kind of vegan mashup of jumeokbap and Japanese onigiri.”
So what is Japanese onigiri?
Jumeokbap vs Onigiri
While jumeokbap and onigiri are both types of rice balls popular in Korean and Japanese cuisines, respectively, they have distinct differences.
- Shape: Traditionally, jumeokbap are spherical, reflecting the shape of a closed fist. In contrast, onigiri are often shaped into triangles or cylinders.
- Filling: Both can be filled with a variety of ingredients. jumeokbap typically contains seasoned rice mixed with vegetables or proteins. Onigiri often has a filling at its center, such as pickled plum, salted salmon, or other savory ingredients, and is usually wrapped in nori (seaweed).
- Flavoring: The rice in jumeokbap is typically seasoned with sesame oil, giving it a nutty aroma and umami flavor. On the other hand, the rice in onigiri is mixed with sugar and vinegar, imparting a slightly sweet and tangy taste to complement its fillings.
- Presentation: Jumeokbap is usually simple in presentation, often just the rice mixture itself. Onigiri, with its nori wrapping and distinct shapes, tends to have a more structured appearance.
Now we know the differences, let’s go into Trader Joe’s jumeokbap
Product Overview
- Product Name: Trader Joe’s Beefless Bulgogi Jumeokbap
- Description: Vegan rice balls filled with plant-based beefless bulgogi and vegetables.
- Category: Frozen foods
- Features:
- Plant-based and vegan-friendly
- Inspired by Korean cuisine
- Convenient and easy to prepare
- Filled with flavorful bulgogi-style filling and mixed vegetables
- Each rice ball is individually wrapped for convenient single servings
- Price: $4.99 per bag (contains 3 rice balls)
Review
- Taste: It has a mild flavor, making it a versatile base. One may want to serve it with soy sauce, sriracha, or hot sauce for added zest. Personally, I prefer food on the plainer side, so I appreciate its subtle flavor profile.
- Texture: The rice is perfectly sticky, holding the beefless bulgogi and vegetables together. The plant-based bulgogi is also very settled and blends well with the rest of the ingredients.
- Convenience: These rice balls are incredibly easy to prepare. Simply heat one rice ball in the microwave for 1 minute and 20 seconds, and they’re ready to enjoy. Each package contains 3 rice balls, so you can decide if you want to enjoy a snack or a meal.
- Ingredients:
WATER, RICE, SAUCE (SUGAR, SOY SAUCE [WATER, SOYBEANS, WHEAT, SALT], WATER, ONION, SALT, GARLIC, MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH, BLACK PEPPER POWDER, CITRIC ACID [TO PRESERVE]), BEEFLESS BULGOGI (WATER, SAUCE [SUGAR, WATER, SOY SAUCE {WATER, DEFATTED SOYBEAN, WHEAT, SALT}, PEAR PUREE, ONION, GARLIC, APPLE PUREE, CARAMELIZED SUGAR SYRUP {SUGAR, WATER}, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, GINGER, GREEN ONION EXTRACT {WATER, GREEN ONION, MALTODEXTRIN, SALT, PECTINASE}, DEXTRIN, BLACK PEPPER, GUAR GUM, XANTHAN GUM], TEXTURED SOY PROTEIN [SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE, RICE FLOUR, WHEAT GLUTEN, COCOA POWDER], SOYBEAN OIL), CARROT, GREEN ONION, CABBAGE, ONION, TEXTURED SOYBEAN PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, SOYBEAN OIL, SOY SAUCE (WATER, DEFATTED SOYBEAN FLAKES, WHEAT, SALT), SUGAR, GARLIC, CORNSTARCH, SESAME OIL, SALT, WHEAT GLUTEN.
CONTAINS SOY, SESAME, WHEAT. - Nutritional Facts:
SERVING SIZE: 1 pack(100g)
CALORIES PER SERVING: 190
You can find more details on Trader Joe’s site.
NOTE on Trader Joe's website: Since posting, the details of this item may have changed due to fluctuating market prices, federal regulations, currency rates, drought, bandits, rush hour traffic, filibusters, zombie apocalypse, punctilious product developers...Contact our Crew for current price and availability
What is Bulgogi?
Bulgogi is a traditional Korean dish that consists of thinly sliced marinated beef, typically grilled or stir-fried. The marinade often includes soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper, giving the meat a deliciously savory and slightly sweet flavor. It’s commonly served with rice and various side dishes. It is a very popular dish in Korean BBQ restaurants and traditional restaurants in the United States.
What is Trader Joe’s Beefless Bulgogi made of?
Trader Joe’s Beefless Bulgogi is a plant-based alternative to traditional bulgogi. It’s made from textured soy protein, which mimics the texture to beef. The product is marinated in the same savory-sweet sauce of that captures the classic flavors of bulgogi. It’s a great vegan option for those looking to enjoy the taste of Korean cuisine without harming animals.
As Vegan Van Lifers
As vegan van lifers, we love having these rice balls in our freezer.
They are a simple yet healthy snack that is perfect for life on the move.
Another must-try product from Trader Joe’s for a healthy snack on the go is their Kimbap (Korean sushi).
Costco also has a vegan Kimbap product and I have an article comparing it with Trader Joe’s Kimbap. Take a look if you want to find the best vegan Kimbap.
Whether I need a quick meal or a satisfying snack, these options are my go-to choices.
Suggestions for Serving
These rice balls can be enjoyed on their own or paired with dipping sauces like soy sauce, spicy mayo or traditional Korean gochujang.
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They also make a great addition to a bento box or served alongside other Korean side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Beefless Bulgogi Jumeokbap is a must-try for anyone who loves Korean food or is looking for convenient vegan snacks.
With their Korean flavor and ease of preparation, these rice balls are sure to be a must in your freezer.
They offer simple bliss and delicious convenience that you can enjoy at home or on the go.
And did you know? These are made in Korea! I love that I can taste the authentic flavor!
Challenge
Do you feel adventurous? You can make Cuban-style rice balls. Here’s the plant-based meat dish, stir it into the turmeric steamed rice. With the rice mixture in your hand, make a fist and form the traditional round rice ball. Voila!
Let me know if you’ve made your own style of rice balls below in the comments. I would love to know your adventurous side.
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