Trader Joe’s is known for its unique frozen finds, and their Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes have been flying off the shelves.
These pancakes promise the flaky, crispy texture of authentic Taiwanese scallion pancakes (also called cōng yóu bǐng), but do they deliver?
Let’s dive into the taste, texture, cooking tips, and best ways to enjoy them.
What Are Trader Joe’s Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes? Are They Worth the Hype?
These frozen pancakes are Taiwanese-style scallion pancakes, a popular street food in Taiwan and China.
Unlike regular pancakes, they’re made with a simple dough instead of batter, resulting in a layered, crispy, and chewy texture.
And here’s something I love—they’re actually made in Taiwan!
Since it’s a Taiwanese dish, having it produced there makes it feel more authentic.
You’d expect the real deal when it comes straight from Taiwan.
And honestly, these pancakes do not disappoint.
Trader Joe’s sells them in a 5-pack, making them perfect for a quick snack or meal for the family.
Plus, they’re vegan-friendly, which is a big deal because traditional scallion pancakes are often made with pork fat for extra flakiness.
Finding a version that skips the animal products while keeping the crispy layers and rich flavor is a win.
And the best part? They’re easy to prepare and taste just like the street food classic.
Taste & Texture—How Do They Compare to Authentic Scallion Pancakes?
The moment you bite into one, you’ll notice the crispy outer layer and the soft, chewy inside.
The flaky layers give them a satisfying crunch, and the green onions add a mild but flavorful onion taste.
Compared to fresh handmade scallion pancakes, Trader Joe’s Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes hold up surprisingly well.
While homemade versions might have a slightly more pronounced chew, these are still crispy, flavorful, and incredibly convenient.
How to Cook Trader Joe’s Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes for the Best Results
Getting that perfect golden crisp is easy if you follow these steps:
- No need to thaw—cook them straight from frozen.
- Use a hot non-stick pan—this helps prevent sticking and ensures an even cook.
- Add a little oil—just enough to lightly coat the pan for a crispy texture.
- Flip every 1-2 minutes—keep an eye on them and cook until both sides are golden brown.
- Serve immediately—they taste best when fresh off the pan!
Pro Tip: Want extra crispiness? Cook them on medium-high heat for the last 30 seconds on each side.
Best Ways to Eat Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes
These pancakes are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
Simple Dips & Sauces
- Soy sauce with garlic and ginger
- Chili oil for a spicy kick
- Hoisin sauce for a hint of sweetness
- Sesame oil with a splash of rice vinegar
Tasty Meal Ideas
- Breakfast-style: Top with avocado, a scrambled Just Egg, and a drizzle of sriracha. (check out my review of Just Egg!)
- Scallion pancake wrap: Fill with crispy tofu, sautéed mushrooms, and/or fresh veggies.
- Asian-style quesadilla: Add vegan cheese, kimchi, and scallions, then fold and crisp up in the pan.
- Fusion Street food-style: Roll it up with spicy cucumber salad and corn for a fresh, crunchy bite.
- Crispy base for pizza: Spread some miso or hoisin sauce, add shredded veggies, and bake for a fun fusion snack.
Are Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes Worth Buying?
Pros:
- Crispy, flaky, and full of green onion flavor
- Vegan-friendly & no artificial ingredients
- Quick & easy to cook—ready in under 5 minutes
- Great value at around $3.49 for five pancakes
Cons:
- Could be slightly oilier than homemade versions (but still less oily than restaurant versions)
- Sells out quickly at many Trader Joe’s locations
Final Verdict—A Must-Try Frozen Find!
Trader Joe’s Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes are a freezer staple for good reason.
They’re easy to cook, super versatile, and taste just like the traditional thing.
You can enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or main meal.
These crispy, flaky pancakes are worth adding to your next Trader Joe’s haul.
Have you tried these pancakes? Let me know your favorite way to eat them in the comments below.
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Did you know that “Hoisin” is Cantonese for seafood. The sauce is used for seafood and other dishes but it contains no animal products, making it vegan!
Did you know most of the kimchi are not vegan? They usually contain some kind of seafood. What I’ve realized is, vegan kimchi is just as good, without needing to harm animals as well as worry about any allergies and chemicals in the ocean.
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