The $3.99 Trader Joe’s Freezer Find I Can’t Stop Eating

Trader Joe’s is known for its frozen, ready-to-eat meals, and I’ve found so many great meals, snacks, and more in their bountiful freezers.

One of my all-time favorites, which I buy every time I visit Trader Joe’s, is the Cuban-Style Citrus Garlic Bowl.

Why I Love Trader Joe’s Cuban-Style Citrus Garlic Bowl

Whenever I visit my folks in Florida, I try to go to some of the authentic Cuban restaurants near their condo. Since I don’t get down there more than once a year, this bowl from Trader Joe’s reminds me of my travels.

The bowl comes in a single-serving package (11 ounces) and costs only $3.99.  It starts with turmeric-cooked, long-grain rice and is topped with hearty chunks of chicken, sweet plantains, black beans, and diced red peppers. The whole thing is seasoned with garlic, onion, ginger, cilantro, and citrus juices.

These bowls have a savory yet tangy flavor. It’s not quite as good as an authentic Cuban meal, but it’s close enough for a workday lunch.

When I’m in the middle of a writing project or three, I love going down to my freezer, grabbing a bowl, and heating it in the microwave for about three minutes, and lunch is served. I will sometimes add some frozen peas or Trader Joe’s frozen plantains. It makes for a satisfying and delicious meal, and I can stay focused on my work.

My 15-year-old son also thinks it makes a perfect lunch, and he sometimes takes one to school, heating it in the cafeteria’s microwave. “This is way, way better than what the school serves,” he’s told me. They’re also cheaper than a school lunch, which I appreciate.

When I don’t have time for dinner, I heat three bowls and make a bagged salad for my family, and it costs less than what we typically spend on takeout. If I want to get fancy, I’ll add some fresh cilantro and lime slices on the side, but they taste great without those additions, too.

_{To learn more about our approach to product recommendations, see HERE.}