Hi – my kid and I love the chicken fried rice and we usually have it with the pork or chicken pot stickers for lazy cooking night. Thought I would try the shrimp fried rice. Big mistake – way too spicy and I am no spice wimp either. The cilantro was also overpowering. My kid couldn’t eat it at all and we ended up dumping 2 bags of it in the garbage. Sorry, but the Thai Shrimp fried rice really misses the mark. I now get the peeled and deveined frozen shrimp and throw it in with the chicken fried rice.
Rated 1 out of 5
rydog –
Got this for my lunch break, it’s so gross i threw it all out. Literally terrible. And I love Trader Joe’s food choices, but this – wow.
Rated 5 out of 5
H. Mudra –
This fried rice was the most delicious and perfect flavor out of all of Trader Joe’s selections. The basil tasted fresh and flavored the rice perfectly. The rice, itself, was moistly tender and fragrantly spiced with hints of lemongrass and coconut milk. Each bag also included a generous portion of shrimp, which came out juicy and plump, and unlike most frozen seafood, exuded absolutely no fishy, stale after-taste. With a minimal amount of work, I could feast on a fragrant, steaming bowl of Thai fried rice, which would be the closest thing to actually ordering off the menu at a restaurant. Bravo, Trader Joe’s! You nailed it…can’t figure out why anyone would give this dish negative reviews. I will be making a special trip to my local store to stock up and hoard as if for an upcoming apocalypse. PLEASE DO NOT DISCONTINUE!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jeannette –
The first 2 reviews obviously dont eat thai food. This is very good. There isnt cilantro in it, but there are lime leaves like most thai dishes have. This dish is very flavorful and the spice level is perfect. I did add more shrimp because I love protein.
Rated 5 out of 5
fomalhaut –
This fried rice is my favorite. It has a perfect balance between chili spice and lemongrass freshness. It is way more flavorful than the mediocre Japanese edamame fried rice. Some people might be uncomfortable with the smell of lemongrass, but if you love Thai/Vietnam food then you must try this one.
I used to eat a ton of this fried rice when I lived in LA. The taste was so good and the portion of shrimp was hard to complain given the price. After moving to NYC, I gave my first visit to the Queens store last month, and was unfortunately not able to find this Thai fried rice. Missing it so much!
Rated 5 out of 5
Laura Schaeffer –
I’m so glad I tried this! This is my new favorite TJ frozen food! I’ve been craving it since I tried it last week and I ate the whole thing in one sitting. It was that good. Mind you I hadn’t eaten in 12 hours but still. The flavor is amazing. Felt like I was in the best Thai restaurant. Perfect blend of Thai basil and lemongrass and just spicy enough.
Rated 1 out of 5
Jasmine Sitvarin –
Taste like spicy pine soap. Gross.
Rated 5 out of 5
jonathan –
i was surprised how good this is. i live in thai town in los angeles and have my pick of LA’s best thai but this was better in some cases and reminds me of the better ‘east coast thai’. level of spice was mild. very tasty! my only complaint was that the rice was a bit mushy and on the dry side but i think thats to be expected for a frozen rice dish. product of thailand.
Rated 1 out of 5
Danielle –
I really hate this lol. I usually get the chicken fried rice but they were out so I figured this would be comparable but I hate it. Such an odd flavor. I even tried to smother it in yumyum sauce. I definitely would skip this.
Rated 2 out of 5
Ashley –
Too spicy. Overpowering spices that taste odd. Small shrimps.
Rated 1 out of 5
Chris Seas –
Way too much ginger. Super easy to warm up, but the flavor was all wrong. Missed the mark on this one.
Rated 2 out of 5
Sue –
I love Trader Joe’s food but this is a bust. There are three small shrimp per serving (thus the low protein count), the rice is gummy, and it lacks any flavor, much less Thai flavor. Even adding shrimp and vegetables did not help. I will not buy this again.
Rated 5 out of 5
Dj –
If you like spicy this is your dish — So delicious I love it , just the right seasoning I did add a little soy soy. thumbs up!! good job
Rated 1 out of 5
Aa –
The flavor was not good. The dish is spicy but the ginger and basil flavor was over powering and i couldn’t stand more than a few bites. Im not a picky eater but that flavor set something off that just tasted aweful. Im a bit dissapointed I cant place the exact flavor because I would do anything to ever avoid tasting that again.
Rated 1 out of 5
C Lee –
This was the worst fried rice I have ever tasted in my life. It had a funky smell to it and tasted like there was some kind of perfume added to it. The front of the package does not say spicy but it was very spicy. I did eat the 5 pieces of shrimp. The rest was thrown out. Yuck!
Rated 1 out of 5
Michele –
This would’ve been great, but there’s an herb that completely overpowers the whole meal. I couldn’t even finish it because every bite tasted like cleaners.
Rated 5 out of 5
Tay –
Delicious actually. Just the right amount of spice. Ate mine without the shrimp, just a fried egg and extra veggies + soy sauce. I’m not understanding the hate.
Rated 5 out of 5
Matt Herold –
I’m not understanding the hate, either. I think it is from people who don’t know what Thai food is and expect the more bland Chinese style fried rice.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this. Heat level is very good and that is what you can expect with Thai food. it is known to be very spicy, people! It’s a nice sear on the palate that quickly wears off and the ginger is a potent blast in every bite. I only have a few things that I try to keep in my freeze at all times and I think this will now be one of a few select items. The heat isn’t for wussies. If you don’t like seriously spicy food don’t buy this.
Rated 5 out of 5
Dizzy –
Like the night markets in Bangkok!
Rated 5 out of 5
Anonymous –
I found some of this in my freezer and forgot how much I love it! I hope it’s still being carried as I need to re-stock!
Rated 4 out of 5
Cara R. –
Really good! Nice amount of heat, the shrimp was really good, and it was really really flavorful. Easy to prepare, as well.
Rated 5 out of 5
barefootmom –
This is one of my favorite happy accidents from Trader Joe’s! I thought I’d grabbed a chicken fried rice, but dropped the spicy Thai shrimp one instead. It’s super flavorful and the taste rivals any Thai restaurant rice I’ve eaten.
Rated 1 out of 5
Denise Romero –
Incredibly awful! I’ve been a Trader Joe’s shopper for decades, and I can’t believe they are selling this disgusting junk to people! Way too spicy, and no other redeeming qualities. My husband & I reacted to
it like it was a corporate joke! Had to dump it- the first time I have reacted to a Trader Joe’s product that
way. PS: the packaging was deceptive – the actual product looks nothing like what is shown on the bag.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sada –
Delicious if you enjoy Thai food. The spice, although too spicy for me, was actually pretty good. I’d get it again!
Rated 1 out of 5
Jo –
Not worth any amount of money. Tiny portion of shrimp. Just not that special at all, and I am a Trader Joe’s fan.
Rated 5 out of 5
Erin –
Really good. If you are looking for a normal shrimp fried rice, Thai fried rice is not what you want to choose. Thai fried rice kicks you HARD in the mouth with ginger and Thai basil. Then after the first 4 or 5 bites, that spice creeps up. This is incredibly spicy but I adore that. They arnt playing around with this. I always tend to use a few drops of szechuan oil when making Asian meals at home, but I’m so glad I didn’t do that with this. Infact, I suspect that’s what is in it when they freeze it. Szechuan oil gives things all the heat without that after ingredient taste. This had plenty of spice and if I were to have used it, I would have ruined it easily. Overall this was great and I’d totally buy it again
Rated 5 out of 5
Natasha Murakami –
This dish is delicious. If you don’t typically eat Thai food then you wouldn’t like this. All of the flavors are blended perfectly. Just the right amount of Kafir leaves, basil and spice!!!! My whole family loves it!! Please do not stop making this.
Tracy Hammond –
Hi – my kid and I love the chicken fried rice and we usually have it with the pork or chicken pot stickers for lazy cooking night. Thought I would try the shrimp fried rice. Big mistake – way too spicy and I am no spice wimp either. The cilantro was also overpowering. My kid couldn’t eat it at all and we ended up dumping 2 bags of it in the garbage. Sorry, but the Thai Shrimp fried rice really misses the mark. I now get the peeled and deveined frozen shrimp and throw it in with the chicken fried rice.
rydog –
Got this for my lunch break, it’s so gross i threw it all out. Literally terrible. And I love Trader Joe’s food choices, but this – wow.
H. Mudra –
This fried rice was the most delicious and perfect flavor out of all of Trader Joe’s selections. The basil tasted fresh and flavored the rice perfectly. The rice, itself, was moistly tender and fragrantly spiced with hints of lemongrass and coconut milk. Each bag also included a generous portion of shrimp, which came out juicy and plump, and unlike most frozen seafood, exuded absolutely no fishy, stale after-taste. With a minimal amount of work, I could feast on a fragrant, steaming bowl of Thai fried rice, which would be the closest thing to actually ordering off the menu at a restaurant. Bravo, Trader Joe’s! You nailed it…can’t figure out why anyone would give this dish negative reviews. I will be making a special trip to my local store to stock up and hoard as if for an upcoming apocalypse. PLEASE DO NOT DISCONTINUE!
Jeannette –
The first 2 reviews obviously dont eat thai food. This is very good. There isnt cilantro in it, but there are lime leaves like most thai dishes have. This dish is very flavorful and the spice level is perfect. I did add more shrimp because I love protein.
fomalhaut –
This fried rice is my favorite. It has a perfect balance between chili spice and lemongrass freshness. It is way more flavorful than the mediocre Japanese edamame fried rice. Some people might be uncomfortable with the smell of lemongrass, but if you love Thai/Vietnam food then you must try this one.
I used to eat a ton of this fried rice when I lived in LA. The taste was so good and the portion of shrimp was hard to complain given the price. After moving to NYC, I gave my first visit to the Queens store last month, and was unfortunately not able to find this Thai fried rice. Missing it so much!
Laura Schaeffer –
I’m so glad I tried this! This is my new favorite TJ frozen food! I’ve been craving it since I tried it last week and I ate the whole thing in one sitting. It was that good. Mind you I hadn’t eaten in 12 hours but still. The flavor is amazing. Felt like I was in the best Thai restaurant. Perfect blend of Thai basil and lemongrass and just spicy enough.
Jasmine Sitvarin –
Taste like spicy pine soap. Gross.
jonathan –
i was surprised how good this is. i live in thai town in los angeles and have my pick of LA’s best thai but this was better in some cases and reminds me of the better ‘east coast thai’. level of spice was mild. very tasty! my only complaint was that the rice was a bit mushy and on the dry side but i think thats to be expected for a frozen rice dish. product of thailand.
Danielle –
I really hate this lol. I usually get the chicken fried rice but they were out so I figured this would be comparable but I hate it. Such an odd flavor. I even tried to smother it in yumyum sauce. I definitely would skip this.
Ashley –
Too spicy. Overpowering spices that taste odd. Small shrimps.
Chris Seas –
Way too much ginger. Super easy to warm up, but the flavor was all wrong. Missed the mark on this one.
Sue –
I love Trader Joe’s food but this is a bust. There are three small shrimp per serving (thus the low protein count), the rice is gummy, and it lacks any flavor, much less Thai flavor. Even adding shrimp and vegetables did not help. I will not buy this again.
Dj –
If you like spicy this is your dish — So delicious I love it , just the right seasoning I did add a little soy soy. thumbs up!! good job
Aa –
The flavor was not good. The dish is spicy but the ginger and basil flavor was over powering and i couldn’t stand more than a few bites. Im not a picky eater but that flavor set something off that just tasted aweful. Im a bit dissapointed I cant place the exact flavor because I would do anything to ever avoid tasting that again.
C Lee –
This was the worst fried rice I have ever tasted in my life. It had a funky smell to it and tasted like there was some kind of perfume added to it. The front of the package does not say spicy but it was very spicy. I did eat the 5 pieces of shrimp. The rest was thrown out. Yuck!
Michele –
This would’ve been great, but there’s an herb that completely overpowers the whole meal. I couldn’t even finish it because every bite tasted like cleaners.
Tay –
Delicious actually. Just the right amount of spice. Ate mine without the shrimp, just a fried egg and extra veggies + soy sauce. I’m not understanding the hate.
Matt Herold –
I’m not understanding the hate, either. I think it is from people who don’t know what Thai food is and expect the more bland Chinese style fried rice.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this. Heat level is very good and that is what you can expect with Thai food. it is known to be very spicy, people! It’s a nice sear on the palate that quickly wears off and the ginger is a potent blast in every bite. I only have a few things that I try to keep in my freeze at all times and I think this will now be one of a few select items. The heat isn’t for wussies. If you don’t like seriously spicy food don’t buy this.
Dizzy –
Like the night markets in Bangkok!
Anonymous –
I found some of this in my freezer and forgot how much I love it! I hope it’s still being carried as I need to re-stock!
Cara R. –
Really good! Nice amount of heat, the shrimp was really good, and it was really really flavorful. Easy to prepare, as well.
barefootmom –
This is one of my favorite happy accidents from Trader Joe’s! I thought I’d grabbed a chicken fried rice, but dropped the spicy Thai shrimp one instead. It’s super flavorful and the taste rivals any Thai restaurant rice I’ve eaten.
Denise Romero –
Incredibly awful! I’ve been a Trader Joe’s shopper for decades, and I can’t believe they are selling this disgusting junk to people! Way too spicy, and no other redeeming qualities. My husband & I reacted to
it like it was a corporate joke! Had to dump it- the first time I have reacted to a Trader Joe’s product that
way. PS: the packaging was deceptive – the actual product looks nothing like what is shown on the bag.
Sada –
Delicious if you enjoy Thai food. The spice, although too spicy for me, was actually pretty good. I’d get it again!
Jo –
Not worth any amount of money. Tiny portion of shrimp. Just not that special at all, and I am a Trader Joe’s fan.
Erin –
Really good. If you are looking for a normal shrimp fried rice, Thai fried rice is not what you want to choose. Thai fried rice kicks you HARD in the mouth with ginger and Thai basil. Then after the first 4 or 5 bites, that spice creeps up. This is incredibly spicy but I adore that. They arnt playing around with this. I always tend to use a few drops of szechuan oil when making Asian meals at home, but I’m so glad I didn’t do that with this. Infact, I suspect that’s what is in it when they freeze it. Szechuan oil gives things all the heat without that after ingredient taste. This had plenty of spice and if I were to have used it, I would have ruined it easily. Overall this was great and I’d totally buy it again
Natasha Murakami –
This dish is delicious. If you don’t typically eat Thai food then you wouldn’t like this. All of the flavors are blended perfectly. Just the right amount of Kafir leaves, basil and spice!!!! My whole family loves it!! Please do not stop making this.
Maddie –
Worst thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.