Ray Kelly presents his Shrimp burger Bowl

How-To: TJ’s Shrimp Burger Bowl

Trader Joe’s-Inspired Low-Carb Quick Meal

Yes, I forgot to add the spoonful of Last-Minute Guacamole for the pic!

Making it: Long story short

In a bowl add one serving each of Trader Joe’s Roasted Broccoli (85g or 1/2 cup) and Cauliflower Stir Fry (105g or 1 cup) — two Trader Joe’s Shrimp Seafood Burgers (chopped up) — and top with a big spoonful (50g) of Last-Minute Guacamole.

1 Serving approximately = 370 calories
Net Carbs (12.5g) 13%, Fat (21.5) 52%, Protein (32g) 35%

Yields 2 Servings

Making it: The full story

When I used to work in downtown San Francisco as a copywriter for Autodesk, my co-worker (and friend) Maria O. and I would occasionally leave the office and grab some Chinese food from the Rincon Center across the street from the office. In addition to conversation and laughs with Maria, a plate of fried rice topped with some type of protein (drenched in a yummy savory sauce) accompanied by a side of spring roles was a welcome escape from my day.

Fast-forward a few years. I’ve living down in Palm Springs, California again (one of those unplanned pandemic-inspired life detours) and good Chinese around every corner just isn’t a part of my reality. Now, that’s not to say that my “new favorite go-to three-item combo plate + included drink” lunchtime place doesn’t exist — I’m sure it does — but I haven’t found it yet.

And besides trading the Bay Area for the Coachella Valley, something else has changed; my diet. Down 33 pounds (and still working on it), I’m continuously taking steps to make better food choices and create new dishes I can put into rotation here at home.

What I’m calling my Shrimp Burger Bowl is essentially a combination of three Trader Joe’s items, spices, and an avocado. Here’s how I prepared this dish today.

Not into shrimp or can’t find the shrimp burgers at Trader Joe’s? No problem. Just find a protein you like. Mahi burgers, cod, salmon, turkey burgers, Just Chicken, or plant-based options can make great substitutes. Feel free to let your inner Test Kitchen Chef free!

What you need:

  • 1 pack Trader Joe’s Shrimp Seafood Burgers
  • 1 pack Trader Joe’s Roasted Broccoli with Olive Oil, Sea Salt, and Black Pepper
  • 1 bag Trader Joe’s Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry
  • 1 Avocado
  • Soy Sauce
  • Garlic Powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Lemon Juice1
  • Sea Salt

How to make it:

  • Prepare the following per packaging instructions:
    • Seafood Burgers
    • Roasted Broccoli
      • Season with a shake or two of Sea Salt and Garlic Powder
    • Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry
      • Toward the end of cooking the cauliflower, add 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce + 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder; toss well
  • Last-minute Guacamole:
    • Mash avocado in bowl
    • Stir in 1 teaspoon each of Ground Cumin and Lemon Juice
    • Add Sea Salt to taste

Plate it:

Trader Joe’s-Inspired Shrimp Burger Bowl

In a bowl add one serving each of roasted broccoli (85g or 1/2 cup) and riced cauliflower (105g or 1 cup) — two shrimp burgers (chopped up) — and top with last-minute guacamole (50g or big spoonful).

1 Serving approximately = 370 calories
Net Carbs (12.5g) 13%, Fat (21.5) 52%, Protein (32g) 35%

Yields: 2 Servings

Published by

Ray J. Kelly

A writer, communications specialist, children's book author, and em-dash enthusiast, Ray lives in Palm Springs, CA.