Trader Joe’s-Inspired Low-Carb Quick Meal
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:
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