Jumeokbap

"You’ve really got to hand it to jumeokbap. From the Korean “jumeok” (fist) and “bap” (rice), food historians estimate that this hearty, handheld dish has likely been a staple of Korean cuisine for thousands of years. Now a rising star in the global street food scene, jumeokbap can be made with any number of fillings and seasonings, and can be enjoyed in all manner of contexts: as a quick, on-the-go bite, as a side with a larger meal, or as a miniature meal all its own. Made for us by a supplier in the Republic of Korea, Trader Joe’s Jumeokbap are flavored with a mix of plant-based bulgogi and savory-seasoned vegetables, and take only about a minute in the microwave to go from frozen to soft, steamy, and ready-to-eat. Traditionally, jumeokbap are spherical, reflecting the shape of a closed fist. Trader Joe’s Jumeokbap are a little more pyramidal, making them a kind of vegan mashup of jumeokbap and Japanese onigiri. We recommend them as a hearty snack when you’re feeling peckish between meals, and we especially recommend serving them with a sauce for dipping. Try pairing a Jumeokbap or two with a bit of our Gyoza Dipping Sauce, or a little mayo mixed with TJ’s Sriracha or Gochujang Paste."