We Tried Every Trader Joe’s Marinated Meat We Could Find — These Are the 8 We’ll Buy Again
You’re standing in the meat (or seafood!) department at your local grocery store and feeling very overwhelmed. You’re not alone! Whether it’s choosing between the cut, the seasoning (calibrating the correct mix of spices does take practice), the cooking method, or some combination of all three, for many home cooks, preparing these proteins can be intimidating.
Which is where Trader Joe’s comes in. Although the eclectic snacks and vast frozen foods garner a lot of praise, the store’s meat section is just as full of hidden gems. The fan-favorite grocer has a wide selection of marinated proteins that can serve as the base for a low-effort, quick dinner anytime you need one. We sampled as many of these prepared meats as we could get our hands on, including beef, poultry, and seafood options. These are the eight that delivered big on ease and flavor.
1. Shawarma Chicken Thighs, $6.99 per pound
Chicken thighs are one of the most underrated parts of the chicken. Far juicier than tenders or breasts, the thighs are nearly impossible to overcook. And let’s be real: Cooking poultry is kind of tricky to do well. In fact, these Shawarma Chicken Thighs from Trader Joe’s are one of my all-time favorite beginner-friendly proteins to make for any odd dinner. They’re well-spiced (with a blend of garlic, cumin, rosemary, paprika, and cinnamon) and, with a bit of char, taste just like the shawarma from my favorite kebab shop.
2. Peppercorn-Garlic Boneless Pork Tenderloin, $8.99 per pound
Similar to chicken thighs, pork tenderloin is a cut of meat that’s so overlooked! But no more — not when this Peppercorn-Garlic Pork Tenderloin is so easy to pick up at TJ’s. Pork tenderloin is a long, thin cut (as opposed to a thicker, wider pork loin), so it cooks super quickly and is great for any last-minute dinner, with a garlicky marinade that makes it versatile for a lot of different meals. Top yours with an herby chimichurri sauce or a mustard sauce — or, heck, wrap it in bacon.
3. Carne Asada Autentica, $11.99 per pound
If you’re looking for a reason to get your grill on, Trader Joe’s Carne Asada Autentica is one of the most delicious reasons of all time. A spicy, citrus-y marinade coats these butterflied cuts of sirloin that cook up fast — I’m talking get-your-tortillas-warmed-up-already-it’s-time-for-tacos-now fast. For a really impressive BBQ entrée, consider skewering these strips (with peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes) for a carne asada experience on a stick.
4. Balsamic Rosemary Beef Steak Tips, $11.99 per pound
News flash: Steak doesn’t need to come from an expensive steak house to be delicious, and these Balsamic Rosemary Beef Steak Tips make the case for a steak dinner any night of the week. TJ’s marinates these tips in sweet balsamic vinegar with woodsy rosemary and loads of garlic to make them tender and full of flavor. Sauté these up in a hot pan so the sauce can caramelize; they make a great quick dinner alongside pasta (steak and spaghetti Alfredo, anyone?) or rice, or on top of a green salad.
5. Spatchcocked Lemon Rosemary Chicken, $5.99 per pound
Does roasting a whole chicken sound daunting or time-consuming? Spatchcocking (removing the backbone of a chicken, or any other bird you’re cooking, so it lies flat) makes it faster and easier — even more so when nearly all of the prep is done for you.
TJ’s has butchered and coated the chicken with a bright and herbaceous paste of lemon, rosemary, and olive oil. Roast it in a preheated oven or press into a searing-hot skillet for one of the fastest roast chickens you’ve probably ever made. Serve it alongside roast vegetables for a dinner that comes together all in your oven. When sliced thin (or chopped up for chicken salad), it also makes great sandwiches the next day.
6. Pesto Genovese Chicken Breasts, $8.99 per pound
The classic Italian concoction of basil, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil is a popular topping for pasta (and lamb chops, and seared salmon with tomatoes), but pesto makes an equally great marinade for a 30-minute chicken dinner. These Pesto Genovese Chicken Breasts are marinated in the grocer’s jarred sauce, which is extra tart with plenty of lemon to offset the verdant basil. The chicken is fantastic when charred on the grill and served alongside veggies, like sautéed asparagus and cherry tomatoes, or, yes, added to a bowl of pasta tossed with (even more) pesto.
7. Santa Maria Inspired Boneless Beef Tri-Tip Roast, $11.99 per pound
Tri-tip is a versatile cut of beef: It’s tender like steak, but can also be treated like a roast in the oven or slow cooker. This particular Santa Maria-Inspired Tri-Tip roast is marinated in a smoky and spicy mix of garlic, paprika, and chili powder for a slightly spicy cut you can sear for tacos (be sure to pick up some pinto beans and guacamole to go with!), burritos, salads, grain bowls, nachos, and more.
8. Salmon Pinwheels, $11.99 per pound
These Salmon Pinwheels feel like a special occasion for next to no effort. The flaky fillets are rolled up with a Mediterranean-inspired herbed feta cheese and sliced into stunning spiral rounds. The salty cheese helps cut the rich oiliness of the salmon along with fresh parsley and dill for spring-inspired flavors any time of year — even the middle of winter. Ready to sear in a pan or bake in the oven, they’re great with rice pilaf and roasted vegetables.
Do you have a favorite Trader Joe’s marinated meat? Tell us about it in the comments below.