Trader Joe’s Chao Tom

I was genuinely surprised to see Trader Joe’s release a Vietnamese dish that many people might not be familiar with—chao tom. This traditional appetizer features a flavorful shrimp paste molded around a sugarcane stick. Trader Joe’s has put out a ready-made, frozen version of chao tom, and I am excited to share my thoughts on the Trader Joe’s chao tom.

Trader Joe’s Chao Tom Overview

Trader Joe’s Chạo Tôm comes in a green box containing 8 shrimp and sugarcane skewers for $5.49. All the frozen skewers are sealed in plastic packaging inside the box.

Rating

After popping it in the air fryer, the Chạo Tôm had an overall mushy texture. Traditional Chao tom typically has a firmer, bouncy, meatball-like consistency. The flavor was also a bit off. Trader Joe’s version includes ingredients not usually found in the authentic dish, like water chestnuts, green beans, and jicama. It also lacked the iconic savory fish sauce flavor. You can enjoy this appetizer with fish sauce or sweet chili sauce.

Trader Joe’s Chao Tom Heating Instructions

Airfryer (preferred method): Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 400F. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from air fryer and allow it to cool for 1-2 minutes.

Conventional Oven: Preheat oven to 400F. Place frozen Chao Tom on baking sheet. Place on center rack of oven. Heat for 12-15 minutes, turning once over. Carefully remove from oven and allow it to cool for 1 to 2 minutes.

Ingredients

• Cooked Shrimp: Shrimp, water, salt, sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, sodium citrate
• Water Chestnut, soybean oil, tapioca starch, green beans, lemongrass, spring onion, jicama, cane sugar, ginger, garlic, red chili pepper, salt, sugar, ginger, garlic, red chili pepper, salt, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper

Contains: sesame, crustacean shellfish (shrimp)

May contain wheat, tree nut (coconut), fish (basa)

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 130
• Total fat: 6g
• Total Carbohydrate: 11g
• Protein: 8g

If you enjoyed this Trader Joe’s chao tom product review, you might also want to check out my Trader Joe’s shrimp noodle rolls review.