Craving Spanish flavors but short on time? Trader Joe’s frozen paella transforms into a steamy, savory meal in just 5 minutes using your microwave. No pans, no prep, no chef’s hat required—just pure saffron-kissed convenience.
We tested every step to nail that golden rule: microwaving shouldn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. Spoiler: This hack works shockingly well if you follow our tweaks.
Let’s zap that frozen block into a plate of tender bomba rice, juicy shrimp, and chorizo with zero guesswork.
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Frozen Paella from Trader Joe’s (Microwave Heated)
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Spanish1
5
minutes7
minutes350
kcal12
minutesIf you're craving the rich, savory flavors of traditional paella but don’t have the time to prepare it from scratch, Trader Joe's Frozen Paella is the perfect solution. This quick and easy microwave meal delivers a delicious blend of shrimp, mussels, and chorizo over seasoned rice, all ready in minutes.
Ingredients
of Trader Joe’s Frozen Paella.
Directions
- Remove the paella from its packaging.
- Place the paella in a microwave-safe dish or leave it in the original tray.
- Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, depending on your microwave's wattage.
- Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Once heated, let it sit for 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious microwave paella..
Notes
- For best results, make sure to stir the paella halfway through cooking to evenly distribute the heat. You can also enhance the dish by adding a squeeze of lemon or some fresh parsley as a garnish. This microwave paella is an excellent option for a quick meal without compromising on flavor.
Can You Microwave Trader Joe’s Frozen Paella Safely?
Yes, and here’s why: The packaging explicitly states “microwave-safe,” so we’re golden. Just remove the cardboard sleeve first—unless you enjoy the smoky aroma of burning paper. (Ask my uncle Peter, who once microwaved a TV dinner with the box during a summer camp cooking disaster. Spoiler: Fire alarms don’t appreciate his enthusiasm.)
Trader Joe’s recommends microwaving the 16 oz package for 4-5 minutes on high, stirring halfway. We’ve found 4 minutes 30 seconds hits the sweet spot for our 1200W microwave. If yours runs hotter, start lower to avoid rubbery shrimp. John, my husband, learned this the hard way—his first attempt turned the chorizo into edible hockey pucks.
What’s in Trader Joe’s Frozen Paella?
This isn’t your abuela’s all-day paella, but the ingredient list still impresses. Bomba rice (the starch champ of Spanish dishes) soaks up saffron-infused broth while shrimp, mussels, and chorizo add surf-and-turf flair. For a quicker and equally delightful dish, try a microwave tilapia fish recipe that brings simplicity and flavor to your meal. Vegetarians, note: The seafood is non-negotiable here unless you’re into picking around it.
Key Ingredients and Substitutes
- Bomba rice: Absorbs 3x its volume in liquid without turning mushy. Substitute with Arborio in a pinch.
- Saffron: That golden hue isn’t food coloring. No swaps—just lean into the luxury.
- Chorizo: Adds smoky depth. For less heat, try diced ham or skip it.
Fun fact: Uncle Peter now adds frozen peas to his microwaved paella “for color.” We don’t question his campfire-honed wisdom. Speaking of quick meals, microwave frozen chickenless nuggets are another convenient option for a tasty and effortless dinner. Up next: How to nuke this frozen block into a Valencia-worthy feast without summoning the smoke alarm.
Step-by-step Microwave Instructions
Let’s turn that icy brick into a steaming Spanish escape. Remove the paella from its cardboard casing (seriously—Peter’s fire drill was not a fluke). Place the frozen block in a microwave-safe bowl—glass works best for even heat distribution. To keep your dish from drying out, adding a splash of water or covering it with a damp paper towel can make a big difference. This technique is also effective for microwaving frozen falafel, ensuring they come out warm and moist instead of tough and chewy.
- Nuke on high for 2 minutes to kickstart thawing.
- Stir thoroughly, fluffing rice and redistributing seafood.
- Microwave another 2-3 minutes until internal temp hits 165°F. Check with a food thermometer between shrimp.
Tips for Even Heating and Better Texture
Microwaves hate frozen clumps. Stir like you’re scraping fond off a paella pan—get aggressive with those rice grains. If your shrimp start resembling pencil erasers, pause and let residual heat finish cooking them (especially when microwaving for shrimp in dishes like frozen paella). Covering the bowl with a damp paper towel traps steam, preventing Sahara-dry edges.
Place chorizo slices near the bowl’s center. Their higher fat content absorbs waves faster, preventing undercooked pork surprises. Our 1200W microwave needed 4:30 total—yours may vary. When in doubt, underdo and add 15-second bursts. It’s interesting to note how some foods can actually have enhanced flavors when microwaved instead of baked. For instance, many people find that reheating certain leftovers or even cooking some fresh ingredients can yield tastier results in the microwave.
Also See: How to Cook Sugar Snap Peas in the Microwave Quickly
What Does Microwaved Trader Joe’s Paella Taste Like?
Imagine a Valencia beach shack’s to-go order. The bomba rice stays miraculously al dente, with saffron’s floral earthiness front and center. Mussels taste briny-fresh (shockingly, for frozen!), while chorizo brings gentle smoke. Shrimp? They’re no grilled gambas al ajillo, but avoid overcooking and they’ll stay snappy. For a quick meal, microwave frozen shrimp can be a fantastic option, offering convenience while still delivering that delicious seafood flavor.
It’s not abuela-approved, but for a 5-minute meal? We’ve paid $22 for worse paella at “authentic” bistros. Pro tip: Squeeze lemon over top—the acidity wakes up every flavor. For those looking for quick and delicious dinner options, quick microwave honey sesame chicken is a fantastic choice. This easy recipe combines sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a satisfying meal in no time.
Also See: Chamomile Tea Cake – A Spring Microwave Treat
Storing and Reheating Leftover Microwaved Paella
Yes, leftovers exist. Transfer cooled paella to an airtight container within 2 hours. Fridge it for up to 3 days—freezing’s risky due to seafood’s texture changes.
Reheating? Drizzle 1 tsp water over rice to combat dryness. Microwave in 45-second intervals, stirring between zaps. Target 165°F again—raw shrimp déjà vu is nobody’s friend. For single bites, the office microwave at 50% power saves your social reputation.
Even with perfect microwaving, a few missteps can turn your paella into a puzzle. Certain foods can lead to surprising results if not microwaved correctly. Let’s tackle those next…
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
Microwaving Trader Joe’s frozen paella is a quick, fuss-free way to enjoy this Spanish classic in minutes. With our tips for even heating and creative add-ins, you’ll elevate it from decent to delicious.
Give it a shot and let us know—did it hit the spot or need a little extra zhuzh? Either way, you’ve got a flavorful meal ready faster than you can say “¡Buen provecho!”
