No, it’s not cookie butter.
It’s something a little more unexpected.
In the past, I’ve always bought my fish from the local seafood shop in town. They had great shrimp, salmon, flounder- you name it. But the quality has gone down hill. They began sellingĀ chemically treated fish. When fish is ‘treated,’ it absorbs extra water which increases the overall weight (so you pay more). The texture is mushy and achieving a good sear is nearly impossible. I could probably bounce a shrimp off your forehead! What a waste of time and money.
A new plan was in order.
I’ve been shopping at Trader Joe’s for years and never bought their frozen fish, for no particular reason.
My new discovery?Ā Dover Sole.
This was me at customer service:Ā “Is this fish wild caught? Is it chem-free? Am I going to like it?”Ā They assured me it was 100% natural and would happily accept returns if it wasn’t up to my standards.
Ooo, how nice!
This fish is some of the best quality I’ve tasted in a long time. It’s fresh, doesn’t smell and isn’t mushy when cooked. I’ve prepared it several different ways with great success. One idea is to roast it with lemon pepper, olive oil and breadcrumbs at 425 F for 10 minutes. Another idea is to coat it in flour and pan fry, topped with lemon slices, capers and parsley. It’s a delicate flaky fish so handle with care.
But here’s the best part- it’s $6.99/lb!Ā To compare, my local shop sold it for $17.99/lb. and don’t even get me started on restaurant prices…
So, now you know.
This is Trader Joe’s best kept secret.
*PS- Ā as always, this is a little girlfriend marketing for my favorite neighborhood shop. No affiliation- I’m just a happy customer!
Those of you who love Trader Joe’s, what are your favorite goodies?
Comments
Nancy says
I can’t find the recipes for this fish…can you share?
Julie says
Found your site, oddly looking for the frozen cod. The TJ sole is good, even if it is the Pacific variety.
But you asked favorites and my favorite combo is the Honey Chevre with the Fig and Olive Crisps.
Rickey B Farlow says
TJ’s Dover Sole may be good, but it must be Pacific Dover Sole because the true Dover Sole from Europe costs at least two to three times the price quoted in the article.
Christina says
Just to let you know, the Dover sole at TJ’s is the lesser known Pacific variety, not the more expensive, harder to find and more delicious (imo) Atlantic variety. While the names are the same (confusing, I know), they are very different species and cook up very differently as well. That being said, I like the Pacific sole, it’s nice and mild. But it’s got nothing on the Atlantic variety. That’s one of the great culinary fish rock stars!
Emilie says
Thanks so much for the tip Christina! The names are definitely confusing ;)
Auntie M. says
Hi! I was looking for a recipe for this particular fish and came across your site which is awesome!! I will surely give the lemonpepper roast a try :)
Julie says
I found the dover sole at my tj’s, but I have a question about it. I noticed that it wasn’t packaged individually. Do you defrost and cook all of it at once? Thanks!
Emilie says
Hi Julie!
Mine wasn’t individually wrapped either- I defrosted the fish and cooked it all at once. If my memory is correct, I think the package is about 1 – 1 1/2 lbs? That should serve 4.
Hope this helps! Enjoy!
Emilie says
Hi Julie! They do have the best prices on nuts, I’m with you all the way. I was just telling Lisa (above) that I often but their nut ‘pieces’ for a fraction of the price. So far I’ve seen cashews and pecans. Their fruit is a staple in our house.
And thanks for the tip about the guilt free mac & cheese. I’ve always wondered about that. Looking forward to trying it!
Julie says
TJ’s has the best prices on nuts (which I use for baking). Also, their dried fruit is a great price and also great quality. But the frozen fish is a must try for me!! Thanks for the head’s up!
Also, to comment on something you said earlier — I buy the “Lesser Guilt”/Low fat mac and cheese and it’s super creamy and rich. Definitely a great taste for the lower fat and calories. Just an FYI :)
Lisa says
I love this fish! My favorite snack at Trader Joe’s are the coconut cashews! I can never stop eating them. Of course everything in the frozen food section is amazing and creative. The ginger cookies are also a favorite. They’re selling a jalapeƱo cranberry jelly for thanksgiving that is wonderful too!
Emilie says
Oh yay, you’ve tried it? So good. Now, about these coconut cashews… I have yet to try them. I love coconut too. I used to buy their whole roasted cashews but now I but their cashew pieces for a fraction of the price. It’s such a better deal especially if you’re going to bash them up anyway.
The ginger cookies are delicious (the thin ones?) and the coconut and lemon ones too. They gave them out for samples one day and I was in heaven. I’ll have to keep my eye out for the cranberry sauce.
Thanks for stopping by Lisa, and sharing your favorites with us! :)
Joanne says
Back when I used to eat fish/meat, I would always buy frozen from TJ’s! It really is the best deal in town.
Emilie says
Hi Joanne! It really is the best deal in town. And the quality can’t be beat! I’m shocked that I just said those two things in the same sentence ;)
ATasteOfMadness says
I wish there was a trader joe’s in Canada :(
Emilie says
Hi there! Christine (the above comment) says there’s one in Buffalo? Is that close to you? I hope so! Wouldn’t that be a fun find…
Christine // my natural kitchen says
I live in Canada and I was ECSTATICALLY excited when I heard that a Trader Joe’s was opening in Buffalo, which is a 45 minute drive for me (but would be 100% worth it, because I love that store). I don’t even have a favourite item, I just think it’s fun to wander around and find interesting-looking things. I’ve bought really good chocolate, nuts, some cute boxes of tissues, and a bunch of other things but now I’m so intrigued by another reader’s comment – gingermints?! Those sound amazing!
Emilie says
Wait, are you trapped in all that snow right now? All I heard was 9 ft in the area and I almost fainted. You know the news though, they’re a little dramatic… I hope you’r safe & warm!
That’s great to hear you have a TJ’s relatively close by. Their chocolates are amazing (try the chocolate covered sunflower seeds) and I’ve seen those cute little tissue boxes! Too funny. And yes! We both need gingermints in our lives ;)
Christine // my natural kitchen says
Buffalo was hit so badly with snow, and I think that was what the news you heard was about :) 9 feet would make me cry! We’re a bit more lucky where I live, and got maybe a foot total? Next week it should all melt away though, because it’s going to get warmer out!
I will definitely look for those chocolate-covered sunflower seeds next time I’m at TJs! thanks for the recommendation :)
Emilie says
Yes! That’s what I heard. Glad to hear you’re not buried in snow. But it’s only the beginning, right? I’m so not a winter person unless I’m all wrapped up indoors! And ps- you will love those sunflower seeds! I use them to make a sweet and salty snack mix. It adds just the right amount of chocolate-y sweetness :) xx
Adri says
I love Trader Joe’s – fish, not so much. But my husband adores fish. (He says that is the only problem in our marriage – I almost never cook fish…) But I love hearing about these great deals, and congrats on finding this one. I must add that as always, your pix are beautiful. Plus they are very nicely edited.
Ruby88 says
I love Trader’s Mac and cheese when I feel indulgent. Also love their peanut butter. Oh and they have the best price on pink Himalayan salt!
Emilie says
The mac and cheese should be illegal. Did you know they make a light version? I don’t know what’s in it though… sometimes full fat is the way to go! I buy their peanut butter as well and the pink salt is the best! I love that it comes in a grinder :)
Janet says
I love their frozen almond croissants.
Emilie says
Janet, their almond croissants are amazing. Actually, beyond amazing. They rival any good bakery, in my opinion. The chocolate ones are excellent as well. I serve both on Christmas morning while we open presents.
The Blonde Chef says
So… I work right next to a TJ’s and I am going to head over after school and grab these! Thanks for the tip!
Emilie says
You are a very lucky girl! I would be in there all the time… I hope you like the fish- it’s delicious! :)
Pat says
I just tried the TJs Dover Sole about three weeks ago and we Loved, loved, loved it too! I coated ours in TJ’s panko crumbs and added spices. It’s a great find and I’m glad to see you think so also.
Emilie says
Hi Pat! Isn’t it amazing? That’s why I felt compelled to write about it because it’s that good. Both healthy and economical. I often prepare fish the exact same way as you, with the panko breadcrumbs. The kids love it!
Celia Becker @ After Orange County says
I have been buying Trader Joe’s fish for years. I love the Mahi Mahi and I buy the codfish to make fish tacos. But, I have never purchased or even seen the Dover Sole. I am so excited! Thanks so much for this new discovery!
Emilie says
Hi Celia! Thanks for the tip about the cod and mahi mahi- I will definitely try these. I love getting an insider recommendation. With regards to the sole, if you can’t find it double check that they even carry the fish. I know some stores differ slightly in terms of variety. If you do find it, I think you will love it!
Becky says
Some of our favorites at TJ’s are orange chicken, mac and cheese, cream mints, peanut butter cups and salted peanuts.
Emilie says
Oh yes, the mac and cheese… Don’t even. That stuff is dangerous! I’ve never tried the orange beef- frozen section? Thanks Becky!
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says
so happy to make this discovery! i know exactly what you mean about the smelly mush… big turn-off — Dover Sole it is :D (and what a great price too!) i’m further away from TJ’s in our new location but this sounds worth the drive :) thanks Emilie.
Emilie says
Kelly, chemically treated fish is one of my biggest pet peeves. I enjoy fish and seafood and this drives me crazy. Plus you’re actually paying for this nonsense too! Such a shame. I felt compelled to write about their Dover Sole because of its superior quality. Besides, who doesn’t love a good bargain? PS- it’s sold frozen, so when you do make the trip you can stock up!
Leigha @ The Yooper Girl says
I’ve only been to TJ’s once – the nearest one is 4 hours away! But when I went, I went crazy. And I bought cookie butter :) what a great deal on the fish! There are so many little gems in that store!
Emilie says
Hi Leigha! Oh my goodness, 4 hours away? Well, at least you stocked up. Smart girl! That’s the only way to do it. How good is that cookie butter…
Caroline says
I’m such a huge fan of TJs! Their fish is great, and a much more economical way to eat wild seafood. Will have to try the Dover sole!
Love your blog, thanks for posting!
-Caroline
http://www.chardonnaymoi.com
Emilie says
Welcome Caroline! Their fish really is great. I’m looking forward to trying the other varieties as well. The Dover Sole is wonderful, and so easy to cook. I’ll have a recipe posted soon :) Thanks for stopping by!
tammigirl says
I would sell my mother for their ginger mints! That’s how much I love ginger. Sorry, mom!
Emilie says
GINGERMINTS! I’ve never had them before (sorry about the yelling- I’m excited). I love ginger too. And mint. Now I will think of nothing else, except this, for the rest of the day. Thanks ;) PS- you’re really funny.