When I’m scrolling on social media (in the name of research, I swear!), and I see someone making their go-to “struggle meal,” I’m immediately invested. If you’re not familiar with the concept of a “struggle meal,” it essentially means what you cook—or don’t cook—when you can barely be bothered to get a meal together.
But just because it has “struggle” in the name, doesn’t mean it has to taste like one. And the latest ridiculously easy dinner trend is a testament to that. This savory soup is perfect for fall and requires only two ingredients from Trader Joe’s.
TJ’s is my go-to store for weeknight shortcuts and easy dinners, so it came as no surprise that this trend originated with two of Joe’s most-loved products. What’s more, it’s a dish I’ve been making for years, and I think my version is even better than the one that’s been making the rounds on social media. Here’s how to make the easiest, most delicious “struggle meal” soup.
How to Make the Viral Trader Joe’s Dumpling Soup
This meal starts with just two items: Trader Joe’s frozen soup dumplings and chicken broth. From there, of course, garnishes and add-ons are yours to customize, but those two basics are all you really need, according to video after viral video of the dish. Here’s how to make the super easy soup.
Add some frozen dumplings to a bowl, pour in enough chicken (or veggie or beef) broth to cover the dumplings, and microwave for two minutes. Most creators also opt to add a splash of soy sauce, a little chili crisp or sriracha, and garnish with some sliced scallions and sesame seeds. That’s it.
The frozen soup dumplings are the real star of the dish and are the home cook-friendly, shortcut version of traditional Chinese xiao long bao, steamed dumplings filled with rich soup and filling. In the case of Trader Joe’s said filling is chicken, pork and ginger, or vegetables, though you can find other brands of frozen soup dumplings everywhere from Costco to H Mart and Whole Foods.
Soup dumplings are my absolute favorite order at dim sum, and have been a favorite of mine for years. Trader Joe’s version is perfectly serviceable, but here’s the real problem with this viral dish: those dumplings are at their best when steamed on their own. Boiling them doesn’t do them any favors, and the dumpling wrapper gets a bit chewy and tough. Here’s how I make this viral dish even better.
My New-and-Improved Version Viral Dumpling Soup
Courtney Kassel
My solution? Swapping out the soup dumplings for another frozen find: Trader Joe’s Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons. These little dumplings have been a staple in my freezer for over a decade, and have become the backbone of my low-effort dinners, the ones that I throw together in minutes when I get home late and just need food—fast. I typically enjoy these dumplings pan-fried or steamed and tossed in a simple peanut sauce, but ever since discovering this riff on wonton soup, I have found my new favorite use for them.
I add about 5-10 mini wontons to a bowl, then either chicken broth or better yet, Trader Joe’s Miso Ginger Broth. Heat in a pot, or microwave for 2-2 1/2 minutes, or until all components are heated through. Then I follow the same tips as the viral videos, seasoning to taste with soy sauce and a little chili crisp. Then, for the fun part: toppings.
Courtney kassel
Sliced scallions are great, but so are other fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. Sesame seeds, furikake, shredded roasted seaweed, and crispy fried onions or shallots are all delicious ways to add texture and flavor. Personally, I love to add a little kimchi or, if I’m using the miso ginger broth, I top it with a little pickled ginger (the kind you get alongside sushi).
It’s worth noting that as is, this is not the most filling meal. I usually enjoy it for lunch or add other mix-ins to make it heartier. Think of this meal as endlessly customizable, like a blank canvas for the easiest dinner ever. Depending on how hungry I’m feeling, I’ll add some frozen spinach, peas, or broccoli, cubed tofu, or shredded rotisserie chicken, or even cooked rice or noodles—they’re all great ways to bulk up this soup. Any way you make it, it’s a foolproof formula for dinner you may just find yourself turning to night after night, and week after week all through fall and winter.
