This is a copycat recipe of Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests, which is a simple kakiage tempura made with onions, carrots and kale. You can enjoy it with rice or Trader Joe’s new Matcha Soba Noodles.
An easy way to fry these is to form the nests on parchment paper squares and drop the whole thing into hot frying oil, then you can remove the parchment paper from the oil.
I’ve also included a copycat recipe of the soy dipping sauce that comes with Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests
I served it with Trader Joe’s Matcha Soba Noodles, I boiled them for 3 minutes, strained in a colander then rinsed them with cold water until the noodles were cool and served immediately with dipping sauce I adapted from Just One Cookbook. I made the sauce by combining 1 Tablespoon Sake, 2 Tablespoons Mirin, 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce, ¼ Teaspoon Dashi Powder in a sauce pan, bring to a boil and simmer for 20 seconds then add ⅓ Cup cold Water, place into a small bowl for dipping and serve chopped green onions and wasabi on the side – you can add green onions and wasabi to the dipping sauce to your liking.
5 Comments
Joyce
March 1, 2022 at 10:32 pm
The Trader Joe’s version of these was the subject of a post in a FB group, “Air Fryer Tips and Recipes”. We don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby, and someone posted your recipe. Can’t wait to try them!
Also, I’ve bookmarked your website after perusing a few of your delicious recipes. I’ve amassed a small collection of Asian ingredients, and some of them sound super delicious. Thank you!
Noah McDonald
March 12, 2024 at 8:56 pm
These were a 10/10. The tip about the parchment paper was good too! These just taste like better onion rings! Perfect for a great side dish!
Van
March 12, 2024 at 9:17 pm
I’m so happy you enjoyed them! I haven’t made these in a while, gotta make them again soon
Angela
April 10, 2024 at 9:25 pm
I moved to Australia from the USA a year ago. I’ve soooooo missed TJ Birds Nests (well, and half their store also..haha). I can’t wait to try this recipe. Thanks!
Van
May 12, 2024 at 5:48 pm
You’re welcome! Hope you like it