20 Simple Asian Starters You Can Find At Costco
Craving quick, crowd pleasing bites without turning your kitchen upside down? Costco’s freezer aisles hide a treasure trove of simple Asian starters that go from box to platter in minutes.
You get big flavors, reliable portions, and wallet friendly value that works for busy weeknights and spontaneous gatherings. Let’s tour the best picks so you can mix, match, and serve with zero stress.
1. Pork Potstickers
You know that satisfying sizzle when dumplings hit a hot pan? These pork potstickers deliver it every time, with juicy filling and edges that crisp beautifully.
A quick steam then fry gives you the perfect chewy tender bite.
Pair them with soy, vinegar, and a little chili oil for an easy dipping sauce. They work as appetizers or a light dinner with a crunchy slaw.
Keep a bag on hand and you will never scramble for a last minute snack again.
2. Chicken Gyoza
Chicken gyoza are lighter but still deeply savory, perfect when you want something snackable. A nonstick skillet does the trick: steam to cook through, then let the bottoms crisp.
The contrast in textures makes every bite addictive.
Try a ponzu dip for brightness or mix soy with grated ginger. Serve alongside edamame for a quick, balanced spread.
If you are entertaining, set out small bowls of sauces so everyone can customize. You will look like you planned it days ago.
3. Shrimp Wontons In Chili Broth
These shrimp wontons swim in a lightly spicy broth that wakes up your taste buds. Heat on the stovetop and you are minutes from a restaurant style starter.
The wontons are plump, with bouncy shrimp and delicate wrappers.
Add a few baby bok choy leaves for greens or swirl in an egg if you want more body. Finish with sesame oil and scallions for aroma.
Serve in small bowls to stretch a party platter. It feels special without extra work.
4. Vegetable Spring Rolls
When you want crunch, vegetable spring rolls never disappoint. Bake them straight from frozen and the wrappers turn shatteringly crisp.
Inside, cabbage, carrots, and glass noodles create a fresh, savory mix that pairs with almost any sauce.
Set out sweet chili, plum sauce, and a little rice vinegar dip so guests can play. These hold well on a warming tray, making them party friendly.
Serve with a light salad to keep things balanced. You will appreciate how effortlessly they disappear.
5. Shrimp Tempura
Shrimp tempura feels fancy but cooks fast in the air fryer or oven. The batter crisps up light and airy while the shrimp stays tender.
A simple tentsuyu dip or soy plus mirin keeps it classic.
Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of flaky salt for extra pop. Arrange tails outward on a platter for easy grabbing.
Pair with cucumber salad to refresh the palate. It is a no fuss way to channel your favorite tempura bar at home.
6. Pork Shu Mai
Pork shu mai bring that dim sum cart vibe to your table with zero hassle. Steam them in a bamboo basket or a simple metal steamer until juicy and hot.
The open tops soak up sauce perfectly.
Try a drizzle of chili crisp or black vinegar for depth. These work nicely next to fried rice or a cucumber salad.
Keep an extra tray warming while the first disappears. You will love the instant upgrade to any casual get together.
7. Chicken Egg Rolls
Chicken egg rolls are hearty, crispy, and great for feeding a crowd. Bake or air fry until golden, then slice on the bias to show the filling.
The mix of chicken, cabbage, and aromatics satisfies without being heavy.
Set out duck sauce, hot mustard, and soy so guests can choose their heat level. They hold up well for game day spreads or casual potlucks.
Add orange slices and scallions for color. You will appreciate how reliably they crunch every time.
8. Korean Style Mini Wontons
These mini wontons are bite sized and dangerously snackable. Pan fry them to get crisp edges, then toss with a drizzle of soy and a touch of gochujang.
The filling leans savory with garlic and green onion.
Serve in small bowls with toothpicks for easy grazing. They reheat well, so make extra.
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced scallions for flair. You will find yourself reaching for seconds before you realize it.
9. Steamed Pork Buns
Soft, pillowy pork buns make comfort food feel portable. Steam from frozen and the dough becomes cloud like around a sweet savory char siu filling.
They land somewhere between snack and small meal.
Serve with hoisin and a dab of hot mustard if you like contrast. Cut them in halves for party portions, or keep them whole for a cozy snack.
They are perfect when you want something warm in minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
10. Vegetable Gyoza
Vegetable gyoza give you a lighter option that still tastes big. The wrappers crisp nicely while the vegetable filling stays tender and savory.
A soy vinegar dipping sauce with a hint of sugar balances everything.
Serve alongside miso soup or a seaweed salad for a simple spread. They are weeknight friendly and party safe for vegetarian guests.
Add chili oil for those who want heat. You will be glad you stocked a second bag.
11. Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)
Takoyaki brings Osaka street food energy straight to your table. Heat them in an air fryer or oven until crisp outside and creamy inside.
The octopus bits are tender and flavorful without being fishy.
Top with takoyaki sauce, Kewpie mayo, bonito flakes, and aonori for the full experience. Serve toothpicks for easy bites.
These disappear shockingly fast at parties. If you want a conversation starter, this is it.
12. Edamame With Sea Salt
Edamame is the simplest win you can offer guests. Steam or microwave the pods, sprinkle with sea salt, and serve hot.
The satisfying pop of the beans makes them endlessly snackable.
Add a dusting of togarashi or garlic salt if you want extra flavor. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything.
Pair with any fried appetizer to keep things balanced. You will appreciate how fast this disappears and how little cleanup it requires.
13. Scallion Pancakes
Scallion pancakes crisp up into flaky, layered wedges that beg for dipping. Pan fry with a little oil until golden on both sides.
The green onion flavor is savory, oniony, and comforting.
Slice into small triangles and serve with soy vinegar and a pinch of sugar. Add chili oil for people who like heat.
These hold texture well for a while, making them party friendly. You will find yourself nibbling between conversations.
14. Vegetable Samosas
These samosas bring warm spices and crispy shells without deep frying at home. Bake or air fry until bronzed, then serve with mint chutney for freshness.
The potato and pea filling is hearty but still appetizer friendly.
Set out tamarind sauce for a sweet tangy contrast. They pair well with beer or sparkling water.
For a party platter, scatter chopped cilantro and red onion over the top. You will enjoy how easily they feed a crowd.
15. BBQ Pork Bao Bites
Mini bao bites pack sweet smoky char siu flavor into soft doughy pillows. Steam them straight from frozen and serve with hoisin on the side.
They are easy to grab and ideal for grazing tables.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions for color. If you want contrast, add a crunchy slaw nearby.
These reheat well, so keep a second batch ready. You will have trouble keeping them on the platter.
16. Korean Fried Chicken Bites
Craving sticky spicy crunch? These Korean fried chicken bites check every box.
Heat them until crisp and toss with a sweet spicy gochujang glaze.
Serve with pickled radish cubes to cut the richness. Sesame seeds and scallions make them look party ready.
They disappear quickly, so plan extra for seconds. You will want napkins, but no one will complain about saucy fingers.
17. Thai Chicken Satay Skewers
Satay skewers make serving easy, thanks to built in handles and smoky flavor. Warm them quickly, then serve with rich peanut sauce.
The turmeric and lemongrass seasoning tastes bright without overwhelming.
Add a simple cucumber relish with vinegar and sugar for crunch. Lime wedges bring the zing.
They are great for backyard gatherings and indoor snack boards alike. You will appreciate how tidy they are on a crowded table.
18. Prawn Hargow
Hargow are delicate shrimp dumplings with translucent wrappers that hold a bouncy, juicy filling. Steam until the skins turn glossy and slightly sticky.
The flavor is clean and elegant, perfect before heavier bites.
Dip in light soy or a touch of vinegar to keep things bright. Serve directly from the steamer for best texture.
These little parcels feel refined but require almost no effort. You will want to savor them slowly.
19. Gochujang Cauliflower Bites
Cauliflower bites carry big flavor without meat, thanks to a tangy gochujang glaze. Roast or air fry until the edges char and the sauce caramelizes slightly.
The sweet heat makes them hard to stop eating.
Serve with lime wedges for brightness and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. They pair beautifully with beer or iced tea.
Add toothpicks for easy snagging. You will convert skeptics with the first bite.
20. Japchae Glass Noodles Cups
Japchae turns into a tidy starter when portioned into small cups. The sweet savory sesame soy sauce clings to springy glass noodles and tender vegetables.
Serve warm or room temperature to keep hosting relaxed.
Top with sesame seeds and scallions for polish. Add a little heat with chili flakes if desired.
These cups travel well for potlucks and picnics. You will love the make ahead flexibility.
