You don't have to spend a fortune to eat well. In fact, you can swap your favorite Asian takeout meals for these foodie finds and save money at Costco instead of tipping for delivery.
Stocking your freezer with ready-to-heat meals and appetizers can make it easier to skip pricey takeout orders without giving up the flavors you love. Costco's bulk packages also help you stretch your grocery budget across multiple meals.
From ramen to sumptuous steamed dumplings, our favorite bulk-buy bargains taste like they came from an Asian eatery.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
Bibigo Steamed Dumplings
Price: $13.69
Sumptuous, soft steamed dumplings can come in a box. This popular product features six self-venting, individually wrapped trays of fully cooked chicken and veggie potsticker-like picks, along with six packs of dipping sauce, all for under $14.
A comparable (but much smaller) 10-piece takeout order of Chicken Xiao Long Bao costs $17 at Washington's Din Tai Fung eatery.
That makes Costco's box a tempting alternative when dumplings are on your takeout wish list. The individually wrapped trays let you heat a portion without preparing the entire package, which is handy for quick lunches, snacks, or an easy dinner alongside rice and vegetables. You also get dipping sauce included, so there's no need to buy a separate condiment just to enjoy them.
For households that reach for dumplings regularly, keeping a few servings in the freezer can make it easier to resist a more expensive restaurant order.
Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice
Price: $16.99
Fried rice is a traditional favorite that you can buy in bulk at Costco. The massive three-plus-pound box of grilled white-meat chicken and vegetable rice includes six separate nine-ounce bags, giving you the option to use what you need and freeze the rest.
Snag this deal for $17. P.F. Chang's charges around $15 for one order of takeout chicken fried rice.
Each bag is ready in about three minutes, making this a convenient option when you need a fast meal without restaurant prices. The rice includes chicken, carrots, leeks, edamame, green peas, and other vegetables, so you get more than a plain side dish.
At about $2.83 per bag, the Costco pack offers six individual portions for less than the cost of two takeout orders. Keep a few bags on hand for busy evenings, or add extra vegetables to stretch each serving into a heartier meal.
Jongga Kimchi
Price: $8.49
The traditional Korean side is a takeout staple. But you could pay a high price for this classic fermented cabbage product. Costco's $8.49 price for 3.3 pounds is a must-have deal.
Serve this pick with bulgogi, eat it as-is, or get creative in the kitchen. Trendy restaurants layer the veggies on top of fresh French fries.
At roughly 41 cents per cup if you use a standard eight-ounce weight-based portion estimate, this large container gives kimchi fans plenty to enjoy. The fermented cabbage brings a tangy, spicy kick to rice bowls, noodles, sandwiches, and homemade Korean-inspired meals. A little can add plenty of flavor, so you don't need to buy extra sauces or pricey restaurant sides to make dinner more interesting.
If you already love kimchi, Costco's generous package can be a practical way to keep this flavorful staple in your fridge.
Kirkland Signature Stir-Fry Vegetable Blend
Price: $11.11
Start your Asian-inspired meal with this staple. Whether you don't eat meat or just want extra veggies in your meal, this 5.5-pound pack of frozen sugar snap peas, broccoli, green beans, yellow and orange carrots, red bell peppers, mushrooms, and water chestnuts is a bargain.
The mix costs about $2.02 per pound, making it an affordable way to add variety to meals without buying several different vegetables separately. Since the vegetables are frozen, you can use what you need and keep the rest in the freezer instead of worrying about fresh produce spoiling before you get to it.
Toss a handful into fried rice or ramen, or cook the blend with noodles and your favorite protein for a quick stir-fry. Costco also notes that the blend has no preservatives and is an excellent source of vitamin C. It's a versatile freezer staple that can help you make restaurant-inspired dinners for less.
Nongshim Udon
Price: $18.99
Don't confuse this bowl with ramen noodles. The Japanese wheat pasta is thicker and denser than other noodles.
At Costco, you can purchase six 9.73-ounce ready-to-heat-and-eat bowls for $18.99, which works out to $3.17 per meal. One takeout beef broth udon meal from California's Marugame Udon Japanese Noodles and Tempura restaurant costs $11.99.
Each bowl contains pre-cooked udon noodles and soup mix, so you can have a warm meal ready in minutes. The thick noodles make this a satisfying option when you're craving something hearty, and the individual bowls mean you don't have to prepare the whole package at once.
Keep them in your pantry for busy workdays, quick lunches, or evenings when takeout feels tempting. If you regularly order udon, Costco's multipack can help you enjoy it at home for a fraction of the restaurant price.
Bibigo Vegetable Spring Rolls
Price: $9.99
Are veggie spring rolls your go-to takeout app? If you're tired of paying a high price for this starter, try Bibigo's edamame, carrot, leek, onion, and cabbage version.
At under $10 for 50 pieces (plus soy ginger sauce), this freezer find is a bulk-buy bargain. For reference, an order of three from P.F. Chang's menu costs $9.
At the listed price, Costco's pack works out to about 20 cents per spring roll, making it easy to serve a crowd without spending restaurant prices on appetizers. The included Korean-style soy ginger sauce adds flavor without requiring another purchase.
Bake the rolls in the oven or prepare them in an air fryer for a crispy wrapper and a convenient snack. They're also a handy addition to an Asian-inspired dinner alongside fried rice, udon, or stir-fried vegetables. Keep the remaining rolls frozen and cook only what you plan to eat, so you can enjoy a quick appetizer without committing to a full takeout order.
Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen
Price: $9.39
Noodle lovers rejoice. You don't have to overpay for restaurant-quality ramen anymore. Nab this six-count of 3.56-ounce bowls for $9.39. The premium noodle soup features a decadently rich pork broth and spicy sauce to customize the heat level.
Compare $1.57 per meal to your favorite restaurant, which typically runs at least $10 for one serving.
Each bowl is designed to heat in the microwave in about four minutes, making it a convenient choice for a quick lunch or late-night craving. The included spicy sauce packet lets you adjust the heat to your liking, so you can make each bowl as mild or fiery as you prefer.
At the listed price, the entire six-pack costs less than one restaurant ramen meal in many places. Add a soft-boiled egg, leftover chicken, or vegetables if you want to make the bowl more substantial.
Keeping these individual servings in your pantry gives you a budget-friendly alternative when you want ramen without paying restaurant prices or delivery fees.
Kirkland Signature Tempura Shrimp
Price: $20.42
Bake these crispy, crunchy tempura-battered shrimp to serve as a starter, side dish, or main course. The 30-count (2.35 pounds) of Kirkland brand frozen seafood is a top deal for $20.
What do Costco shoppers think? Reddit user beautifultoyou raved, "Yes, these are the best! I usually make them in the air fryer…but they also get nice and crispy in the oven, which is rare for a product!"
At about 68 cents per shrimp, this freezer find can help you put together an impressive appetizer spread without ordering restaurant starters. The package includes soy dipping sauce, so you have a ready-made accompaniment without buying an extra condiment.
Bake the shrimp in the oven or use an air fryer to prepare a crispy coating, then serve them alongside fried rice, noodles, or stir-fry vegetables. You can also make them the centerpiece of a quick meal when you're craving tempura but don't want to pay restaurant prices. Keeping a pack on hand makes it easier to recreate a takeout favorite at home.
Crazy Cuizine Mandarin Orange Chicken
Price: $16.99
You'll find this popular chicken meal in Costco's frozen foods section. The Mandarin orange flavor has a zesty citrus kick that tastes just like takeout (minus the high price tag).
You'll get over four pounds of battered breast and rib meat for less than $20 at the warehouse club. P.F. Chang's Orange Chicken is $18.99.
This generous package is a practical pick for families or anyone who wants to stretch a grocery budget across several meals. Serve the chicken over steamed rice with a side of frozen vegetables for an easy dinner inspired by your favorite takeout spot. You can also divide it into portions to make meal prep simpler throughout the week.
Having this freezer staple ready to cook can help you avoid delivery fees and tips when an orange chicken craving strikes.
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Ajinomoto Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen with Chicken
Price: $18.79
This delicious ramen comes in a pack of six, coming out to just $3.13 per serving. This is a great price compared to other takeout options.
With tender white-meat chicken, Tokyo-style soy sauce broth, and veggies, this is a well-balanced lunch or dinner option.
Each bowl weighs 9.2 ounces and combines ramen noodles with chicken and vegetables in a savory soy sauce broth. Since the bowls are sold frozen, you can keep them on hand for days when you need a convenient meal without making a separate grocery run.
At $3.13 per bowl, the six-pack costs less than a single $10 restaurant ramen order, leaving more room in your budget for other groceries. Add extra vegetables or a boiled egg if you want to bulk up your bowl.
For ramen fans who want something more substantial than an instant noodle snack, this Costco multipack offers a convenient way to enjoy a restaurant-inspired meal at home.
Bottom line
Takeout is quick, tasty, and convenient. But the added costs of delivery app fees and tips make it an expensive alternative to home-cooked meals. That's where Costco's super-sized selection of Asian-inspired items comes into play.
Get the savory flavors you adore and save money on groceries. Looking for more ways to keep your budget in check? Here's a tip: Take advantage of seasonal in-store specials and bulk buys on non-perishable items.
Costco's frozen meals, appetizers, and pantry staples can make it easier to recreate your favorite takeout flavors without paying restaurant prices for every meal. Buying in bulk can be especially helpful when you choose products you'll actually use and store them properly to prevent waste.
Compare the cost per serving before you shop, and pair these convenience foods with affordable staples such as rice and vegetables to stretch your budget even further.
You don't have to give up your favorite Asian-inspired meals to spend less. A little planning can help you enjoy satisfying dinners while keeping more money in your pocket.
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