7 Unbelievable Secrets About Royal Asia Prawn Hacao At Costco That Will Change Your Dim Sum Night

The Royal Asia Prawn Hacao, often hailed as the frozen dim sum masterpiece of the Costco freezer aisle, continues its reign as a cult-favorite item for shoppers seeking authentic Asian flavors at home. As of the current date in late 2025, this 40-count box of succulent shrimp dumplings remains a highly sought-after product, frequently selling out and sparking online discussions about its quality, price, and availability. The convenience of preparing restaurant-quality há cảo or har gow in minutes has cemented its status as a freezer staple for busy families and dim sum enthusiasts across North America.

This deep-dive review explores the latest 2025 details, from current pricing trends and the exact ingredients that make the filling so juicy to the best preparation methods and the one major complaint customers still have about the accompanying sauce. If you’ve been eyeing the distinctive blue box with the promise of "Handcrafted Prawn Hacao," here is everything you need to know before your next Costco run.

The 2025 Essential Profile: Price, Packaging, and Availability

The Royal Asia Prawn Hacao is a product that embodies the Costco value proposition: high quality, large quantity, and a great price point. Keeping track of the specifics is key for any serious Costco shopper.

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• Product Name: Royal Asia Prawn Hacao with Soy Ginger Sauce
• Costco Item Number: 1116045 (This number is crucial for checking local stock.)
• Package Size: 2.45 lbs (40 pieces)
• Typical Retail Price (2025): The standard price hovers between $13.99 and $16.49, depending on the region.
• Sale Price Alert: Shoppers should watch for the frequent Costco coupon book sale, which often drops the price by $3 to $5, making it an incredible steal at around $10 to $11 per box.
• Availability Status: The item is widely available across many US Costco locations, including Silicon Valley, New Jersey, and Central California, but its popularity means stock can be unpredictable.

The 40-count size is ideal for meal prepping, a quick snack, or serving a small gathering. The generous quantity ensures that the per-piece cost is significantly lower than what you would find at a traditional dim sum restaurant or a specialty Asian grocer.

Secret #1: The Filling’s Unbeatable Texture and Flavor Profile

What truly sets the Royal Asia Prawn Hacao apart from other frozen dumplings is the quality and composition of its filling. Unlike some competitors that use mostly fillers, this product is celebrated for its authentic, satisfying texture.

The core of the filling is a blend of farm-raised shrimp (prawns) and wild-caught squid, which provides a depth of flavor and a signature "snap" or bite that dim sum aficionados look for. This combination ensures the dumplings are juicy and not overly mushy after steaming. The delicate flavor is enhanced by a medley of fresh, crunchy ingredients that add essential textural contrast:

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• Bamboo Shoots: A classic addition that provides a subtle sweetness and crispness.
• Water Chestnuts: These contribute a refreshing, crunchy bite that cuts through the richness of the seafood.
• Jicama (Yam Bean): A lesser-known but critical ingredient that adds a slightly sweet, starchy crunch.
• Sesame Oil and Fish Paste (Sole): These ingredients are used to bind the filling and infuse it with a deep, savory umami flavor.

The wrapper itself is made from a blend of wheat starch, potato starch, and modified tapioca starch, giving it the translucent, slightly chewy texture characteristic of traditional har gow skin.

Secret #2: The Preparation Method That Guarantees Perfection

While the package provides instructions, seasoned fans of the Royal Asia Prawn Hacao have perfected a method that yields the best results, ensuring the dumplings are fully cooked, tender, and not sticky.

The Steaming Debate: 8 Minutes vs. 10 Minutes

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The most common preparation method is steaming. While some packaging may suggest an 8-minute cook time, many loyal consumers on platforms like Reddit and other review sites strongly recommend steaming for a full 10 minutes. This extra couple of minutes ensures the filling is piping hot and the wrapper achieves its ideal translucent, non-gummy texture.

Step-by-Step Steaming Hack:

1. Line your steam basket (bamboo or metal) with parchment paper or a thin layer of napa cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
2. Place the frozen hacao in the steamer, ensuring they are not touching.
3. Steam over rapidly boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Serve immediately to enjoy the plump, fresh-from-the-kitchen taste.

The Quick-Cook Myth: Some sources mention a "quick 3-minute cook time," which may refer to a microwave or pan-fry method, but for the authentic, soft dim sum experience, steaming is the undisputed champion.

Secret #3: The Soy Ginger Sauce Problem and DIY Solution

A recurring theme in virtually every online review is the love for the dumplings but a general indifference—or outright dislike—for the included Soy Ginger Sauce packets. While the sauce is convenient, many find it too sweet, too salty, or simply lacking the fresh punch of a homemade dipping sauce.

To elevate your dim sum experience and achieve true topical authority, consider ditching the packet and mixing up a quick, superior DIY dipping sauce:

The Ultimate Har Gow Dipping Sauce Recipe:

• 3 tablespoons of high-quality soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce (like Sriracha or Sambal Oelek) or a few drops of chili oil for heat
• A pinch of sugar (optional)
• Garnish with thinly sliced green onions or cilantro.

This simple, fresh blend complements the savory prawn filling perfectly, giving you a restaurant-quality finish that the store-bought packet simply cannot match.

Secret #4: The Impressive Nutritional Value (For Frozen Dim Sum)

While dim sum is an indulgence, the Royal Asia Prawn Hacao offers a surprisingly balanced nutritional profile, especially when compared to other frozen appetizers. This information is based on a standard serving size of 6 pieces:

With 14 grams of protein per serving, these dumplings are a hearty and satisfying snack or a great component of a larger meal. The relatively low fat content is a benefit of steaming them rather than pan-frying.

Secret #5: Why the Prawn Hacao is Bigger Than the Competition

A common sentiment among reviewers is that the Royal Asia dumplings are noticeably larger and plumper than the har gow found at many traditional dim sum spots. This is a significant advantage for a frozen product, as it makes them more filling and ensures the filling-to-wrapper ratio is satisfying. The large size is a key differentiator that contributes to the product's high rating and consistent demand.

Secret #6: The Royal Asia Brand’s Dim Sum Authority

Royal Asia, the brand behind the popular Prawn Hacao, is a dedicated producer of Asian American frozen foods. Their focus on authentic ingredients like farm-raised shrimp, squid, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts demonstrates a commitment to traditional flavor profiles, which is why their products resonate so well with consumers, including those with Cantonese heritage. Their success at Costco has positioned them as a leader in the high-quality frozen Asian food market.

Secret #7: The Only Way to Guarantee a Box is to Go Early

Due to the viral popularity and frequent sales, the Royal Asia Prawn Hacao often disappears from shelves quickly. If you see the item on sale, or if you hear buzz about a fresh restock, your best chance of securing a box is to visit your local Costco warehouse early in the morning or check the Costco Business Delivery site, where availability can sometimes differ from the main warehouse.