Chinese Five Spice powder is a versatile and popular spice blend used in many Asian recipes. It has a unique blend of five different spices, each adding its own flavor profile to the seasoning blend. This recipe only takes less than 10 minutes to make!
The great thing about Chinese Five Spice powder is that it adds a burst of flavor and depth to dishes. It is often used as a dry rub for meat dishes or as a seasoning in savory recipes. It can even be added to homemade spice blends like garam masala for a unique twist.
Use my five spice powder in this authentic Moo Pa Lo (Thai braised pork belly) and Taiwanese popcorn chicken. Learn more about the different types of Thai spices here.
Jump to:
- Why homemade Chinese five spice recipe
- What is Chinese Five-Spice Powder?
- Origin of Chinese Five Spice Powder
- 5 Spice Powder Ingredients
- Optional Spices for five spice powder
- How to make Chinese Five Spice Powder
- Helpful kitchen notes and tips
- Helpful kitchen tools for this recipe
- How to Use Chinese Five Spice Powder
- Variations on 5 Spice Powder Recipe
- Storing leftovers
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Make Homemade Chinese Five Spice Powder
- More Helpful Kitchen Resources
Why homemade Chinese five spice recipe
- Make your own spice blends! Customize your five spice powder by adding your favorite spices.
- Unmatched Freshness: Enjoy the flavor and fragrance of freshly ground star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and other whole spices, infusing your recipes with unparalleled vibrancy.
- It's versatile! Use this spice mix in Chinese dishes and other cuisines to add a burst of flavor!
- It's the perfect dry rub to use for roasting, grilling, or smoking meat.
What is Chinese Five-Spice Powder?
Chinese five spice powder is a mix of five different spices that are ground together to create a unique blend of aromatic spice powder. Those dry spices are cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel seeds, and Sichuan pepper. When you combine these spices, they create a delicious flavor that is unique to Chinese cuisine.
The exact origins of Chinese Five Spice powder are unknown, but it has been a staple in Chinese and Taiwanese cooking for a long time. It is believed to have roots in traditional Chinese medicine, where powerful spices were used for their medicinal purposes.
Origin of Chinese Five Spice Powder
In the traditional Chinese belief, human bodies are balanced by earth, water, wood, fire, and metal, creating a delicate balance of Yin and Yang. These elements exist harmoniously within us, but when they become imbalanced, sickness can occur. The original five spice ingredients are believed to restore this balance. And within those spices, sweet, salty, bitter, pungent, and lightly spicy flavors exist. They create a harmonious and balanced taste experience in food and bodies.
5 Spice Powder Ingredients
Chinese five-spice powder is not limited to just five spices. See below for variations of spices to use and substitute.
- Cinnamon sticks. Chinese cinnamon (cassia cinnamon) is more common in stores in the US. If you can get a hold of the rare Ceylon cinnamon, use them. They are milder in flavor but still have an intense aroma.
- Whole star anise. Star anise is a beautifully aromatic spice used in many cuisines. Find whole star anise if possible.
- Whole cloves. Use just a small amount of cloves, as a little bit goes a long way with this spice.
- Fennel seeds. Fennels add a minty and slightly peppery taste to the five-spice
- Szechuan peppercorns. They can be found in most Asian markets.
Optional Spices for five spice powder
Make your own spices by adding or mixing these suggested spices to customize your five-spice powder. Remember to always have a balance of aroma in your blend of spices for the final powder mix.
- Use whole white or black peppercorns instead of Sichuan peppercorns.
- Chinese Cardamom. Chinese black cardamom with black seeds to add more intense flavors from the seeds within the pods of the spice. Black cardamom adds a smokier flavor profile.
- Ceylon cinnamon instead of cassia cinnamon.
How to make Chinese Five Spice Powder
Making your own Chinese Five Spice powder is easy. Use whole spices if possible, but powdered spices will work too. I've used both and have also combined whole and powdered spices.
Always dry roast them in a dry pan over low heat. This extra step brings out the aromatic flavors of the spices. Once roasted, grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Store the spice blend in an airtight spice jar for future use.
Step 1: Toast the whole spices. In a dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast the star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, fennel seeds, and Chinese cinnamon until fragrant.
Step 2: Cool and grind. Allow the toasted spices to cool before grinding them into a fine powder using a spice or coffee grinder.
Step 3: Blend to perfection. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure a uniform and balanced spice blend.
Step 4: Pass the ground spices through a fine mesh strainer to get a smooth, powdery texture.
Helpful kitchen notes and tips
- After grinding whole spices, strain them through a fine mesh strainer to remove any large pieces that weren't fully ground.
- To prevent flavor contamination, have a separate spice grinder exclusively for whole spices.
- Even if using powdered spices, gently toast them in a pan on low heat for a minute to release their fragrance and aroma.
Helpful kitchen tools for this recipe
To make the process smoother, consider having the following tools on hand:
- Spice grinder
- Strainer to help sift the powder after grinding to get an even more fine powder.
- Airtight glass containers for storage
How to Use Chinese Five Spice Powder
There are several ways to use your homemade Chinese five spice powder. Pair it with a variety of dishes, from meat rubs for baking, grilling, smoking, and frying to braised pork belly and deep-fried delicacies. Try it as a spice rub for roast beef, lamb, or pork. Add a hint of orange peel and licorice flavor for a Peking duck twist. Use it on oven-roast chicken, turkey, or potatoes for your holiday cooking to add some international flair to your dishes. Stay tuned for more savory dishes using five spice powder!
Variations on 5 Spice Powder Recipe
Experiment with these variations to create your unique twist on the classic Chinese five spice powder:
- Add chili peppers for an extra kick of heat.
- Infuse tangerine peel for a citrusy twist.
- Add ground ginger for an additional layer of warmth.
Storing leftovers
- Store in an airtight container. Preserve the freshness of your homemade blend by storing it in an airtight container. Store in the pantry for up to 2 months.
- Store your five spice powder in the freezer for an even longer shelf life.
More Recipes You'll Love
- Authentic Moo Pa Lo with braised pork
- Slow cooker pho bone broth with turkey bones
- Essential spices in Thai cooking
- Crockpot beef bone broth with Asian spices
Conclusion
Chinese Five Spice powder is a wonder powder that can elevate your favorite recipes. Whether you're cooking Taiwanese cuisine or celebrating Chinese New Year, this popular spice blend is a must-have in your kitchen. Its strong aroma and flavorful mixture bring a burst of taste to any dish.
So, next time you're in the mood for some Chinese food, try adding Chinese Five Spice powder to your dishes. Experiment with the amount of spices to suit your personal tastes and enjoy the rich and savory flavors it brings. With its own unique flavor profile, this spice blend is a game-changer for healthy eating and adds a touch of authenticity to your homemade meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Try adding a pinch to chocolate-based desserts for an intriguing flavor twist.
The unique combination of star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and cinnamon distinguishes it, offering a distinctive depth of flavor.
Yes! While it shines in Chinese dishes, don't hesitate to experiment with it in other recipes for a unique touch.
While whole spices provide the best flavor, pre-ground spices can be used if needed. Adjust the quantity accordingly.
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How to Make Homemade Chinese Five Spice Powder
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: ¼ cup 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chinese Five Spice powder is a versatile and popular spice blend used in many Chinese recipes. It consists of a unique blend of five different spices, each adding its own flavor profile to the seasoning blend. This recipe takes less than 10 minutes to make!
Ingredients
- 3 cinnamon sticks, 4-5 inch pieces. If using ground cinnamon, use 1 ½ tablespoons.
- 5 large whole star anise.
- 1 ½ tablespoons fennel seeds.
- 1 ½ teaspoons whole cloves.
- 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns.
Instructions
- Toast the whole spices. In a dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast the star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, fennel seeds, and Chinese cinnamon until fragrant.
- Cool and grind. Allow the toasted spices to cool before grinding them into a fine powder using a spice or coffee grinder.
- Blend to perfection. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure a uniform and balanced spice blend.
- Pass the ground spices through a fine mesh strainer to get a smooth, powdery texture.
Notes
- After grinding whole spices, strain them through a fine mesh strainer to remove any large pieces that weren't fully ground.
- To prevent flavor contamination, have a separate spice grinder exclusively for whole spices.
- Even if using powdered spices, gently toast them in a pan on low heat for a minute to release their fragrance and aroma.
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- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 2
- Category: Spices
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
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