Spice Blend | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free

Chinese Five Spice Powder

N/A Allergen-Free
Chinese Five Spice Powder

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Chinese
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Spices (star anise, cloves, cinnamon, peppercorns, fennel)

The Forktionary Angle

"Demystify the magic of Chinese Five Spice, a perfectly balanced blend that embodies the core principles of harmonious flavor."

Definition

A fragrant spice blend from Chinese cuisine, typically combining star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds.

Sensory Profile

TasteComplex, Sweet, Pungent, Spicy, Umami
TextureFine powder
AromaHighly aromatic, Sweet, Anise-like, Woody
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Key Aromatic Compound

Anethole (from Star Anise/Fennel)

Primary Culinary Use

Marinades, rubs, braising

Traditional Flavor Balance

Sweet, Sour, Pungent, Bitter, Salty

Nutrition Facts

Per 2g (1/2 tsp)
Calories380 kcal
Total Fat15 g
Saturated Fat1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein10 g
Total Carbohydrate60 g
Dietary Fiber30 g
Total Sugars1 g
Calcium600 mg
Iron10 mg
Potassium1500 mg

Chef’s Secret

Toasting Chinese Five Spice powder briefly in a dry pan before adding to a dish can intensify its aroma and flavor. Add early in cooking to allow flavors to meld.

Substitutions

Best Match

Garam Masala

1:1 (use less)

Provides warmth and aromatic complexity, but has a different specific spice profile. Use cautiously.

Star Anise + Cinnamon

To taste

Captures the dominant sweet-anise and warm notes, but misses other elements.

Allspice

1:1 (use less)

Offers a 'five-spice' essence in a single spice, but simpler and less nuanced.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

1:1 (use less)

Similar sweet-warm spice profile (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg), but lacks the anise and Szechuan kick.

Buying Guide

Buy in small quantities as ground spices lose potency. Store in an airtight container away from light and heat.

Flavor Pairings

Pork duck beef chicken tofu stir-fries marinades braised dishes roasted vegetables.

Recipes Using Chinese Five Spice Powder

Easy Dietary Time To Make Preparation

5 Spice Carrots

Impress your taste buds with these vibrant 5-Spice Roasted Carrots! This easy Asian-inspired side dish features tender carrots tossed in a fragrant blend of five-spice powder and roasted to perfection. A simple yet elegant addition to any meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Main Ingredient Time To Make Chicken Thighs Legs Meat

Asian Chicken Thighs

Juicy and flavorful Asian Chicken Thighs – a family favorite! This easy recipe, adapted from Taste of Home, delivers tender, succulent chicken thighs in a delicious, savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these thighs are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready for a burst of Asian-inspired goodness!

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Crock Pot Slow Cooker 4 Hours Or Less Chili Crock Pot Slow Cooker

Asian Inspired Chili

Spice up your chili game with this Asian-inspired twist! Developed over years to perfectly utilize hoisin sauce, this recipe delivers a rich, thick chili brimming with umami. Perfect for a cozy night in, it's easily adaptable to your slow cooker – simply toss everything in and cook on low for 6 hours. Prefer a thinner chili? No problem! Just add water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Get ready for a flavor adventure!

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Asian Inspired Pulled Pork Shoulder For Tacos Or Sliders

Craving incredible, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork? This slow cooker recipe delivers Asian-fusion flavor in a fraction of the time! Inspired by classic char siu, but with a unique twist, this recipe transforms a pork shoulder into tender, juicy perfection. Perfect for tacos, sliders, or enjoying on its own! Easy, delicious, and ready in just under 8 hours.

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Preparation Pork Chops

Asian Pork Cutlets 4 5 Pts Ww Australian

Juicy and flavorful Asian pork cutlets, perfect for a weeknight dinner! This 4.5 point Weight Watchers recipe (per serving) is packed with delicious plum sauce, soy sauce, and five-spice flavor. Easy to make and ready in under 80 minutes, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve with fluffy rice and vibrant steamed bok choy for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Cuisine Cuisine Crock Pot Slow Cooker Main Dish

Asian Steak Strips Crock Pot

Tender, flavorful Asian steak strips simmered to perfection in your slow cooker! This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Impress your family with this delicious Asian-inspired dish, ready in just 6-8 hours on low. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. #AsianFood #SlowCookerRecipes #SteakRecipe #EasyDinner #WeeknightMeal

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Meat Chicken Poultry Easy

Asian Sticky Chicken Drumettes

Sweet and savory Asian Sticky Chicken Drumettes – a flavor explosion that's ready in under an hour! This recipe swaps out pork ribs for juicy chicken drumettes, creating a quicker, easier, and equally delicious meal. Inspired by a February 2006 classic, these sticky delights are perfect served with fluffy jasmine rice and a crisp green salad. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Meat Chicken Thighs Legs Poultry Holiday Event

Asian Sticky Chicky

Get ready for an explosion of flavor with this Asian Sticky Chicky recipe! Juicy, tender chicken thighs are coated in a luscious, sticky glaze that's sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible. Forget dry chicken breasts – this recipe uses skinless, boneless thighs for maximum flavor and moisture. Easy to follow instructions and a short prep time make this the perfect weeknight meal.

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One Dish Meal Poultry Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less

Asian Style Chicken Breasts And Bacon

Experience a flavor explosion with this Asian-inspired recipe! Juicy chicken breasts are perfectly complemented by crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, savory sauce. Inspired by Food & Wine, this dish is easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality results. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

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Avocado Fries With Chipotle Ketchup

Get ready for a flavor explosion! These crispy avocado fries, made with a homemade chipotle ketchup, are the perfect appetizer or side dish. Perfectly golden-brown on the outside and creamy on the inside, they're unbelievably delicious. Easily customizable, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, whether served alongside chicken, as a vegan snack, or as a fun twist on traditional fries.

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60 Minutes Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Presentation Wedding

Barbecued Red Roast Pork Tenderloin

Impress your family and friends with this vibrant and flavorful Barbecued Red Roast Pork Tenderloin! Adapted from the Australian Women's Weekly Chinese Cooking Class cookbook, this simple recipe delivers tender, juicy pork with a stunning reddish-brown glaze. Marinate overnight for the most intense flavor (marinating time not included in prep time). Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Chinese Easy Course Dinner Party

Beijing Style Ribs

These irresistible Beijing-style ribs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course, perfect for any gathering! Tender, flavorful ribs glazed with a sweet and savory sauce – guaranteed to be a hit. Easy to follow recipe with stunning results.

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