Chinese Five Spice Powder

Illicium verum, Cinnamomum cassia, Syzygium aromaticum, Zanthoxylum bungeanum, Foeniculum vulgare Spice Blend

Chinese Five Spice Powder Spice Blend

At a Glance

  • Category Spice Blend

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A traditional Chinese spice blend encompassing five fundamental flavors: sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, and salty, creating a complex, aromatic profile.

Key Aromatic Compound Anethole (from Star Anise/Fennel)
Primary Culinary Use Marinades, rubs, braising
Traditional Flavor Balance Sweet, Sour, Pungent, Bitter, Salty

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Chinese Five Spice Powder are:

Aromatic sweet pungent woody licorice subtly numbing (from Sichuan)

Chef’s Secret

Bloom Chinese Five Spice powder in a little hot oil or fat for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients. This deepens its aromatic profile and ensures even flavor distribution without raw spice notes.

Best Substitutes

Garam Masala

different flavor profile
Ratio 1:1

Allspice

simpler
Ratio 1:1

Cardamom & Cinnamon Blend

partial
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for a fresh, potent aroma. Ensure it's not clumpy. Store in an airtight container away from light/heat.

Recipes Using Chinese Five Spice Powder

Equipment Cuisine Equipment 60 Minutes Or Less

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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Served Hot Asian 60 Minutes Or Less Chicken

Baked Sesame Chicken With Soy Dip

Crispy, flavorful baked sesame chicken is ready in under an hour! This easy recipe, adapted from BBC Good Food, delivers juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy sesame breadcrumb mixture. Serve with a vibrant soy-citrus dipping sauce and lime wedges for a burst of fresh flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping – it's even freezer-friendly!

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Pork Meat Main Dish Preparation

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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Steaks Preparation Main Ingredient Number Of Servings

5 Spice Marinade For Stir Fry Or Steak Tips

Elevate your stir-fry or steak tips with Penzeys-inspired 5-spice magic! This vibrant marinade delivers a burst of flavor in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party.

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60 Minutes Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Preparation

Crunchy Apple Beef

Experience the vibrant flavors of this quick and easy Crunchy Apple Beef Stir-Fry, inspired by the culinary genius of Martin Yan! Tender beef, crisp-tender apples, and a zesty sauce create a symphony of textures and tastes. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and impresses with minimal effort. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Preparation Course 3 Steps Or Less Preparation

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 Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation

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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Saltwater Fish Saltwater Fish Long Grain Rice Equipment

Asian Fish And Vegetable Wrap

Craving a flavorful and healthy meal? These Asian Fish and Vegetable Wraps are a delicious and easy-to-make recipe! Packed with vibrant vegetables, succulent salmon, and a savory oyster sauce glaze, these wraps are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this exciting fusion of Asian flavors!

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Chicken Preparation Main Ingredient Meat

Apricot Orange Chicken

Sweet and savory apricot orange chicken, a quick and easy 30-minute recipe! This light and tasty dish, inspired by Taste of Home, features tender chicken stir-fried with a vibrant apricot-orange glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Meat Fruit Course Sauces

Barbecue Roast Pork With Fruity Sweet And Sour Sauce

This incredibly easy recipe delivers a succulent barbecue roast pork, perfectly complemented by a vibrant, fruity sweet and sour sauce. The versatile sauce is delicious with chicken or fish, too! Imagine tender pork, coated in a luscious glaze, served alongside perfectly seasoned baby potatoes, all bathed in the rich pan juices. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, adaptable to your liking – try it with bananas for an extra tropical twist! Whether you include apple or not, the amazing flavor remains consistent.

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Easy 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Pork Ribs

Baked Pork Ribs With Hoisin Barbecue Sauce

Fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs glazed with a rich and savory hoisin barbecue sauce! This recipe delivers incredible flavor, whether you bake them to juicy perfection or grill them for a smoky char. Marinate overnight for maximum flavor impact. A family favorite that's sure to become yours too!

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Grains Easy Pasta Rice And Grains Drop Cookies

5 Spice Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Spice up your life with these irresistible 5-Spice Oatmeal Raisin Cookies! A twist on a classic, this recipe delivers warm, comforting cookies bursting with flavor. Forget bland oatmeal cookies – these are gobbled up faster than you can say 'delicious'! Perfectly sized using a small ice cream scoop for consistent baking, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Meat Meat Chicken Main Ingredient

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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Preparation Spicy Cuisine Occasion

Asian Five Spice Rub

Elevate your meats, seafood, and poultry with this aromatic Asian Five Spice Rub! A delicious and easy-to-make alternative to Emeril's blend, this recipe adds a touch of warmth and complexity to any dish. A customizable blend, you can easily adjust it with a smidge of ground coriander or fennel for an extra layer of flavor. Perfect for grilling, roasting, or even as a dry rub for slow cooking!

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Dietary Dietary Time To Make 5 Ingredients Or Less

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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Dinner Party Occasion Wedding Preparation

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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Served Hot Time To Make Main Dish Preparation

Apricot Chicken Casserole

This recipe elevates the classic apricot chicken to new heights! Enjoy a deliciously thick, boneless apricot sauce, perfect for a weeknight meal. Adapted from a family favorite, this version offers all the comforting flavors you love, without the fuss of bones and extra mess. Serve over fluffy rice or with a vibrant side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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Pork Pork Main Ingredient Meat

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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