Five Spice Powder

N/A (Spice Blend) Spice Blend

Five Spice Powder Spice Blend

At a Glance

  • Category Spice Blend

The Forktionary Angle

"The Quintessential Asian Flavor Balancer"

Definition

A traditional Chinese spice blend combining star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, offering a balanced flavor profile.

Core Ingredients Typically star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds.
Flavor Philosophy Represents the five basic Chinese flavor elements: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.
Traditional Use Often used in marinades for roasted meats, particularly pork and duck.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Five Spice Powder are:

Sweet pungent peppery warm anise-like complex

Chef’s Secret

Toast whole five spice ingredients lightly in a dry pan before grinding to awaken their essential oils and enhance the blend's aromatic depth.

Best Substitutes

Star Anise + Cinnamon + Cloves

:1, adjust ratio
Ratio 1:1

Garam Masala

different flavor profile but warm spices
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Purchase from Asian markets for authenticity. Grind whole spices for maximum freshness and aroma.

Recipes Using Five Spice Powder

Preparation Taste Mood Meat Independence Day

Barbecued Vietnamese 5 Spice Cornish Game Hens

This award-winning recipe, originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle in 1990 by Joyce Jue, delivers succulent, flavorful Cornish game hens with a beautiful char. The Vietnamese 5-spice blend creates a complex aroma, perfectly complemented by the tangy nuoc cham dipping sauce. Impress your guests with this elegant yet surprisingly easy BBQ recipe!

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Easy Asian Course Time To Make

Asian Flavored Butter

Elevate your cooking with this quick and easy Asian Flavored Butter! Ready in 5 minutes, this recipe is perfect for adding a burst of umami and aromatic flavor to your favorite dishes. From stir-fries and roasted vegetables to pan-seared meats and noodles, this versatile butter will become your new go-to ingredient.

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Cuisine Cuisine Asian Main Dish

Asian Chicken Meatball Rice Noodle Soup

Warm up on a chilly night with this comforting Asian Chicken Meatball Rice Noodle Soup! Tender chicken meatballs simmered in a fragrant broth with vibrant bok choy, crisp carrots, and delicate rice noodles. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a delicious and authentic Asian flavor experience perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Get ready for a bowl of pure comfort!

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3 Steps Or Less Easy Main Ingredient Occasion

5 Spice Plum Glaze For Ham

Elevate your holiday ham or pork roast with this vibrant 5-spice plum glaze! A sweet and spicy symphony of flavors, this easy-to-make glaze adds a touch of magic to your festive meal. Perfect for impressing guests and making your holiday dinner unforgettable.

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4 Hours Or Less 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Preparation

Bear's Char Siu Pork

Unlock the secrets to unbelievably tender and flavorful Char Siu Pork with this adapted recipe! Inspired by numerous online sources, this recipe is surprisingly easy to master and yields incredible results. The rich, savory glaze will leave you craving more, and leftovers are just as delicious – perfect for meal prepping! We even include tips for freezing and reheating for ultimate convenience.

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Main Dish Pork Time To Make Cuisine

Barbecued Pork Chinese Style

Experience the authentic taste of a top-rated Chinese restaurant with Dorothy Huang's incredible Barbecued Pork recipe! This recipe, from renowned local chef and cookbook author Dorothy Huang, delivers succulent, flavorful pork perfect for serving hot or cold. Slice into delectable 2" x ⅛" pieces for a stunning hot dish or incorporate them into a refreshing Chinese cold plate. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality masterpiece. (Marinating time not included in prep time)

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Seafood Barbecue Potluck Preparation

Barbecue Prawns

Fire up the grill for these succulent BBQ prawns! A simple yet flavorful recipe featuring juicy shrimp marinated to perfection. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. Get ready for a taste explosion!

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Main Dish For 1 Or 2 Time To Make Preparation

Asian Style Stuffed Pork Loin

This recipe transforms a simple pork loin into an unforgettable culinary adventure! Inspired by Asian flavors, this recipe features a succulent pork loin, expertly stuffed and infused with a vibrant blend of aromatic ingredients. The tender, juicy pork is perfectly complemented by a rich, savory sauce, creating a harmonious explosion of taste. Serve this masterpiece over stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or fluffy steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unique and delicious creation!

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One Dish Meal One Dish Meal Course Cuisine

Asia Style Chicken Drumsticks In The Crock Pot

Experience succulent, fall-off-the-bone chicken drumsticks bathed in a vibrant ponzu-based sauce! This easy crock-pot recipe delivers a burst of Asian-inspired flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve over fluffy rice or sesame noodles, and complete your meal with a soothing cup of green tea. A budget-friendly winner (created for the "Dining on a Dollar" contest!), this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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Main Dish Shrimp Course 4 Hours Or Less

Australian Chili Prawns

Fire up the barbie for these succulent Australian Chili Prawns! A vibrant and flavorful recipe, perfect for a summer BBQ or a special occasion. Succulent prawns marinated in a spicy chili sauce, then grilled to perfection. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests!

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Presentation Served Cold Taste Mood Equipment

Barbecued Roast Pork Tenderloin Char Shui

Experience the ultimate flavor explosion with this succulent Barbecued Roast Pork Tenderloin Char Siu! Our mouthwatering recipe features a signature glaze that elevates this classic dish to new heights. Perfect served hot or cold, and fantastic in sandwiches the next day – leftovers are a treat! (Prep time excludes marinating and resting.)

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Fall Main Dish Course 60 Minutes Or Less

Pork Tenderloin With Shallot Cider Sauce

Impress your family with this succulent pork tenderloin, perfectly complemented by a vibrant shallot cider sauce. This Cooking Light-inspired recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork in under an hour! Easy to follow instructions and a delicious sauce make this a weeknight winner.

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Number Of Servings Preparation For 1 Or 2 Occasion

Asian Chops

These Asian Chops are bursting with flavor and ready in just 35 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner for two, this recipe easily doubles for a crowd. The vibrant marinade infuses the chops with deliciousness, creating a tender and juicy result. Get ready for a taste sensation that's both quick and impressive. (Note: Marinating time is not included in the prep time.)

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Time To Make Holiday Event Occasion Wings

Bat Wings

These incredibly tasty bat wings are a guaranteed party hit! Easy to customize the spice level to your preference, these crispy, flavorful wings are perfect for game day, parties, or a weeknight treat. Get ready for finger-licking goodness!

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15 Minutes Or Less Main Dish 15 Minutes Or Less Easy

5 Spice Tilapia

This 5-Spice Tilapia recipe is a quick, flavorful, and surprisingly addictive dish! Even the pickiest fish-avoiders will be impressed by the tender, juicy tilapia infused with aromatic five-spice powder and a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze. Adapted from Eating Well Magazine (July/August 2010), this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Vegetables Occasion Stove Top Duck

Asian Braised Duck Legs

Fall-off-the-bone tender duck legs braised to perfection with aromatic Asian spices! Inspired by Ming Tsai, this recipe delivers rich, savory flavors in every bite. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next dinner party or a cozy weeknight meal.

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Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation

Barbecue Shrimp And Sugar Snap Pasta Salad Clean Eating

This vibrant and healthy pasta salad is a flavor explosion! Succulent BBQ shrimp, crisp sugar snap peas, and fresh herbs tossed in a zesty ginger-soy dressing. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a light lunch, weeknight dinner, or summer BBQ. Clean eating made delicious!

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Cuisine Easy Seafood Asian

Chili Seafood Stir Fry

Spice up your weeknight with this quick and easy Chili Seafood Stir-Fry! This vibrant dish is packed with succulent seafood (easily customizable to your favorites!), crisp-tender vegetables, and a fiery chili kick. Perfect for a satisfying solo meal or a delicious dinner for four, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes. Imagine juicy prawns and scallops tossed in a fragrant sauce with colorful peppers and asparagus – a taste sensation that's both healthy and incredibly flavorful!

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