Star Anise

Illicium verum Spice

Star Anise Spice

At a Glance

  • Category Spice

The Forktionary Angle

"The aromatic star of the spice rack."

Definition

A star-shaped spice from the fruit of an evergreen tree, known for its strong, sweet, licorice-like flavor, essential in many Asian cuisines and spice blends.

Active Flavor Compound Anethole (responsible for licorice flavor).
Main Culinary Use Key ingredient in Chinese five-spice powder and Vietnamese pho.
Optimal Storage Up to 2 years whole in an airtight container.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Star Anise are:

Strong sweet pungent licorice-like aniseed

Chef’s Secret

Add a whole star anise to poaching liquid for fruit, or to a simmering pot of rice, for an unexpected aromatic complexity. Remove before serving.

Best Substitutes

Anise seed

use slightly less, 0.
Ratio 75:1

fennel seed

milder
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for whole, unbroken stars for best potency. Avoid broken pieces if possible.

Recipes Using Star Anise

Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Vegetarian

Backbone House Salad Vegan Friendly

This vibrant vegan salad is inspired by Hell's Backbone Grill's award-winning recipe, featured in Delicious Magazine and hailed as one of the best in the state by Salt Lake Magazine! Jen and Blake's original creation uses the freshest, locally sourced organic ingredients. We've adapted their masterpiece, substituting blueberries for strawberries and baby white turnips for jicama for a unique twist. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with this easy-to-make, healthy, and utterly delicious salad, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

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Preparation Punch Preparation Seasonal

Authentic Spanish Sangria

Tired of watery, Americanized sangria? This recipe, perfected after two years of exploring hundreds of bars across Spain, delivers the authentic Madrid experience. Forget sugary grape juice – this vibrant sangria bursts with the fresh flavors of Spain. We've even included a fantastic substitute for hard-to-find Spanish ingredients. Prepare to impress your guests with this truly authentic taste of Spain!

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Occasion 30 Minutes Or Less Low Carb Course

Asian Caramelized Chicken

This irresistible Asian Caramelized Chicken recipe is a family favorite that's impressive enough for guests! Tender, juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs are coated in a luscious, sticky glaze, then finished with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Dietary Easy Cuisine American

Almond Shake Paleo And Gluten Free

Escape the ordinary with this dreamy Almond Shake recipe! Inspired by Bal Arneson's creation (Cooking Channel), this paleo and gluten-free twist is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Naturally sweet and subtly spiced, it's the perfect healthy treat any time of day. No refined sugar needed!

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Asian Easy Fruit Indian

Aromatic Fruit Salad

A vibrant and refreshing fruit salad bursting with juicy sweetness and a kick of spicy warmth! This easy recipe features a homemade spiced syrup that perfectly complements the sweetness of watermelon, guava, nectarines, and strawberries. The optional coconut and yogurt add delightful texture and creaminess. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

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Main Dish Main Ingredient Preparation Weeknight

Beef Kurmah Curried Beef

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Beef Kurmah, a delightful Malaysian curry! This incredibly tender, flavorful beef curry is perfect for a cozy night in and is freezer-friendly for future delicious meals. Easy to follow instructions guide you to curry perfection!

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Seasonal 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Kid Friendly

Apple Cider To Mull Over C O Tasty Dish

Warm up with this delightful apple cider mull, perfect for chilly autumn evenings! Made with fresh apple cider, aromatic spices, and a hint of orange, this recipe is easy to prepare and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get the full recipe and more delicious ideas from Henry's Markets (henrysmarkets.com). *Important: Honey is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.* This recipe can also be easily adapted for a slow cooker.

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Preparation Occasion Christmas Desserts

Autumn Fruits With Cinnamon Custard

Embrace the flavors of fall with this irresistible poached fruit dessert! Featuring a medley of tender apples and pears simmered in spiced apple cider, then drizzled with a creamy, homemade cinnamon custard. This recipe is easily adaptable – use any autumn fruits you love, from classic apples and pears to quince or a mix of cooking apples. A perfect cozy dessert for chilly evenings!

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Meat Course Casseroles Asian

Baked Oriental Chicken

A deliciously easy and healthy Chinese-inspired dish, adapted from Delia Smith! This low-fat baked chicken recipe is bursting with flavor and ready in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or simply satisfying your craving for authentic Asian tastes.

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Dinner Party Asian Course Meat

Beef Pho

Experience the rich, savory depths of authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho! This classic recipe, perfect for beef lovers, delivers a heartwarming and flavorful soup that's worth the time. While the elaborate, slow-simmered broth takes dedication (and is best made a day ahead), the result is a deeply rewarding culinary journey. Fresh herbs and perfectly seared beef elevate this dish to an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be amazed!

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Occasion 30 Minutes Or Less Dinner Party Course

Apple Apricot Cider

Warm up with this delightful Apple Apricot Cider! A cozy and aromatic blend of sweet apples, juicy apricots, and spiced cider, perfect for chilly evenings. This easy recipe simmers to perfection in under 30 minutes, creating a comforting and flavorful drink the whole family will love. Get the recipe now!

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Cuisine Asian 4 Hours Or Less 3 Steps Or Less

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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Beginner Cook Preparation Main Ingredient Brunch

A Most Excellent Raspberry Iced Tea

Craving a refreshing and subtly sweet iced tea? This recipe, inspired by a quest for the perfect summer beverage, delivers a delightful blend of fruity raspberry and fragrant green tea. We start with a delicate green tea base to avoid overpowering the raspberries' delicate flavor (though feel free to experiment with black tea – let us know how it turns out!). This isn't your typical sugary sweet tea; it's a refreshing balance of tart and sweet, perfect for a hot day. Customize it further with optional additions like vanilla bean, spices, and citrus! Get ready to sip on summer in a glass.

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Number Of Servings Cuisine For 1 Or 2 Main Ingredient

Asian Pork Kofte With Sweet Limed Slaw

Experience a delicious fusion of Asian and Middle Eastern flavors with this vibrant Asian Pork Kofte recipe! Tender pork meatballs are perfectly complemented by a refreshing sweet lime slaw. Each bite is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes – juicy kofte meeting the crisp slaw. For an extra special treat, wrap it all up in a warm flatbread for an unforgettable Asian kebab. This recipe is quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes! Using a mandolin slicer is recommended for perfectly julienned slaw vegetables.

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Chick Peas Garbanzos Vegetarian Preparation Cuisine

Asian Hummous

Elevate your appetizer game with this vibrant Asian Hummus! Inspired by Bon Appetit (January 2006), this recipe uses canned beans for a speedy prep time, but don't skimp on the star anise – it's the key to unlocking its unique flavor. Serve with shrimp chips or your favorite spicy potato chips for an unforgettable snack or starter. Get ready for a burst of Asian-inspired flavors in just 15 minutes!

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Meat Chicken Main Ingredient Course

Asian Aromatic Chicken

Experience a burst of Asian flavors with this aromatic chicken recipe! Inspired by Cooking Light (May 2008), this dish features tender chicken infused with a complex marinade, then delicately steamed to perfection. The rich, reduced sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. A healthy and delicious weeknight meal that's sure to impress!

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4 Hours Or Less Preparation Barbecue Poultry

Bbq Spice Island Chicken

Unlock the secrets to unbelievably juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken with our Spice Island recipe! This stunning dish boasts a perfectly cooked, golden-brown exterior and tender, succulent meat. Ready in under 2 hours, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ feast. Customize it with your favorite juice – cranberry, orange, or pineapple – for a unique taste sensation every time! Prepare to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping recipe.

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Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less Eggs Dairy Preparation

Baked Coconut Rice Pudding

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Baked Coconut Rice Pudding! This classic dessert features fragrant coconut milk, sweet rice, and a hint of lime, baked to golden perfection. A touch of star anise adds an extra layer of warmth and spice. Perfect for a comforting dessert or a special occasion.

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