Chinese Five Spice Powder is a mixture of five spices (of course) and often salt. It is great for seasoning fatty meats like pork or duck, but it is also delicious with seafood. It is always in my pantry and I love using it in all kinds of dishes! I make a big batch so I always have it on hand.
Chinese Five Spice Powder
Some say that this Chinese cooking spice mix comes from the traditional elements of fire, water, air, earth, and space. There may be some truth to this spice being all-encompassing. In this classic recipe, you can taste sour, salty, sweet, and bitter.
Some commonly used core spices include: aniseSichuan pepper (or black pepper), fennel, cinnamon or Chinese Cinnamon. Other spices such as sand ginger, clovesTurmeric, licorice, fennel seeds or citrus peel are also added. It is similar to garam masala with warm spices.
Traditionally, Asian cultures use Sichuan peppercorns (also known as Sichuan peppercorns). Originating in China’s Sichuan province, Sichuan peppercorns are known for their spicy and pungent flavor. More modern recipes often use black pepper or white peppercorns, which can be found easily at your local grocery store.
How to use the five spice powder
I may have convinced you that Chinese five-spice powder is delicious, but how do you use it?
I use this spice often in stir-fries and grilled meats and vegetables. It is especially delicious mixed with fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and honey. (I’m not sure if this is a traditional use, but it’s delicious.)
It can be used as a seasoning for grilled meats such as beef, chicken or pork belly. Add it to marinades or mix with: Grain-free breadcrumbs. And of course, it goes well with Chinese recipes like Asian BBQ pork or Peking duck. But you don’t have to limit this seasoning to Chinese food.
Here are some other great ways to use this spice blend:
If Five Spice isn’t your thing, check out some of my other spice blend recipes!
Chinese Five Spice Powder Seasoning
Our homemade Chinese 5-spice blend uses anise, black pepper, fennel, cinnamon, and cloves for a delicious, complex flavor. Try it with meat or vegetables!
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Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
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Best when used within 1-2 years and stored in a cool, dark place.
Nutrition Facts
Chinese Five Spice Powder Seasoning
Serving Size (1 teaspoon)
calorie 5
Calories from fat 2
% Daily Value*
province 0.2g0%
Saturated fat 0.02g0%
Trans fat 0.001g
Polyunsaturated fat 0.04g
Monounsaturated fat 0.1g
salt 333mg14%
potassium 21mgOne%
carbohydrate 1g0%
1g of fiber4%
Sugar 0.02g0%
protein 0.2g0%
Vitamin A 5IU0%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
calcium 14mgOne%
steel 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Intake is based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
It’s delicious when eaten with vegetables or added to drinks!
Add flavor
I love the recipe above because it’s quick, delicious, and easy (yes, I have six kids!). Traditionally, I toast the whole spices first. If you want to toast them for a richer, more intense flavor, here’s how:
- Use the recipe amounts above, but use whole spices instead of ground spices. For the cinnamon, use 6 3-inch cinnamon sticks.
- Add the spices to the skillet over medium heat and sauté for a few minutes or until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Place the spices in a coffee grinder or spice grinder and grind until they become a fine powder.
Have you ever tried Chinese Five Spice Seasoning? How did you use it? Let me know in the comments!
