Keep those stir-fries sizzling with this easy-to-make Chinese Five-Spice substitute that delivers authentic taste. Create your own using star anise, cloves, and cinnamon to keep your dishes singing.
This this traditional spice blend adds a warm, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor to Asian your recipes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Chinese five-spice powder is a staple in many Chinese dishes, but it can be expensive to buy at the store.
Plus, store-bought five-spice powder often contains fillers and artificial flavors, and costs a fraction of the cost.
- Easy to make. Only requires five ingredients, mixing, and storage jars.
- Economical. Much more affordable than store-bought five-spice powder.
- No fillers. Your homemade five spice blend will have no preservatives, fillers, and you can even use organic spices.
- Versatile. Chinese 5 spice can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to roasted meats to desserts like carrot cake, fruit cake, and spice cookies.
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Chinese 5 Spice Substitute Ingredients
Save money by making this Chinese Five-Spice substitute blend at home! You probably have everything except the Szechuan peppercorns already, and you get easily get those in the specialty aisle, or from Amazon.
- Cinnamon - Use ground cinnamon, Ceylon or Saigon variety.
- Fennel - Use ground fennel, or use a spice grinder to grind fennel seeds.
- Star Anise - Ground Star Anise.
- Cloves - Ground Clove powder.
- Szechuan peppercorn - Look for ground Szechuan peppercorns, or grind in a spice grinder.
How To Make Chinese Five Spice Blend
While Chinese five-spice powder is readily available at most grocery stores, it is also easy to make at home.
This recipe for Chinese five-spice substitute is even better than store-bought, and it is sure to add a delicious flavor boost to your favorite Chinese dishes.
Grind and Measure Spices
- If you're using whole spices, grind them up fine first. Then, measure out the quantities in the recipe.
Mix The Spices
- Mix all the spice until evenly blended, making sure any lumps are broken up.
Store In Air Tight Jars
- Transfer the 5 spice substitute to spice jars, mason jar, or even rubber sealed bail jars. Store in a cool, dark pantry location.
Serving Suggestions
This Chinese five-spice substitute can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Stir-fries: Add a teaspoon of this Chinese 5 spice blend to your favorite stir-fry for a flavorful boost.
- Braises: Rub a teaspoon of spice blend into meat or poultry before braising for a delicious and tender dish.
- Marinades: Add a tablespoon of spice blend to your favorite marinade for a flavorful and juicy dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables with a teaspoon of spice blend before roasting for a delicious and healthy side dish.
Some recipes to try this popular Asian spice blend are:
- Bonchon Chicken Soy Garlic Wings
- Panda Express Beef and Broccoli
- Miso Baked Branzino
- Thai Cashew Chicken
- Steamed Mantou Buns
Storage and Reheating
- Store this spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
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Tips for Success
- You can use this spice blend in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to marinades to desserts.
- To make a larger batch of five-spice powder, simply double or triple the recipe.
- You can use this spice blend in sweet dishes also. It would be great in cookies, cakes, and pies.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few easy variations using this Chinese five spice substitute recipe as a base:
- If you don't have Sichuan peppercorns, you can substitute black peppercorns or ground white pepper.
- To make a milder spice blend, you can reduce the amount of cloves or star anise.
- To make a spicier spice blend, you can add more Sichuan peppercorns.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this Chinese 5 Spice substitute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use it in Asian marinades, carrot or fruit cake, cookies, and in barbecue sauces. This spice blend goes well with most meats that are grilled, braised, or roasted.
This spice blend will last for up to 6 months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
More Delish Ideas
Chinese Five Spice Substitute Blend
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon Cinnamon ground
- 4 tablespoon Fennel ground
- 2 tablespoon Star Anise ground
- 1 tablespoon Cloves ground
- 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorn ground
Instructions
- If you're using whole spices, grind them up fine first. Then, measure out the quantities in the recipe.4 tablespoon Cinnamon, 4 tablespoon Fennel, 2 tablespoon Star Anise, 1 tablespoon Cloves, 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorn
- Mix all the spice until evenly blended, making sure any lumps are broken up.
- Transfer the 5 spice substitute to spice jars, mason jar, or even rubber sealed bail jars. Store in a cool, dark pantry location.
Notes
- You can use this spice blend in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to marinades to desserts.
- To make a larger batch of five-spice powder, simply double or triple the recipe.
- You can use this spice blend in sweet dishes also. It would be great in cookies, cakes, and pies.
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