Whether you are making a recipe that includes 5 spice and realize you don’t have it, or you are just trying to reduce the number of spice mixes you buy, making this homemade Chinese five spice recipe is as simple as can be. It will help you to add big flavor to all kinds of recipes and making it takes just a few seconds.
There is no reason to put Chinese five spice on your grocery list this year. You can make your own instead.
Buying the individual spices gives your spice cabinet a world of possibilities. Besides, once you know the base recipe, you can adjust it to match your own taste preferences.
About Chinese Five Spice
Chinese five-spice powder is based on the five elements—fire, water, wood, earth, and metal. According to traditional Chinese medicine, an imbalance of the elements in the body can result in illness.
For thousands of years, herbs and spices have been used to restore balance in the body. That is why Chinese five-spice powder came to be.
Tips:
You can swap out the Szechuan peppercorns for normal black peppercorns, but you’re really missing out on that authentic flavor if you do.
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You can find these herbs and spices in their whole form, roast them, and then grind them in a food processor if you would like to really get authentic with it. The recipe still tastes great if you use already ground spices, but there’s no denying the richer flavor from making this mixture from whole spices.
Storing Your Homemade 5 Spice
Store in a sealed container in a cool dry place like the pantry. It will keep for several months, but check for freshness before using after 3 or 4 months.
Ways to Use Chinese 5 Spice
I love the flavors these spices give to sweeter veggies. So, roasted five spice veggies are one of may favorites, especially in fall and winter.
These spices also play a key role in char siu chicken. In fact, it was that recipe that necessitated me having to make my own!
Other Homemade Spice Mixes
If you like making your own spice mixes, you can also make homemade taco seasoning. Or whip up your own pumpkin spice mix.
Homemade Chinese Five Spice
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons ground fennel
- 1 Tablespoon ground anise
- 1½ teaspoons ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground Szechuan peppercorns
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir until fully combined.
- Store in a sealed container in a cool dark place for up to several months.
Notes
You can find these herbs and spices in their whole form, roast them, and then grind them in a food processor if you would like to really get authentic with it. This recipe tastes amazing, but there’s no denying the richer flavor from making this mixture from whole spices.
If you use fresh spices, this mix will last for several months in a cabinet or the pantry. Check it for freshness if it has been more than 3-4 months.
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What type of cinnamon would you recommend?
Cassia is grown in China, so it is probably the most traditional. However, I think any cinnamon would do.