This homemade Chinese Five Spice Powder Substitute Recipe brings the flavors of the best Chinese dishes. With just five simple ingredients, this best Chinese five spice offers an authentic taste that can enhance your recipes. Forget those store-bought versions and start making your Chinese five-spice substitute home.
As I could not find five-spice powder in the supermarket next to me, I decided to make my own. Funnily, a few days later, I bought it, and I am so glad I prepared my own. You would not believe the difference in flavor, aroma, and color. Now, you have to make your mix at home, too.
Having this 5-spice blend at home is convenient, as you can use it anytime. There is no need to find Chinese five-spice in the stores when you have to cook Asian food because you already have a homemade one, and it is even better and within your flavor preference. And our Taiwanese popcorn chicken was the best.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – this recipe uses only basic spices you already have in your kitchen, making it easy to whip up anytime. Well, I was lucky to have whole Sichuan peppercorn from a month ago, as that is one ingredient I do not always have.
- Customizable and Budget-Friendly – you can adjust the quantities to match your taste preferences, and the best thing about making your substitute is that it is cost-effective compared to buying pre-packaged spice blends.
- Fresh and Aromatic – creating it at home ensures the spices are fresh, enhancing your dishes’ overall aroma and flavor.
What Is Five Spice Powder?
Chinese five spice is a blend of five flavorful spices commonly used in Asian cooking. It includes cinnamon, star anise, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. The name “Five Spice” means it is a combination of five key spices, each contributing its flavor to the Chinese spice blend.
When you use it in your dishes, use it a little since the flavor is strong and surprisingly rich in sweetness and warmth, which you can feel on your tongue when you eat the dish you add it to.
Substitute For Chinese Five Spice
This recipe is the best Chinese five-spice substitute as it only uses organic spices commonly used in Chinese cuisine. I picked all the ingredients, considering the original spices used in Chinese spice seasoning. A single spice can change the flavor, so it’s better to use them all in balance.
This substitute for five-spice powder is helpful, especially when a specific flavor is needed for a recipe. You can save a lot of money when you make this at home, so try to make them homemade from now on.
The Chinese 5 Spice Ingredients
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a sweet and warm spice that comes from the bark of a tree. It adds a cozy flavor to the spice mix. For this recipe, I suggest using Chinese cinnamon sticks for a more authentic Chinese flavor.
Star Anise
Star anise has a licorice-like flavor with a hint of sweetness. It is the fruit of the Illicium verum tree, which is native to China and Vietnam but has also grown in other parts of Asia. Once ground, the aroma star anise gives off is out of this world.
Cloves
Cloves have a strong, pungent flavor with a touch of sweetness. They are dried flower buds from the clove tree, which is native to the Molucca Islands in Indonesia and also grown in other tropical regions. Cloves should always be in your kitchen.
Sichuan Peppercorns
When used in a five-spice blend, Sichuan peppercorns bring a special tingly and citrusy feeling to your taste buds. They come from the husks of seeds found in the prickly ash tree and are unlike regular peppercorns. It is found in most Asian supermarkets. Bues is to buy whole pieces and grind them yourself.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have a mild, slightly sweet taste, and they add a gentle, anise-like flavor to the spice mix. Every time I smell fennel, it reminds me of a tea I used to make for my kids when they were babies. It is very good for tummy problems.
How To Make Homemade Chinese Five Spice Powder Substitute
Let us dive into making our homemade five-spice powder substitute. With only five spices, you can create a spice blend that you can use to add rich flavor to your dishes.
Kitchen Gadgets:
- Mortar and Pestle: Use to break the spices to release their flavor before blending them.
- Magic Bullet: Ideal for grinding the spices into a fine powder.
- Storage container: Use it to keep and store your powder.
Spice Ingredients:
- Cinnamon: Look for fresh cinnamon sticks to use as the sweet spice for this recipe. You can use Chinese cinnamon, also known as Cassia cinnamon.
- Star Anise: Star anise is a star-shaped spice that can also add sweetness to your spice mix. Anise seeds are a great alternative if star anise is not available.
- Cloves: In grocery stores or local organic spices shops, you can find cloves. It is a warm spice with an intense flavor and aroma.
- Sichuan Peppercorn: You can use fresh black peppercorns for this recipe, but it is better to have Sichuan pepper since it is used in Chinese original five-spice powder.
- Fennel Seeds: Look for fennel seeds in the dried spice section in your local grocery stores. It is light and slightly sweet, perfect for complementing the 5-spice blend.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS WITH STEPS FOR FIVE SPICE SUBSTITUTE BLEND
First Step: Prepare All The Spices
Gather all the ingredients and spices needed for this recipe. Prepare and use the suggested amount of each spice for a perfect spice blend. Once using a mortar and pestle, try to get whole pieces as the flavor intensifies.
Second Step: Break The Spices
Place the spices into the mortar and pestle and break them to release their flavor. This step is optional since some people skip it, but it can help maximize their flavor when they are finely ground later. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to do.
Third Step: Transfer Into Blender
After breaking the spices, transfer them into the magic bullet and prepare for blending.
Fourth Step: Blend
Set up the magic bullet and start blending all the spices. You can use a spice or coffee grinder if you have one. Pulse a few times until they are finely ground. The powder would look orange or light red.
Be careful when opening the grinder lid, as you might inhale the dust from the powder. Wait a minute for the powder to settle before transferring it to a spice container.
TRICKS AND TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST CHINESE 5 SPICE SUBSTITUTE:
- Choose quality spices – when picking the spices for this recipe, look for fresh, high-quality ones for the best results. Head to a local spice shop or the spice aisle of your grocery store. It is better to have them whole than already powdered.
- Grinding – a magic bullet is a handy tool for grinding any spices, but you can invest in a real spice grinder or use a coffee grinder or food processor.
- Balance – even if you are making your measurements, make sure that there is balance with the spice mix for better harmony when used in cooking.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Best Substitute for Chinese Sichuan Peppercorn
If you do not have or cannot find Sichuan peppercorns, you can use black or pink peppercorns as a simple substitute. These options provide a similar peppery flavor without the unique numbing sensation that Sichuan peppercorns have.
Is Five Spice Powder Spicy?
I would not call it spicy, but ” intense ” would be the right word. Since the five-spice powder is a mix of sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty, the flavor is rich and intense.
Is This An Authentic Chinese Recipe?
Yes. This five spice powder is authentic in China and has been used in Chinese cuisine for centuries. This spice blend plays a significant role in traditional Chinese cooking.
Is Allspice Different From Five Spice Powder?
Allspice and five-spice powder are not the same. Allspice comes from one dried berry and tastes like a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Chinese five-spice powder is a blend of spices originated in China, with ingredients like cinnamon, star anise, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds.
They are two spice blends with different flavors used in different recipe types.
Is Indian Garam Masala Similar To Chinese Chinese Five Spice?
Garam Masala and Chinese five spice are different spice blends used in other cuisines. Garam masala is an Indian spice blend common in Indian cooking and usually includes warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and coriander. Their flavor profile is entirely different, but you can do both at home and collect all the spices worldwide.
What to Serve With Substitute For Chinese Five-Spice?
This spice mix can be used in many dishes and incredibly savory dinners. Add it to your healthy chicken stir-fry to enhance the flavor and aroma of the chicken. Try seasoning your oven-baked cauliflower rice for a little warmth and spice. It is also perfect for dinner casseroles like this cheesy chicken casserole.
In addition, you can also add it to your meat marinades, roasted vegetables, and dipping sauces for extra flavor from a homemade substitute blend of five spices.
How Do I Store Powdered Five Spice Mix?
To keep your substitute for Chinese 5 spice powder fresh, store it in a sealed container. Choose a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight or heat sources like the stove.
If you forget, label the container with the spice mix name and the creation date. You can check the powder’s smell to see if it is still okay. If not, make another fresh batch.
There is no need to freeze five-spice powder. Instead, consider keeping it in a dry and cool place, like your pantry, since freezing might make it clump and affect its flavor over time.
More Flavorful Spices Recipes
Explore more of our homemade flavorful spices that you can use for your following dishes and taste different cuisines in just a single spice.
Try our easy Indian spices that are popular in Indian and Asian cuisines and perfect for dishes like curry chicken and chicken masala. Our enchilada spice mix is ideal for seasoning your dishes if you crave something Mexican. Add it to your enchilada sauce, where you can dip your gluten-free wraps to experience a fiesta at your dining table.
For simple spices and powdered recipes, try making mushroom and garlic powder at home and filling your spice pantry for ready-to-use seasonings.
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The Best Five Spice Powder Substitute
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon Fennel Seeds
- 2 teaspoons Star Anise 5 whole pieces
- 2 teaspoons Sichuan Peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon Cloves
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients and spices needed for this recipe. Prepare and use the suggested amount of each spice for a perfect spice blend. Once using a mortar and pestle, try to get whole pieces as the flavor intensifies.
- Place the spices into the mortar and pestle and break them to release their flavor. This step is optional since some people skip it, but it can help maximize their flavor when they are finely ground later. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to do.
- After breaking the spices, transfer them into the magic bullet and prepare for blending.
- Set up the magic bullet and start blending all the spices. You can use a spice or coffee grinder if you have one. Pulse a few times until they are finely ground. The powder would look orange or light red.
Video
Notes
- Choose quality spices –Â when picking the spices for this recipe, look for fresh, high-quality ones for the best results. Head to a local spice shop or the spice aisle of your grocery store. It is better to have them whole than already powdered.
- Grinding –Â a magic bullet is a handy tool for grinding any spices, but you can invest in a real spice grinder or use a coffee grinder or food processor.
- Balance –Â even if you are making your measurements, make sure that there is balance with the spice mix for better harmony when used in cooking.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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