Chinese Five Spice

Have you wondered what makes your favorite Chinese dishes taste complex and balanced? It’s all thanks to the Chinese five-spice! This blend perfectly combines all the major flavors—sweet, salty, bitter, sour and umami. I’m excited to share what is in Chinese five spice and how easy it is to make at home with just a few common spices.

Chinese five-spice is all about balance. The aniseed gives a sweet and slightly licorice flavor, while the fennel adds a bit of freshness. Cinnamon brings warmth, cloves lend some spiciness and peppercorns give a mild kick. Together, they create a taste that’s deep and complex—perfect for savory dishes and even a fun twist in sweet recipes. Whether you’re roasting a chicken or baking cookies, this blend can elevate the flavor with its unique mix.

Ingredients for Chinese Five Spice

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• Aniseed: This adds a sweet, licorice-like flavor that forms the base of the blend. Star anise pods will give you a similar taste if you can’t find aniseed.
• Fennel seed: Fennel seed brings a light sweetness with a hint of herbal flavor. Cumin seeds can work if you’re out of fennel. The flavor will differ.
• Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and a touch of spice that makes the blend cozy and inviting. Pre-ground cinnamon is easy but freshly ground cinnamon sticks can add even more flavor.
• Whole cloves: Cloves give a strong, aromatic spice that balances the sweetness. If you prefer something milder, try using allspice berries instead.
• Whole peppercorns: Peppercorns provide a bit of heat and depth. Black peppercorns will work, or you could use Sichuan peppercorns for a slightly numbing spice.

Directions

Step 1: Blend the spices

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Add the aniseed, fennel seed, cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns into a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. If the grinder is small, work with parts of the mixture at a time to ensure thorough blending.

Editor’s Tip: To maximize flavor, toast the spices first. Heat them in a dry skillet for one to two minutes—just until they’re fragrant. This extra step releases their essential oils and deepens their aroma.

Step 2: Grind until smooth

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Grind the mixture into a fine powder. It may take a minute or more to get the consistency right depending on your tools, . Check for any large pieces and continue until everything is evenly ground.

Step 3: Store your spice blend

Pour the finished blend into an airtight jar or container. Keep it in a cool, dry area of your kitchen where it will stay fresh for up to six months.

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How to Store Chinese Five Spice

Keep your Chinese five spice in an airtight container at room temperature and away from direct sunlight or heat for the best shelf life. This way, the blend will stay fragrant and flavorful for as long as possible.

How long does Chinese Five Spice last?

This spice blend can keep its vibrant flavor for up to six months. The potency will gradually fade, so it’s best to make small batches you can use up while they’re at their peak.

Recipe Variations for Chinese Five Spice

• Add to meat marinades: Mix the spice with soy sauce and honey to create a flavorful marinade for chicken or pork.
• Use in baking: Sprinkle a teaspoon into gingerbread or pumpkin pie batter for a subtle twist.
• Make a spiced syrup: Simmer the spice blend with water and sugar to create a syrup that pairs well with cocktails or drizzled over pancakes.

Chinese Five Spice Tips

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Can you toast the spices before combining them to make Chinese five spice?

Definitely! Toasting spices always brings out their deepest flavors and aromas.
Store it in an airtight spice jar or mason jar at room temperature for up to six months.

What can you make with this Chinese five spice recipe?

You can use this spice blend in a variety of ways because it’s very complex and said to be the perfect combination of sweet, savory, bitter, sour and umami. Try our five-spice chicken wings or five-spice pumpkin pie, which showcase the range of this spice blend. Learn even more about Chinese five spice.

What does Chinese five spice taste like?

Chinese five spice has a balanced blend of flavors—sweet, salty, bitter, sour and spicy—that creates a complex and aromatic taste, perfect for both savory and sweet dishes.

Can I use Chinese five spice in desserts?

Absolutely! Chinese five spice adds a unique twist to sweet dishes like cookies, cakes or even pie, giving them a warm and slightly spiced flavor.