Chinese Five Spice

A simple authentic recipe for Chinese Five Spice that takes 5 minutes from start to finish! 

Origin of Chinese Five Spice

Interestingly, Chinese Five Spice is based on the five elements – fire, water, wood, earth and metal. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the five elements are manifested in different parts of the body and when there are imbalances in these elements, illness can result. For thousands of years,  herbs and spices have been used to restore balance in the body and that is why Chinese five spice powder came to be.

The ingredients and amount of spices vary greatly from region to region and even from household to household depending on personal tastes and preferences.

What spices are in Chinese Five spice?

The ingredients and amount of spices vary greatly from region to region and even from household to household depending on personal tastes and preference but the most common ingredients are:

Star Anise, Cinnamon, Fennel Seed, Sichuan peppercorns and Cloves.

Feel free to substitute anise seed and black peppercorns if in a pinch.

How do you make Chinese Five Spice?

Place all the spices in a spice or coffee grinder and grind until smooth. No need to toast the spices first. So easy!

Enjoy the incredible aroma.

Store in airtight container for up to 6 months for the best flavor.

So easy and so much better than store-bought!

Use Chinese Five Spice in…..

Five Spice Pulled Pork Tacos with Asian Slaw

Tea Smoked Five Spice Salmon 

Burmese Chicken (or Tofu)  and Veggies 

Lighting Speed Photon Soup

Vietnamese Beef and Green Papaya Salad

Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowls 

Chinese Five Spice Powder Recipe

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Here’s a simple authentic recipe for Chinese Five Spice powder.

• Author: Sylvia Fountaine
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: ¼ cup
• Category: Spice blend
• Method: Blend
• Cuisine: Chinese n

Ingredients

• 6 star anise
• 1 ½ teaspoons whole cloves
• 1 stick cinnamon ( 3 inches long )
• 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
• 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns ( or sub 3 teaspoons regular peppercorns)

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a spice grinder ( or coffee grinder)  and grind until smooth.

Smell the goodness.

Store in a sealed jar.

Makes ¼ cup.

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