Chinese Five-Spice Powder
A classic spice mix from Chinese cooking that combines sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami (savoury) flavours. It's a fine, brown powder often used in marinades, stir-fries, and season meats and sauces. It's suitable for various diets, being gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly.
Ingredients
- 8pieceStar Anise (broken into individual petals)
- 1/2tbspwhole Cloves
- 3inCinnamon stick
- 2tbspFennel Seeds
- 1tbspBlack Peppercorns / Sichuan peppercorns
How to make Chinese Five-Spice Powder
Place all the spices in a dry frying pan over medium heat.
Roast them while stirring and shaking the pan frequently for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become fragrant. Be cautious not to let them burn.
Remove the pan from the heat, and transfer the spices to a plate to cool completely.
Once cooled, grind the spices to a fine powder using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle.
Pass the ground spices through a fine sieve to remove large chunks or unground pieces. If necessary, grind these pieces again.
Store the five-spice powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavour and extend its shelf life.
Tips & Tricks
Use this strong spice mix carefully, as it can quickly overpower your dishes.
To change the flavour, you can add spices like ginger, cardamom, or nutmeg, but the main mix usually stays the same.
Grinding the spices less can result in a coarser, more rustic blend if preferred.
FAQS
How do I make Chinese Five-Spice Powder at home?
To make Chinese Five-Spice Powder at home, start by roasting 8 pieces of star anise, 0.5 tbsp of whole cloves, a 3-inch cinnamon stick, 2 tbsp of fennel seeds, and 1 tbsp of black or Sichuan peppercorns in a dry frying pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once cooled, grind the spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, and sift through a fine sieve to remove any large pieces.
Is Chinese Five-Spice Powder suitable for gluten-free and vegan diets?
Yes, Chinese Five-Spice Powder is completely gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly. It’s a versatile spice mix that can enhance the flavor of various dishes while accommodating different dietary needs.
What are some good substitutes for ingredients in Chinese Five-Spice Powder?
If you don't have all the ingredients for Chinese Five-Spice Powder, you can substitute star anise with anise seeds, cloves with allspice, and black peppercorns with white pepper. While these substitutions may alter the flavor slightly, they can still provide a delicious result.
How should I store homemade Chinese Five-Spice Powder for maximum freshness?
To store homemade Chinese Five-Spice Powder, place it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. This will help preserve its flavor and extend its shelf life, allowing you to enjoy it for several months.
What dishes can I pair with Chinese Five-Spice Powder?
Chinese Five-Spice Powder pairs wonderfully with marinades for meats, stir-fries, and sauces. It can also enhance the flavor of roasted vegetables, soups, and even some desserts. Try adding it to your next stir-fried tofu or chicken dish for an authentic taste!
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Leena Kohli
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