Making Chinese Five Spice is Easy to Do (2024)

ChineseFive Spice Powder is often called for in Chinese recipes but can sometimes be hard to find at the store or you may have run out of it. No problem! Make your own recipe at home.

The popular spice uses a mixture of popular winter spices and is super easy to prepare.

Keep reading to find out how to make this exotic Asian spice mix.

What is Chinese 5 Spice Powder used for?

Five Spice Powder is a versatile and flavorful spice blend used in Chinese cuisine and, to some extent, in other Asian and international dishes.

It adds an aromatic flavor to a wide range of dishes. Some common 5 Spice Powder uses:

• Use it as a rub or seasoning for meat.
• Add extra flavor in your next stir fry.
• Add an extra layer of flavor in soups.
• Sprinkle it on noodles for a unique twist.
• It is a classic seasoning in Peking Duck recipes.
• Use it to create tasty dipping sauces.

Chinese Five Spice ingredients

One of the great thing about making your own is that spices lose their flavor when stored. With this recipe, you can make a smaller amount of the five spice powder and you won’t waste any spices not used.

Homemade spice blends are generally more aromatic and flavorful than store-bought ones, so using freshly ground spices is a great way to elevate your cooking.

Chinese 5 Spice typically consists of five key spices, each contributing its own unique flavor and aroma. To make it at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Whole star anise
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Fennel seed
• Szechuan peppercorns

The quickest way to make five spice powder is to use equal amounts of the ground versions of the spices. However, for the best flavor of the finished seasoning, whole spices are the way to go.

All you need is a spice grinder, coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. Add all of the Chinese five spice ingredients to your grinder and grind the spices until they become a fine powder.

Transfer the Chinese Five Spice Powder to an airtight container or spice jar. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to preserve the freshness and flavors of the seasoning.

Share this recipe for Chinese Five Spice on Twitter

If you enjoyed making this five spice powder, be sure to share the recipe with a friend. Here is a tweet to get you started:

🌟 Learn how to make a homemade Five Spice Powder! 🥡 Discover the secrets to this aromatic blend and elevate your cooking game. 🔥 Check it out now! #ChineseFiveSpice #SpiceBlend #HomemadeSpices #CookingTips Share on X

Other rubs and marinades to try

If you enjoyed making this Five Spice Powder, you may enjoy these recipes too:

• Spice rub mix – Great for steaks, roasts and more
• Caribbean Jerk dry rub for burgers
• Make your own smoky dry rub
• Ginger soy sauce marinade with chives

Pin this recipe for Chinese Five Spice Powder

Would you like a reminder of this five spice powder recipe? Just pin this image to one of your cooking boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.

Do you ever make your own spices, or do you always buy?

Admin note: this post for making Chinese Five Spice Powder first appeared on the blog in April of 2013. I have updated the post to add all new photos, a printable project card, and a video for you to enjoy.