Chinese five-spice powder is a traditional Chinese seasoning made from five spices: star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds.
Its flavor is warm and sweet with a subtle spicy kick. I often use it in stir-fries, in marinades for skewers, and with roasted meats.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s in Chinese five-spice powder or how it’s used, our guide will answer these questions.
You can also get a simple recipe for making your own five-spice blend in just minutes.
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What is Chinese five spice used for?
Chinese cuisine and other Asian and international dishes use Chinese five spice powder (also called Chinese 5 spice) as a versatile spice blend.
It adds an aromatic flavor to a wide range of dishes. Some common five spice powder uses include:
- Make a rub or seasoning for meat.
- Give extra flavor to stir-fries.
- Boost the flavor of soups.
- Sprinkle on noodles for a unique twist.
- Season Peking Duck recipes.
- Create tasty dipping sauces.
Chinese five spice ingredients
This recipe follows a formula of 1 part star anise, cinnamon, and fennel seeds, 1/2 part Szechuan peppercorns, and 1/4 part whole cloves. To make 1/4 cup of the five spice powder, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 whole star anise pods
- 1 (2.75-3-inch) cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
- 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
- 1 ½ teaspoons of whole Szechuan peppercorns
- ¾ teaspoon of whole cloves
You will also need a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle to turn these into a fine powder.
How to make Chinese 5 spice powder at home
This recipe is very easy to make and only takes about 10 minutes. For the best Chinese five spice flavor, use whole spices, toast them, and grind them into a powder.
Toasting the spices
- Place the star anise, cinnamon pieces, fennel seeds, peppercorns, and cloves in a dry skillet.
- Toast the spices over a medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Remove immediately to prevent burning.
- Allow the spices to cool completely.
Pro tip: Watch the cloves carefully since they darken faster than the other spices. If they darken too quickly, remove the pan from the heat.
Grind the toasted spices
Once the spices have been toasted, they need to be ground.
- Transfer the toasted spices to a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle.
- Grind them until you get a fine powder.
Store your Chinese five spice blend in an airtight jar for up to 6 months to preserve flavor.
Using ground spices instead of whole spices
For a quicker version, you can use ground spices instead of toasting and grinding whole spices. The recipe is:
- 1 tablespoon ground star anise
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground fennel
- 1½ teaspoons ground Szechuan pepper
- ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
This Chinese five spice alternative is convenient, though the flavor won’t be as rich and aromatic as when using whole, freshly toasted spices.
Chinese five spice substitutes
If you don’t have the spices that are needed to make 5-spice powder, you can substitute these dried spices:
- Garam masala – use a 1:1 ratio for savory dishes
- Ground cinnamon and allspice – use a 1:1 ratio for sweeter dishes.
More homemade spice mixes and rubs to make
If you enjoy making your own spice blends, here are three other recipes to try:
- Make Your Own Taco Seasoning – Easy DIY blend for bold, flavorful dishes
- Make Your Own Smoky Dry Rub – Craft your own smoky seasoning at home.
- Caribbean Jerk Dry Rub – Add a spicy, tropical twist to your meats.
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Where to buy ingredients for Chinese five spice powder
Some of these ingredients may be hard to find in your local store. I found a trusted seller on Etsy who carries all five whole spices (non-GMO, vegan-friendly, 100% pure):
These are affiliate links; if you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to Make Chinese Five Spice Powder (Plus Substitutes)
Make your own Chinese Five Spice Powder with this simple homemade blend. Learn what’s in it, how to use it, and the best substitutes when you’re out.
Ingredients
- 3 whole star anise pods
- 1 (2.75 to 3-inch) cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
- 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
- 1 ½ teaspoons of whole Szechuan peppercorns
- ¾ teaspoon of whole cloves
Instructions
- Place the star anise, cinnamon pieces, fennel seeds, peppercorns, and cloves in a dry skillet.
- Toast over a medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir constantly until fragrant.
- Remove immediately to prevent burning.
- Watch the cloves carefully since they darken faster than the other spices. If they darken too quickly, remove the pan from the heat.
- Allow the spices to cool completely.
- Transfer the toasted spices to a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle. Grind them into a fine powder.
- Store the Chinese five spice in an airtight jar.
Notes
Chinese five spice powder keeps for up to 6 months in an airtight container.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1/2 teaspoonAmount Per Serving: Calories: 3Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gProtein: 0g
Nutritional information is approximate due to natural variation in ingredients and the cook-at-home nature of our meals.