Tired of store-bought seasonings? Why not create your own? This post will guide you through making homemade Five Spice, a classic Chinese blend that adds depth and complexity to a variety of dishes. From meats to marinades, and even baked treats, Five Spice is a must-have for any spice enthusiast.
Reasons to Love Homemade Five Spice
- It has such a unique flavor profile. It adds such a distinctive touch to your cooking.
- So easily customized. Create a blend that perfectly suits your taste preferences.(see below for ideas)
- Homemade means FRESH! Enjoy the vibrant flavors of freshly ground spices.
- It is very cost-effective. Making it homemade allows you to make a large batch and save money on store-bought seasonings.
- It is so versatile. It can be used in so many different varieties of dishes like meats, desserts and everything in between.
Five Spice Ingredients
Traditional Five Spice typically consists of the following five spices:
- Star Anise: A licorice-like flavor. We often just buy Star Anise Powder to make it easier, but buying them whole is probably more cost effective.
- Cinnamon: A warm, sweet spice.
- Cloves: A strong, pungent flavor. Grind your own, or just purchase this Clove Powder.
- Sichuan Peppercorns: A numbing sensation and citrusy flavor. This Sichuan Peppercorn Powder is one of the best values and will last awhile.
- Fennel Seeds: A licorice-like flavor with a hint of anise. We love this Fennel Seed Powder.
However, there can be variations in the proportions and inclusion of other spices depending on regional preferences and intended use. For this recipe, we are making a very basic version that mirrors it’s classic store-bought counterpart.
Storing Homemade Five Spice
To ensure your homemade Five Spice retains its flavor and aroma, store it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. This could be a spice jar, a small tin, or a zip-top bag. Because we make our own seasonings and spices in our kitchen, we tend to reach for these spice jars for storage.
Tip: Label the container with the date you made it to keep track of its freshness.
With proper storage, your homemade Five Spice can last for several months.
What Can I Make with Five Spice?
Our delicious Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Five Spice are the perfect way to get started with this seasoning blend.
But if you are looking for something more unique, try our Spiced Turmeric Coffee Latte which includes Five Spice!
We have more recipes coming soon using this unique, but flavorful blend.
Easy to Follow Recipe for Homemade Chinese Five Spice Powder
Homemade Five Spice Powder
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons ground cloves
- 3 tablespoons ground star anise
- 3 tablespoons ground Szechwan peppercorn
- 3 tablespoons ground fennel seed
Instructions
- Grind all of your seasonings into a fine powder using a spice grinder, or simply purchase them in bulk that way. (see notes at the bottom of recipe)
- Blend all five ground spices together well.
- Store in an airtight container.