Five Spice Powder Recipe

The flavor profile

This app's version has seven listed ingredients despite the blend name; it is not presented as a strict five-ingredient formula. Star anise and fennel give it a distinctive aromatic direction. Ginger, cloves and Sichuan pepper add further notes, while red pepper flakes provide adjustable chili heat.

What to use it on

Use the listed stir-fry, duck and pork-belly pairings as a starting point. The collection's tip is that a little goes a long way. Choosing a smaller batch can help you explore this profile without making a full cup at once; subscribers can scale the ingredients together by volume.

The ingredients

Asian Five-Spice · Exact proportions are included in your plan.

• Star anise (ground)
• Cinnamon
• Fennel seed (ground)
• Ground ginger
• Ground cloves
• Sichuan pepper (ground)
• Red pepper flakes

Recipe amounts available with subscription.

How to make five spice powder at home

1. 1Choose a batch size, from 1 tbsp for one stir-fry up to 1 cup for a jar, and pick Mild, Medium, Hot or Fiery.
2. 2Measure the ground star anise, cinnamon, ground fennel seed, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground Sichuan pepper and red pepper flakes with level spoons.
3. 3Stir with a fork until no streaks of a single spice remain. Star anise and cloves are strong, so mix thoroughly.
4. 4Spoon it into a clean, dry jar with a tight lid and keep it away from heat and light.

Exact amounts for every batch size and heat level come with a subscription. Try the free Taco Seasoning sample to see how it works.

Common questions

What is five spice powder made of?

Recipes vary. Many start with star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel and Sichuan pepper. This version adds ground ginger and red pepper flakes, for seven ingredients in total.

Can I grind whole spices instead?

Yes. Toast whole star anise, fennel seed and Sichuan peppercorns in a dry pan until fragrant, let them cool, then grind them finely before measuring.

How much five spice powder should I use?

A little goes a long way. The collection's guide is to start with 1 tsp per pound of meat, then taste and adjust next time.

Does this version contain exactly five spices?

No. The Asian Five-Spice recipe in this collection lists seven ingredients, including ginger and red pepper flakes. Check the ingredient names below rather than assuming it matches every other five-spice recipe.

Make it with Spice Blends Made Easy

Choose a dry batch of 1 tbsp, ¼ cup, ½ cup or 1 cup and get the ingredient amounts in spoon-and-cup measurements. Mild, Medium, Hot and Fiery settings adjust chili powder, cayenne or red pepper flakes where the recipe includes them. Blends without those ingredients do not gain extra chili heat.

One plan: $5/month or $40/year for unlimited blends plus saving, printing and sharing. Simple, low-cost meal recipes are available with subscription, and new recipes are created monthly!

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