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Have you ever seen a spice that does the work of five yet has a taste that makes your taste buds go nuts? That’s the power of the Chinese five spices. A staple in Chinese cuisine and all over the world, this magical spice has a spicy, earthy licorice-like taste profile. It is a must-have in your spice pantry. But what if you are out of it and now puzzled about how to bring THAT taste into your recipe? Don’t fret; I am here to help you out. We have rounded up some of the top substitute picks for Chinese five spice so you can bring zest to your recipes.
What is Chinese Five Spice?
Chinese five spice is a well-known mix that is used in Chinese and other Asian foods. Getting the five tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami to work together in a good way. It’s like a flavor bomb that makes food taste deeper and richer.
This mix can be used in a lot of different ways, from making broths to roasting foods. It’s also a great way to try out new mix recipes. Want to add some flavor to your BBQ or cookies? Five spice alternative has your back.
Main Ingredients in Chinese Five Spice
Chinese five spice gets its name from the five basic flavors but typically contains five key spices. Here’s the lineup:
- Star Anise: The sweet, licorice-like superstar.
- Cloves: Warm and slightly bitter, they add depth.
- Cinnamon or Cassia Bark: Sweet and aromatic.
- Fennel Seeds: Sweet and a little earthy.
- Sichuan Peppercorns: Slightly numbing with a citrusy zing.
These spices combine to create a bold, aromatic mix that’s like a party for your taste buds. Ground star anise and fennel seeds give the blend its signature flavor, while the Sichuan peppercorn provides a mouth-numbing experience.
How to Make Your Own Chinese Five-Spice?
If you can’t find Chinese five-spice powder in stores, don’t fret. You can whip up your own version at home.
Here’s an easy recipe:
- 1 tbsp star anise (ground)
- 1 tbsp cloves (ground)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon (ground cassia bark preferred)
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds (ground)
- 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns (ground)
Toast the whole spices (if using) in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant.
Let them cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
Mix them all together and store them in an airtight jar.
That’s it! You’ve got a fresh batch of homemade Chinese five spice.
Eight Substitutes for Chinese Five-Spice
Run out of Chinese five-spice powder? Don’t panic. Here are eight substitutes for Chinese five spice that can get you out of a pinch. Some are DIY blends, and others use individual spices you may already have in your pantry.
Four-Spice Mix (French Style)
White pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger are all parts of French four spice. It’s not as spicy as Sichuan peppercorn, but it goes well with meat, broths, and soups.
- How to use: Use the same amount of the Chinese five-spice powder replacement.
Garam Masala
Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in this Indian spice mix make food warmer. It’s not exactly the same, but it still makes things more interesting and warmer.
- How to use: Start with half the amount and add more or less to your liking.
Allspice and Star Anise
If you have allspice, you should mix it with star anise. Allspice adds warm, clove-like notes and star anise adds a sweet, licorice taste.
- How to use: Mix them together in equal amounts.
Cinnamon and Cloves
These two are very easy to make, but they taste a bit like Chinese five-spice powder replacement because they are sweet and warm.
- How to use: Mix 1 part cinnamon with 1 part cloves.
Fennel and Star Anise
Fennel seeds and star anise are a match made in heaven. When mixed together, they give the Chinese five spices a sweet and fragrant side.
- How to use it: Mix fennel seeds and star anise together.
Ras el Hanout
Ras el hanout is a strong and fragrant mix of spices from North Africa. It is usually made with paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon sticks, and cinnamon sticks.
It’s not the same as the Chinese five spices, but it can make your food warmer and more interesting.
- How to use it: For savory recipes, start with half as much ras el hanout and add more or less to taste.
Want to know about the recipe for ras el hanout? Check out this blog and thank us later.
Lebanese Seven-Spice (Baharat)
With spices like black pepper, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves, this Middle Eastern mix is a bit spicier and more complex. It doesn’t taste like Sichuan peppers do, but it still has depth.
- How to use it: Start with half of the amount and taste it. If you need to, make changes as you go.
You can also check out a detailed guide on seven spices to gain useful insights.
Za’atar
Spices like oregano, thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac are often mixed together to make za’atar, which is used in Middle Eastern cooking. It doesn’t taste like Chinese five spice, but it can be used instead of five spice powder in Mediterranean-style recipes.
- How to use it: Use half as many as five Chinese spices in lighter recipes.
Quick Tip – Don’t Skip Toasting
If you’re making a DIY blend, toast your spices first. It wakes up their flavors and makes them more aromatic. Spice mixes come to life when toasted.
Final Thoughts
Running out of Chinese five spice powder doesn’t mean your dish is doomed. With these alternatives to Chinese five spice, you can still create flavorful meals. So, if you use a pre-made spice mix like garam masala or whip up your own mix, there’s always a way to keep the flavor flowing.
Now, go ahead and try one of these substitutes for Chinese five-spice powder. Who knows? You might even discover a new favorite five-spice alternative along the way.
What’s your go-to substitute for Chinese five spice?
Let Me Know: I’d Love to Hear Your Ideas.
