Print This Page

Chinese Five Spice Powder - Recreate the
Authentic Flavours and Aromas of China

If cooking authentic homemade Chinese food is a hobby of yours, then a homemade Chinese five spice powder is worth doing. The fresh flavours and mouthwatering aromas that will be added to your dishes have to be tried to be believed! I've added optional grated nutmeg as this works well with the ingredients but it's up to you if you use it. (See the bottom of the page for links to more of my homemade recipes)

What You'll Need: (makes about 5 tablespoons)

2 x 3 inch piece cinnamon 
2 tbsp black peppercorns
1 tbsp whole cloves
4 tsp fennel seed
5-6 star anise
1 whole nutmeg (optional)

tbsp = tablespoon
tsp = teaspoon

Directions:

• If using, grate a teaspoons worth of nutmeg

• Break up the star anise and cinnamon stick

• Grind the star anise and cinnamon pieces along with the fennel seeds, peppercorns and cloves

• Once ground, sieve into a bowl. Regrind any bits that don't go through the sieve

• Add the optional freshly grated nutmeg and mix everything thoroughly
  
  

Store your 5 spice powder in an airtight jar out of direct sunlight and in a cool place; your fridge is the perfect storage spot. Use within 3 months before making a fresh amount.

Note: To add even more flavours and aromas, it is worth considering dry toasting the cloves, peppercorns and fennel before cooling and grinding. The heat helps release more flavours. 

Click here for tips on toasting and grinding ingredients. (Link opens in new window)

Ingredient Note: Whilst I use whole ingredients for this recipe, you can use pre-ground powders if that's all you have to hand. If you do, just reduce the amounts by half. So for 2 tablespoon of fennel seeds you use about 1 tablespoon of pre-ground fennel and combine with any other pre-ground ingredients. Here's a link to this blend made purely with ground ingredients. (Link opens in new window)

After Making Your Chinese Five Spice Powder You May Enjoy...

Japanese Seven Spice - Savour the Flavours of the Far East

Homemade Mixed  Spice For the Tastiest Puddings and Desserts

A Collection of Curry Powders For Fab Indian Cooking

Return to Cooking Spices

Return to Home

ShareFacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditWhatsAppMessenger