Chinese Five Spice

Discover the bold, aromatic flavors of Chinese Five Spice Powder – an ancient spice blend that unites five essential flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and savory. This authentic five spice powder combines star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves, and pepper to create a complex, warming taste that's been essential in Chinese cooking for over 2,000 years.

Our Chinese five spice blend delivers the perfect balance of sweet licorice notes from star anise, warming cinnamon, aromatic fennel, pungent cloves, and a subtle peppery kick. Whether you're preparing traditional Cantonese roast duck, modern stir-fries, or experimenting with fusion cooking, this versatile spice mix transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality dishes.

Suggested Use:

For Stir-Fries & Wok Dishes: Add to stir-fried vegetables, meats, or tofu for a flavorful, aromatic base.
For Marinades: Mix into soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and garlic for a marinade that infuses meats with a bold, sweet-spicy flavor.
For Roasted Meats: Rub onto pork, duck, or chicken before roasting for an authentic Chinese flavor profile.

• Comes in three sizes: 90 grams (5.5 oz jar), 250 grams (16 oz jar) & 5 lbs (2.27 kg, food-grade sealed bag in box)
• Store in a dark, cool place to guarantee freshness 
  
• Packed in a PET plastic container or food grade plastic bag, which are safe for use at home and in commercial kitchens
• Made and packaged in Victoria, BC, Canada

Chinese five spice powder (五香粉, wǔxiāng fěn) is a traditional spice blend based on the five elements of Chinese philosophy: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element corresponds to a flavor profile, creating perfect harmony and balance in every dish.

Traditional Ingredients:

• Star Anise – Sweet, licorice-like flavor (dominant note)
• Cinnamon (or Cassia) – Warm, sweet, and slightly woody
• Fennel Seeds – Fresh, slightly sweet with herbal notes
• Cloves – Strong, sweet, and slightly bitter
• Sichuan Peppercorns – Floral, lemony with numbing sensation (or black pepper)

This Asian five spice blend originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and was originally created as a "wonder powder" not just for flavoring food, but for healing and balancing the body according to traditional Chinese medicine.

Chinese five spice is one of the most versatile spice blends in Asian cuisine. It pairs exceptionally well with fatty meats, adds depth to stir-fries, and even enhances sweet baked goods.

Traditional Uses:

For Meats:

• Cantonese roast duck (the classic use)
• Char siu pork (Chinese BBQ pork)
• Roast pork belly
• Red-braised pork
• Five-spice chicken wings
• Grilled ribs
• Roasted goose

For Stir-Fries & Marinades:

• Beef and vegetable stir-fry
• Sichuan-style tofu
• Asian-glazed salmon
• Vietnamese broiled chicken
• Pork and green bean stir-fry

For Vegetarian Dishes:

• Stir-fried bok choy
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Glazed carrots
• Spiced rice dishes
• Asian-style roasted vegetables

Surprising Uses:

In Baking:

• Spice cakes and muffins
• Snickerdoodle cookies with a twist
• Banana bread
• Apple pie (fusion twist)
• Chocolate desserts

For Beverages:

• Chai tea blend
• Hot chocolate
• Mulled wine
• Spiced coffee

Everyday Ideas:

• Mix with salt for a seasoning rub
• Add to soups and stews for depth
• Sprinkle on roasted nuts
• Blend into BBQ sauces

As a Dry Rub:
Combine 2-3 teaspoons of Chinese five spice with 1 tablespoon salt. Rub onto chicken, pork, or duck before roasting or grilling for authentic Cantonese flavor.

In Marinades:
Mix 1-2 teaspoons five spice powder with soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, and ginger for a traditional Chinese marinade. Perfect for pork, beef, or tofu.

In Stir-Fries:
Add ¼-½ teaspoon directly to your wok along with garlic and ginger at the start of stir-frying for an instant flavor boost.

In Braising:
Use 1-2 teaspoons in braising liquids for traditional red-cooked pork or beef stew.

Pro Tip: Chinese five spice is VERY POTENT – a little goes a long way! Start with ¼-½ teaspoon and adjust to taste. The flavor intensifies when heated, so it's better to add less at first.

Is Chinese five spice the same as five spice powder?

Yes! They're the same thing. "Chinese five spice" and "five spice powder" refer to the same traditional spice blend. "Asian five spice" is also the same product.

How is it different from other spice blends?

• Unlike curry powder, which is Indian and turmeric-based, Chinese five spice has star anise as the dominant flavor
• Unlike garam masala, which is warming and pepper-forward, five spice is sweeter with licorice notes
• Unlike pumpkin pie spice, which is cinnamon-heavy, five spice includes savory elements like fennel and pepper

✓ Authentic traditional blend – Made with star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves, and pepper
✓ Freshly blended – Maximum flavor and aroma
✓ No fillers or additives – Pure spice blend only
✓ Versatile use – Perfect for Chinese, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, and fusion cooking
✓ Professional quality – Suitable for both home cooks and restaurant kitchens
✓ Made in Canada – Quality controlled in Victoria, BC

What is Chinese five spice made of?

Chinese five spice is traditionally made from five key spices: star anise (licorice flavor), cinnamon or cassia (warmth), fennel seeds (sweet-herbal), cloves (pungent-sweet), and Sichuan peppercorns or black pepper (spicy kick). These five spices represent the five fundamental flavors in Chinese cuisine: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and savory.

What is Chinese five spice used for?

Chinese five spice is most commonly used to season fatty meats like duck, pork, and chicken, especially in traditional dishes like Cantonese roast duck and char siu pork. It's also excellent in marinades, stir-fries, braised dishes, and even baked goods like spice cakes and cookies. A little goes a long way – typically ¼-½ teaspoon is enough to flavor most dishes.

How do you use Chinese five spice powder?

Use it as a dry rub mixed with salt for roasted meats, add ½-1 teaspoon to marinades with soy sauce and garlic, sprinkle ¼ teaspoon into stir-fries at the start of cooking, or incorporate 1-2 teaspoons into braising liquids. For baking, add ½-1 teaspoon to spice cake or cookie recipes for an aromatic twist.

Is Chinese five spice the same as five spice powder?

Yes, Chinese five spice and five spice powder are the same thing – they're just different names for the same traditional spice blend. You might also see it called "Asian five spice" or written as "Chinese 5 spice." All refer to the authentic blend of star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves, and pepper.

What does Chinese five spice taste like?

Chinese five spice has a complex flavor profile that's sweet, warm, and slightly licorice-like from the star anise, with cinnamon adding warmth, fennel bringing herbal sweetness, cloves providing pungent depth, and pepper giving a subtle kick. The overall taste is aromatic, slightly sweet, and warming – not spicy-hot, but intensely flavorful.

Can I make Chinese five spice at home?

Yes! Mix equal parts ground star anise, cinnamon, fennel seeds, cloves, and Sichuan peppercorns (or black pepper). For best results, toast whole spices in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind in a spice grinder. However, buying pre-made five spice ensures consistent flavor and saves time.