17 Traditional Chinese Five Spice Powder Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Traditional Chinese five spice powder is a versatile and flavorful blend of spices that is an essential component in Chinese cuisine. Its unique combination of five main spices, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel seeds, and Szechuan peppercorns, creates a complex and balanced flavor profile that is the cornerstone of many traditional Chinese dishes. In this article, we will delve into the history and traditional uses of this essential spice blend, as well as provide a simple and authentic recipe for making your own at home.
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dry Yeast, Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Egg
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you'll love these delicious meat buns. They're filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder, making them the perfect addition to any beer can chicken meal. Simply pop them in the oven while your chicken is cooking and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
Chinese five-spice powder is a blend of five different spices commonly used in Chinese cuisine. These spices include star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and peppercorns. Together, they create a unique and bold flavor that pairs well with meats like chicken. You can find this spice blend at most grocery stores or easily make your own at home.
3of 20
Chinese Five Spice Powder [Homemade]
Main Ingredients: Star Anise, Cinnamon Sticks, Fennel Seeds, Cloves
If you're feeling adventurous and want to make your own Chinese five-spice powder, it's surprisingly simple. All you need is equal parts of ground star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, and Szechuan peppercorns. Simply mix them together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. You can adjust the ratios of the spices to suit your taste preferences.
4of 20
Chinese Five-Spice Powder Chocolate Cream Cheese Tart
Main Ingredients: White Vinegar, Milk, Flour, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Don't limit Chinese five-spice powder to just savory dishes. It can also add a unique flavor to sweet treats like this chocolate cream cheese tart. The combination of the warm spices and rich chocolate creates a decadent dessert that will impress your guests. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
For the freshest and most flavorful Chinese five-spice powder, consider making your own at home. Not only is it cost-effective, but you also have control over the quality and freshness of the spices used. Plus, you can customize the blend to your liking by adjusting the ratios of the spices used.
6of 20
Making Your Own Chinese Five-Spice Powder
Main Ingredients: Star Anise, Szechuan Peppercorns, Cloves, Fennel
If you're interested in making your own Chinese five-spice powder, here's a simple recipe to follow. Combine 1 tablespoon each of ground star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, and Szechuan peppercorns. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger for an extra kick of flavor. Mix everything together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
7of 20
Dad's Grilled Chicken Wings (with Chinese Rose Wine...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Five Spice Powder, Sugar, Dark Soy
These grilled chicken wings are a family favorite and a great addition to any beer can chicken dinner. The secret ingredient is a splash of Chinese rose wine, which adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the marinade. Grill these wings alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and unique meal.
8of 20
Stir Fried Chicken with Mandarin Oranges and Broccoli
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast Halves, Chinese Five Spice Powder, Soy
If you're looking for a quick and easy beer can chicken side dish, look no further than this stir-fried chicken with mandarin oranges and broccoli. The combination of Chinese five-spice powder and orange zest adds a burst of flavor to the dish, while the broccoli provides a healthy and nutritious element.
Chinese BBQ pork, also known as char siu, is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It's made by marinating pork in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and other seasonings before roasting it in the oven. Serve this flavorful pork alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
10of 20
Chinese-Style Pork Ribs
Main Ingredients: Pork Ribs, Chinese 5 Spice, Chilli Powder, Honey, Dark
For a twist on traditional barbecue ribs, try making Chinese-style pork ribs. These ribs are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings before being grilled to perfection. The result is tender and flavorful ribs that pair well with your beer can chicken.
11of 20
Big Batch Chinese Beef
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Braising Beef, All Purpose Flour, Salt
If you're feeding a crowd, this big batch Chinese beef recipe is perfect for you. It's made with beef chuck roast, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and other flavorful ingredients. The best part is, you can make it ahead of time and let it simmer in the slow cooker while you focus on preparing your beer can chicken.
If you're a fan of char siu, you'll love this homemade version of Chinese BBQ pork. It's made with a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and other seasonings. The result is tender and delicious pork that pairs well with your beer can chicken and other Chinese-inspired dishes.
13of 20
Chinese Eggplant With Spicy Szechuan Sauce
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Salt, Water, Cornstarch, Peanut Oil
If you're looking to add some vegetables to your beer can chicken meal, try this Chinese eggplant recipe. It's made with a flavorful Szechuan sauce that includes ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. The result is a spicy and savory dish that pairs well with the chicken.
14of 20
Chinese Scallion Pancakes
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Water, Cooking Oil, Scallion, Salt
Chinese scallion pancakes are a popular side dish in Chinese cuisine and a great addition to any beer can chicken meal. They're made with a simple dough of flour, water, and scallions before being pan-fried until crispy. Serve them alongside your chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
15of 20
Char Siu (Roasted Chinese BBQ Pork)
Main Ingredients: Pork Cubes, Coconut Oil, Honey, Gluten Free Hoisin
If you're looking for a delicious roasted pork recipe, try making char siu or Chinese BBQ pork. It's marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and other seasonings before being roasted in the oven. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a tasty and satisfying meal.
16of 20
Copycat Takeout Egg Rolls
Main Ingredients: Savoy Cabbage, Green Cabbage, Shredded Carrot, Celery
If you're craving Chinese takeout, try making these copycat egg rolls at home. They're filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, cabbage, carrots, and Chinese five-spice powder, making them the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty and satisfying meal.
Chinese roast pork, also known as siu yuk, is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It's made by roasting pork belly until crispy and then slicing it into bite-sized pieces. The pork is flavored with a marinade of soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and other seasonings. Serve this flavorful pork alongside your beer can chicken for a tasty and satisfying meal.
18of 20
Crispy Chinese Garlic Chicken Wings
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Egg White, Chinese Five Spice Powder
If you're a fan of garlic chicken wings, you'll love this Chinese-inspired version. The wings are coated in a flavorful mixture of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder before being baked until crispy. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
19of 20
Slow Cooker Chinese Spare Ribs
Main Ingredients: St Louis Style Spare Ribs, Soy Sauce, Honey, Hoisin
For a hands-off approach to cooking Chinese spare ribs, try making them in the slow cooker. The ribs are coated in a delicious hoisin sauce and Chinese five-spice powder mixture before being cooked to perfection. Once they're done, serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
If you're a fan of chicken curry, try this Chinese-inspired version that incorporates Chinese five-spice powder into the dish. The blend of warm spices adds a unique and delicious flavor to the traditional curry. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a tasty and satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds to the streets of China.
The History of Five Spice Powder
The Origins
The origins of five spice powder can be traced back to ancient Chinese medicine. The five main spices were believed to have healing properties and were used to balance the yin and yang energies in the body. Over time, these spices were incorporated into cooking, and the five spice blend was born. It has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries, with different regions and families having their own unique variations.
The Traditional Uses
In traditional Chinese cooking, five spice powder is used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is a key ingredient in marinating meats, seasoning stir-fries, and adding depth to soups and stews. It is also commonly used in steamed dishes and roasts, as well as in vegetable and tofu dishes. In Chinese culture, it is believed that the five spices represent the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, making it a symbol of balance and harmony in cooking.
Making Your Own Five Spice Powder
The Ingredients
To make your own traditional Chinese five spice powder, you will need cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, fennel seeds, and Szechuan peppercorns. These ingredients can easily be found at your local Asian market or in the international aisle of your grocery store.
The Recipe
To make the perfect five spice powder, simply grind all the spices together in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until they are a fine powder. The ratio of each spice can vary depending on personal preference, but a good starting point is 1 tablespoon each of cinnamon, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon each of cloves and fennel seeds. You can also experiment with adding other spices like ginger or nutmeg for a unique twist.
Preserving Your Five Spice Powder
To ensure your homemade five spice powder retains its flavor, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can be kept for up to six months, but for the freshest taste, it is best to use it within three months. You can also make smaller batches if you plan on using it less frequently.
In conclusion, traditional Chinese five spice powder is a versatile and essential spice blend that adds depth and complexity to Chinese dishes. By making your own at home, you can customize the flavor to your liking and enjoy the freshest and most authentic taste in your cooking. So next time you're in the mood for some traditional Chinese cuisine, don't forget to add a sprinkle of this time-honored spice blend to elevate your dish to the next level.