Five-Spice Powder - Chinese five-Spice

Chinese Five Spice – aromatic Five Spice Powder

Spice blend.

Chinese Five Spice, also known as Five Spice Powder or Wu Xiang Fen (五香粉), is one of the best-known seasoning blends used in Chinese cooking. Our blend combines fennel, star anise, black pepper, cinnamon and cloves to create a warm, aromatic and gently peppery flavour.

Star anise and fennel provide the distinctive sweet, aniseed notes, while cinnamon adds warmth and roundness. Cloves contribute depth and an intensely aromatic character, and black pepper finishes the blend with a pleasant peppery warmth.

This versatile Chinese Five Spice blend is particularly suitable for duck, pork, chicken, marinades, braised dishes, stir-fries, tofu and roasted vegetables. A small amount can also bring an interesting aromatic contrast to sweet dishes and baking.

What is Chinese Five Spice?

Chinese Five Spice is an aromatic spice mixture associated with Chinese and other East Asian cuisines. Recipes can vary according to region, producer and culinary tradition, so there is no single formulation used for every Five Spice blend.

Our recipe contains fennel, star anise, black pepper, cinnamon and cloves. Together, these five spices create a distinctive balance of sweet, warm, spicy and aromatic flavours.

The mixture is also commonly sold under names such as Chinese 5 Spice, Five Spice Powder and Chinese Five-Spice Seasoning.

Flavour and aroma of Chinese Five Spice

The aroma of Chinese Five Spice is intense and complex. Star anise and fennel are immediately noticeable with their characteristic sweet and aniseed-like fragrance.

Cinnamon adds a warm and rounded character, while cloves provide deeper, slightly balsamic notes. Black pepper contributes a gentle peppery heat without overwhelming the sweeter aromatic spices.

The overall flavour is warm, aromatic, slightly sweet, aniseed-led and gently peppery. Because the blend is concentrated, only a small amount is normally required.

How to use Chinese Five Spice

Chinese Five Spice Powder is particularly well suited to duck, pork and chicken. It can be used as a seasoning for roasting, braising and grilling or incorporated into marinades and sauces.

It is especially useful for dishes inspired by Chinese cooking, including Char Siu pork, aromatic roast duck, braised pork belly and seasoned fillings for bao or dumplings.

The blend also works very well with tofu, mushrooms, noodles and vegetables cooked in a wok or stir-fried.

For a simple meal, sprinkle a small amount over vegetables, chicken or pork towards the end of stir-frying and combine with soy sauce, ginger or garlic.

Chinese Five Spice for marinades and rubs

One of the most useful ways to use Chinese Five Spice is in a marinade. Combine a small amount with soy sauce, honey, ginger and a little oil to create an aromatic marinade for pork, chicken, duck, tofu or vegetables.

Depending on the recipe, it also pairs particularly well with garlic, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar and spring onions.

For roasted or grilled meats, Chinese Five Spice can also be used as a dry seasoning or mixed with a little oil before being rubbed onto the surface of the meat.

Chinese Five Spice with duck and pork

Duck and pork are classic partners for the warm, aromatic character of Five Spice. The sweetness of star anise, fennel and cinnamon complements richer meats particularly well, while black pepper and cloves provide additional depth.

Try it with roast duck, crispy duck, pork belly, pork ribs or Char Siu-style pork. It also combines well with plum-based sauces, honey and soy sauce.

Chinese Five Spice for stir-fries and vegetables

The blend is not limited to meat dishes. Chinese Five Spice can be added to stir-fried vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, rice and noodles.

For a quick stir-fry, use a small amount together with soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic and sesame oil. Vegetables such as pak choi, peppers, carrots, mushrooms and cabbage are particularly suitable partners.

Can Chinese Five Spice be used in sweet dishes?

Yes. Used sparingly, Five Spice Powder can add an unusual aromatic dimension to desserts and baking.

Its warm notes work particularly well with chocolate, apples, pears, plums, biscuits, cakes and roasted nuts. Start with a very small quantity, as the flavour is concentrated.

How much Chinese Five Spice should I use?

Chinese Five Spice is highly aromatic, so it should be used sparingly. As a starting point, we recommend approximately 1/2 teaspoon for 500 g of food.

The amount can then be increased gradually according to the recipe and the intensity of flavour required.

For marinades and braised dishes, the spice blend can be mixed directly with the other ingredients. For grilled or roasted dishes, it can be combined with oil, soy sauce or honey before cooking.

Who is Chinese Five Spice suitable for?

This blend is ideal for anyone who enjoys Chinese and Asian-inspired cooking and wants an easy way to add warm, complex spice notes to everyday dishes.

It is equally useful for home cooks experimenting with stir-fries and marinades and for more creative cooking with glazes, slow-cooked dishes, vegetables, tofu and sweet-and-savoury combinations.

Ingredients of our Chinese Five Spice blend

Ingredients: fennel, star anise, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves.

Allergens

May contain traces of celery and mustard.

Nutritional information

Frequently asked questions about Chinese Five Spice

What is Chinese Five Spice made from?

Our Chinese Five Spice contains fennel, star anise, black pepper, cinnamon and cloves.

What is Wu Xiang Fen?

Wu Xiang Fen (五香粉) is the Chinese name commonly used for the spice mixture known in English as Chinese Five Spice or Five Spice Powder.

Is Chinese Five Spice hot?

Chinese Five Spice is aromatic rather than chilli-hot. Our blend contains no chilli. Black pepper provides a mild peppery warmth, while star anise, fennel, cinnamon and cloves determine most of its aromatic character.

Does Chinese Five Spice always contain Sichuan pepper?

No. Five Spice recipes vary. Some blends contain Sichuan pepper, while others use black pepper or different combinations of spices. Our recipe contains black pepper.

What is Chinese Five Spice used for?

It is particularly suitable for duck, pork, chicken, Char Siu-style dishes, marinades, braised dishes, stir-fries, tofu, vegetables, mushrooms, rice and noodles. Small amounts can also be used in desserts and baking.

Can I use Chinese Five Spice as a dry rub?

Yes. Chinese Five Spice can be rubbed directly onto pork, chicken or duck before roasting or grilling. For better distribution, it can also be mixed with a little oil before applying it to the food.

How do I make a Chinese Five Spice marinade?

Combine a small amount of Chinese Five Spice with soy sauce, honey, ginger and a little oil. Garlic, hoisin sauce, sesame oil or rice vinegar can also be added depending on the dish.

Is Chinese Five Spice suitable for vegetables and tofu?

Yes. It works particularly well with tofu, mushrooms and stir-fried or roasted vegetables. Use a small amount and combine it with soy sauce, ginger, garlic or sesame oil.

How much Chinese Five Spice should I use?

As the blend is highly aromatic, start with approximately half a teaspoon for 500 g of food and adjust gradually according to your recipe and personal preference.

Storage

Store Chinese Five Spice tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct light and sources of heat. Proper storage helps preserve the aroma and flavour of the spice blend for longer.