The Best Simple Chinese 5-Spice Substitutes (2024)

The Best Simple Chinese 5-Spice Substitutes (1)

If you’re struggling to find Chinese Five Spice, it’s OK! Here are my favourite Chinese 5-Spice Substitutes…

What is Chinese 5-Spice?

You’re not going to believe this but Chinese 5-Spice is a blend of five different spices used in Chinese cooking. I know ;)

It contains Star Anise, Fennel Seeds, Cassia (or Cinnamon), Black Pepper and Cloves.

Simple Chinese 5-Spice Substitutes

1. Garam Masala

I was surprised how similar the Indian spice blend Garam Masala is to Chinese 5-Spice.

Both contain fennel, cinnamon and cloves but Garam Masala includes carraway seeds and cardamom. And is missing the star anise.

Given they are so similar just substitute 1:1.

2. Garam Masala + Star Anise

For an even closer match add some ground star anise to your garam masala.

Start with 1/4 teaspoon ground star anise and 3/4 teaspoons garam masala for 1 teaspoon of Chinese 5-spice.

3. Star Anise

Given this is the largest spice in the 5-spice blend, it can be substituted.

Although I would use less so it doesn’t overpower.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon or cassia is one of the spices in the blend. And while it won’t have the same complexity, it will add the spicy sweetness you get from 5-spice so better than nothing! Again, start with less so it doesn’t overpower.

5. Baharat

This is a long shot but if you happen to have the Lebanese spice Baharat in the house it could be used. Baharat contains paprika and cumin which will give a different vibe, but better than no spice :)

How to Store Chinese 5-Spice

In an airtight jar in your pantry.

Favourite Chinese 5-Spice Recipes

More Articles Similar to Chinese 5-Spice Substitutes

Also see see the Simple Ingredients Substitutes Index.

Have fun in the kitchen!

With love,
Jules x

The Best Simple Chinese 5-Spice Substitutes (2024)

FAQs

The Best Simple Chinese 5-Spice Substitutes? ›

Whilst you're never going to get the classic flavour that Chinese 5 spice provides with a substitute, there are some seasonings that come pretty close. Star anise, allspice, garam masala, sichuan peppercorns and cinnamon sticks are all worthy replacements – but the real stuff is always best!

What can I use to replace Chinese 5 spices? ›

Ground Cinnamon And Ground Star Anise

Cinnamon and star anise are among the common spices to find in a grocery store that can help you make the closest substitute to Chinese five spice powder. You can swap Chinese five spice with a mix of ground cinnamon and ground star anise.

What can I substitute for allspice 5 spice? ›

“I'd recommend a mixture of four parts ground cinnamon, one part ground cloves, one part nutmeg,” says CarlyFarine. Mix the three spices together and measure out as much allspice as your recipe calls for.

What are the 5 spices in Chinese 5 spice? ›

What is five spice powder made of? Five spice is a blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns and fennel seeds. If you don't have Sichuan peppercorns to hand, you could substitute them for black peppercorns – the flavour will still be nice, although it won't have the same heat.

Can I use Japanese 7 spice instead of Chinese 5 spice? ›

Be careful, shichimi togarashi is very different to Chinese five spice which is very aromatic and includes different spices like cinnamon and aniseed; it isn't spicy like Japanese seven spice.

What seasoning do Chinese restaurants use? ›

Nine essential Chinese seasonings
  • Soy sauce. Soy sauce is a fundamental seasoning in Chinese and other Asian cuisines. ...
  • Shaoxing wine (or cooking wine, rice wine) ...
  • Chinkiang vinegar. ...
  • Oyster sauce. ...
  • Toasted sesame oil. ...
  • Five spice powder. ...
  • Star anise. ...
  • Sichuan peppercorn.
Mar 6, 2017

Why is Chinese 5 spice so good? ›

The spices included in the mix are rich in antioxidants, and contain minerals such as copper, iron, and manganese. As the name suggests, Chinese 5 Spice is often used in Chinese cooking and other Asian cuisines. It makes an excellent dry rub or marinade for meat or tofu.

Can I skip allspice in a recipe? ›

While allspice is a spice on its own, not a blend, it's very easy to create a similar-tasting mixture with spices you already have in your kitchen. Whisk 3½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1¼ teaspoons ground nutmeg and a pinch of ground cloves, then use as a 1:1 replacement for ground allspice in a recipe.

Is 7 spice the same as 5 spice? ›

To start with, Chinese five spice is Chinese in origin. Seven spice powder is Japanese, and also called shichimi togarashi. Unlike Five Spice, Seven spice's foundation is comprised of chilis, dried orange peel, sesame seed, dried ginger, and seaweed, as well as Sichuan peppercorns.

Is garam masala the same as Chinese 5 spices? ›

Garam Masala

I was surprised how similar the Indian spice blend Garam Masala is to Chinese 5-Spice. Both contain fennel, cinnamon and cloves but Garam Masala includes carraway seeds and cardamom. And is missing the star anise. Given they are so similar just substitute 1:1.

Is cinnamon in Chinese 5 spice? ›

Ingredients. A common mix for ground five-spice powder (center) is (clockwise from top left) cinnamon, fennel seeds, star anise, Sichuan peppercorns and cloves. While there are many variants, a common mix is: Star anise (bājiǎo 八角)

Is all purpose seasoning the same as Chinese 5 spice? ›

While both Allspice and Chinese Five Spice share warm, aromatic profiles, they are distinct spice blends. Substituting Allspice for Chinese Five Spice may alter the flavor of your dish. Five Spice typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, providing a unique taste.

What spices go good in stir fry? ›

Instead of a salty sauce, flavour your stir-fry with:
  • Herbs: basil, oregano, cilantro.
  • Spices: cumin, coriander, cardamom.
  • Reduced sodium or no sodium added broth.
  • Fresh lemongrass, garlic or ginger.
  • 100% fruit juice.
  • Citrus zest.
  • Lower sodium soy sauces (<600 mg sodium per tablespoon)
Sep 16, 2019

What is an easy substitute for Chinese five spice? ›

Whilst you're never going to get the classic flavour that Chinese 5 spice provides with a substitute, there are some seasonings that come pretty close. Star anise, allspice, garam masala, sichuan peppercorns and cinnamon sticks are all worthy replacements – but the real stuff is always best!

Is Thai 7 spice similar to Chinese 5 spice? ›

The Thai equivalent of the Chinese five spice or the Indian garam masala, this is an all-purpose seasoning blend which is used in Thai style stir fries to bring out the full flavour of the food.

Do Chinese people use 5 Spice? ›

You will find this spice blend used within the cuisines of China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Hawaii. While the name implies only five ingredients, blends vary in the spices they're made from.

Is Chinese 5 spice the same as salt and pepper? ›

Why is it called Salt and Pepper? Unlike the name suggests, the salt and pepper spice mix usually consists of far more than just salt and pepper. It's often a mix of salt, white pepper/Sichuan pepper, Chinese 5 spice, MSG, and sugar.

Is Chinese 5 spice the same as curry powder? ›

Five Spice Powder is a Chinese spice blend made from a combination of star anise, clove, cinnamon, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns. It has a sweet, warm flavor and is a great substitute for curry powder.

Top Articles
TCP vs UDP: What’s the Difference and Which Protocol Is Better?
Troubleshooting common macOS app issues - Proton VPN Support
Safety Jackpot Login
Po Box 7250 Sioux Falls Sd
فیلم رهگیر دوبله فارسی بدون سانسور نماشا
Kraziithegreat
Sissy Hypno Gif
Farmers Branch Isd Calendar
10000 Divided By 5
Magic Mike's Last Dance Showtimes Near Marcus Cedar Creek Cinema
123 Movies Black Adam
13 The Musical Common Sense Media
Jscc Jweb
Tripadvisor Near Me
Edible Arrangements Keller
Wnem Radar
Kvta Ventura News
Justified Official Series Trailer
Used Sawmill For Sale - Craigslist Near Tennessee
The Ultimate Style Guide To Casual Dress Code For Women
Moving Sales Craigslist
Robeson County Mugshots 2022
Air Traffic Control Coolmathgames
Craigslist Pennsylvania Poconos
Wiseloan Login
Kabob-House-Spokane Photos
Sensual Massage Grand Rapids
Yale College Confidential 2027
Stockton (California) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage
Stickley Furniture
Play It Again Sports Forsyth Photos
What Is Opm1 Treas 310 Deposit
Craigslist Scottsdale Arizona Cars
Appraisalport Com Dashboard /# Orders
Truckers Report Forums
How are you feeling? Vocabulary & expressions to answer this common question!
Rage Of Harrogath Bugged
Mixer grinder buying guide: Everything you need to know before choosing between a traditional and bullet mixer grinder
Dogs Craiglist
Doordash Promo Code Generator
Hazel Moore Boobpedia
Pulitzer And Tony Winning Play About A Mathematical Genius Crossword
Umd Men's Basketball Duluth
2017 Ford F550 Rear Axle Nut Torque Spec
Quick Base Dcps
Vagicaine Walgreens
Maplestar Kemono
Enter The Gungeon Gunther
House For Sale On Trulia
F9 2385
Superecchll
Cbs Scores Mlb
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Last Updated:

Views: 6464

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Birthday: 1993-01-10

Address: Suite 391 6963 Ullrich Shore, Bellefort, WI 01350-7893

Phone: +6806610432415

Job: Dynamic Manufacturing Assistant

Hobby: amateur radio, Taekwondo, Wood carving, Parkour, Skateboarding, Running, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.