Chinese Five Spice Powder Recipe (Easy Homemade Blend)
This post may contain affiliate links.I always keep a jar of homemade Chinese five spice powder in my pantry because it adds so much flavor with very little effort. If you enjoy dishes like char siu, braised pork belly, or crispy pork belly, this fragrant spice blend is the secret ingredient that gives them their distinctive aroma and taste.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
🏷️ Recipe Name: Chinese Five Spice Powder
⏱️ Ready In: ~ 5 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 30 portions (3 grams each)
🔥 Calories: 6 kcal per portion (estimate)
🧾 Main Ingredients: Szechuan peppercorns, star anise, cloves, fennel seeds, black pepper, sand ginger powder.
🥗 Dietary Info: Gluten free
🧠 Difficulty: Very easy.
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Chinese five spice powder is a fragrant blend of spices commonly used in Chinese cooking. While you can easily buy it at the store, making your own at home lets you adjust the flavor to your liking and ensures maximum freshness.
I use this homemade spice blend in many of my favorite recipes, including Char Siu Pork, Air Fryer Char Siu Chicken, Chinese Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou), Chinese Braised Pork Shank, and Crispy Pork Belly. With just a small amount, it adds the signature warm, savory aroma that makes these dishes so irresistible.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make Chinese five spice powder from scratch, along with tips for storing it and using it in your everyday cooking.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
- Ground star anise adds the distinctive sweet, licorice-like aroma that is characteristic of Chinese five spice powder.
- Ground fennel seeds contribute a mild sweetness and subtle anise flavor that complements the star anise.
- Ground cinnamon adds warmth and a slightly sweet, woody flavor.
- Ground cloves provide a strong, warm aroma, so a little goes a long way.
- Ground Szechuan peppercorns add a unique citrusy fragrance and the signature tingling sensation often found in Chinese cuisine.
- Ground black pepper adds a gentle heat and balances the sweetness of the other spices.
- Ground ginger contributes a warm, slightly spicy note that rounds out the blend.
- Ground sand ginger (sha jiang powder) adds an earthy, peppery aroma that enhances the overall complexity of the spice blend. While not every five spice powder recipe includes it, I like the extra depth of flavor it brings.
Don’t have ground spices? You can easily grind whole spices using a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or high-powered blender. However, using pre-ground spices makes this recipe quick and convenient since you can simply measure and mix everything together.
How to Make Chinese Five Spice Powder
STEP 1. Add all the ground spices to a small mixing bowl.
STEP 2. Stir well with a small whisk or spoon until the spices are evenly combined. Transfer the Chinese five spice powder to a clean, dry airtight jar and store it in your pantry.
Pro Tips
- For the freshest flavor, use recently purchased spices. Ground spices gradually lose their aroma over time.
- If you’re using whole spices, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, before grinding. This helps release their natural oils and creates a more aromatic spice blend.
- Grind whole spices in a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or high-powered blender until finely ground.
- For a smoother spice blend, sift the ground spices to remove any larger pieces before mixing.
- Store the spice blend in an airtight container away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight to help preserve its flavor and aroma.
Recipes Using Chinese Five Spice Powder
- Char Siu Pork – This Cantonese barbecue pork is marinated with Chinese five spice powder for its signature sweet, savory, and aromatic flavor.
- Air Fryer Char Siu Chicken – A quicker and lighter alternative to traditional char siu pork that still delivers the same delicious Chinese barbecue flavors.
- Hong Shao Rou (Chinese Braised Pork Belly) – A classic Chinese braised pork belly dish where five spice powder adds warmth and depth to the rich soy-based sauce.
- Chinese Braised Pork Shank – Tender pork shank slowly braised in a flavorful sauce infused with Chinese five spice powder and aromatic seasonings.
- Crispy Pork Belly – The spice blend adds extra flavor to the meat beneath the crispy, crackling skin.
Chinese Five Spice Powder FAQs
Chinese five spice powder is typically made from star anise, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and Sichuan peppercorns. Some variations, including this recipe, may also include spices such as black pepper or sand ginger for added depth and complexity.
Chinese five spice powder has a warm, aromatic flavor that is slightly sweet, savory, and peppery. The combination of spices creates a distinctive fragrance commonly associated with Chinese roasted and braised dishes.
Yes. Simply toast the whole spices in a dry skillet until fragrant, let them cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or high-powered blender.
When stored in an airtight container away from moisture and heat, homemade Chinese five spice powder can last for several months. For the best flavor and aroma, use it within 6 months.
Chinese five spice powder is commonly used in marinades, rubs, braised dishes, stir-fries, and roasted meats. It is especially popular in recipes such as char siu, braised pork belly, braised pork shank, and crispy pork belly.
Storage
Transfer the Chinese five spice powder to a clean, dry airtight jar after mixing. I like to keep mine in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh and aromatic for longer.
Always use a clean, dry spoon when scooping out the spice blend and keep the jar tightly sealed after each use. Properly stored, homemade Chinese five spice powder can last for several months, although its flavor and aroma are best within the first 6 months.
If the spice blend starts to lose its fragrance, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
Since I don’t use Chinese five spice powder every day, I prefer storing it in the refrigerator to help preserve its aroma for as long as possible.
Chinese Five Spice Powder
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp peppercorn Szechuan
- 2 tbsp star anise
- 1 tsp cloves
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp fennel seeds
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sand ginger powder
Instructions
- Add all the ground spices to a small mixing bowl.
- Stir well with a small whisk or spoon until the spices are evenly combined. Transfer the Chinese five spice powder to a clean, dry airtight jar and store it in your pantry.
Notes
- For the freshest flavor, use recently purchased spices. Ground spices gradually lose their aroma over time.
- If you’re using whole spices, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, before grinding. This helps release their natural oils and creates a more aromatic spice blend.
- Grind whole spices in a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or high-powered blender until finely ground.
- For a smoother spice blend, sift the ground spices to remove any larger pieces before mixing.
- Store the spice blend in an airtight container away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight to help preserve its flavor and aroma.
Make your own Chinese five spice powder at home with a handful of aromatic spices. This versatile blend adds authentic flavor to char siu, braised meats, roasted pork, and more.