Chinese 5 Spice Recipes

CHINESE FIVE SPICE (MADE EASY)

Steps:

• NOTE: SOME FIVE-SPICE RECIPES WILL HAVE YOU TOAST THE WHOLE FENNEL AND STAR ANISE FIRST. YOU MAY DO THIS, BUT I GENERALLY PREFER NOT TO FOR A CLEAN, FRESH FLAVOR. HOWEVER, IF USING THE SPICE SPECIFICALLY FOR BARBECUED MEATS OR PHO SOUP, I RECOMMEND LIGHTLY TOASTING THEM FIRST IN A DRY SKILLET OVER MEDIUM HEAT FOR A SMOKY FLAVOR BEFORE THE FINAL GRINDING. YOU MAY SUBSTITUTE THE SZECHUAN PEPPERCORN WITH WHITE PEPPER, WHICH IS A POPULAR BLEND FOR USE IN CHINESE COOKERY. KEEP IN MIND -- "A LITTLE BIT OF FIVE SPICE POWDER GOES A LONG WAY". WHEN SEASONING FOODS, START WITH A SMALL AMOUNT, THEN ADJUST ACCORDINGLY.
• MEASURE all ingredients into a clean spice mill or coffee grinder, whether whole or ground, using pre-ground cinnamon as the only exception: 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon cloves, 1 tablespoon fennel, 1 tablespoon star anise, 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorn.
• GRIND mixture in a clean spice mill or coffee grinder in 15-30 second increments, until mixture is finely powderized.
• Store in an airtight container.
• Use measure-for-measure in any recipe calling for Chinese Five Spice powder.

CHINESE FIVE SPICE

Steps:

• In a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle, combine all ingredients (in batches if necessary); grind until mixture becomes a fine powder. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

CHINESE FIVE-SPICE CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place the chicken pieces in a large dish or plastic bag.
• Mix the remaining ingredients and pour over the chicken.
• Marinate refrigerated overnight or for 1 to 2 hours if time is short.
• Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and brush with the marinade.
• Cook uncovered in a preheated 350F (180C) oven, brushing once or twice with the marinade, until the chicken is done, about one hour.

FIVE-SPICE MIX

Steps:

• Toast the whole spices in a small pan until they are aromatic and have turned a shade or two darker. Don't be tempted to skip this stage, as it really enhances the flavours.
• Tip into a spice grinder (or use a pestle and mortar), then add the ready-ground spices and dried herbs if required, and crush to a fine powder. Store in a sealed jar for up to six months.

CHINESE 5 SPICE POWDER

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in small airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place.
• My Note: * 1/2 teaspoons salt * 1/4 teaspoons ground white pepper Dont worry about these two ingredients as they are both to taste and are only needed when you are adjusting seasoning to taste. White pepper has a very strong and overpowering flavor. I would even omit the white pepper entirely since this is a -5- spice.
• *I was told this is a Great formula by a frind, Who is a Cantonese who used to own a Chinese restaurant in Sydney, Australia. She married an Anglican. Knowledge is transferrable, so is skill. Congratulation for such great effort. No one defines formula in food. But she testify this formula is genuine and popularly used. Individual variations are always present, some add MSG, some fry the Szechwan peppercorn powder more, some dry fry the anise seeds powder more to give more fragrance, etc. Salt & pepper spice simply means add salt and white pepper. Completely agree.
• I needed 5 spice powder and didn't have it at home. This recipe is excellent. It was used to coat walnuts for an Asian salad. I loved the seasoned walnuts so much, I ate them straight and am now going to make them for 5 holiday parties we are attending.