Chinese Five Spice is a salt-free, MSG-free seasoning blend. It is also known as five spice powder or five spice. 

Yi Yin, a chef and political figure who lived during China’s Shang dynasty, is said to have developed the theory of the five flavors, defined as salty, bitter, acid, sweet, and hot. The harmony of the five flavors are divided into yin and yang. Sweet and spicy foods are considered to be yin, while bitter, sour, and salty foods are considered to be yang. These characteristics are reflected in the traditional composition of the Chinese Five Spice blend.

Chinese Five Spice is popular with olive oil shops; independent spice shops; ramen, chocolate, and subscription manufacturers; American, Asian, Asian fusion, and pizza restaurants; and brewpubs.

Flavor Profile

Chinese Five Spice powder is licorice-y, peppery, and sweet, with a tingling bite.

How to Use

Chinese Five Spice has an aggressive flavor, and stand up well to fatty meats such as duck, goose, or pork. Swap it in here to enjoy some Pan-Seared Duck Breast.  It's often used during braising, turning inexpensive cuts of meat into rich delicacies thanks to a prolonged cooking time at a low temperature. Try using it in Red Braised Pork Belly. Marinate steak in Chinese Five Spice and serve with a red wine, or add to meatballs in Glazed Meatballs with Soba Noodles. Chinese Five Spice is successfully used in small quantities with lighter meats, too, like chicken or fish, and in stir-fries. It is an exotic substitute for cinnamon or clove in cookies and spice cakes, or in your next party nut mix like these Chinese Five Spice Pecans. Our customers also love it in homemade egg rolls, roasted vegetables, and even scrambled eggs.

Use in grills, braises, barbecues, hoisin sauce, in dipping sauces, with roasts, fried vegetables, and stir fries. Pair this with rice wine, dry sherry, soy sauce, shallots, winter squash, parsnips, and garlic.