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? ›

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 allspice a good substitute for 5 spice? ›

The warm, spicy-sweet flavor of allspice is very similar to that of five-spice powder, a blend of cinnamon, star anise, fennel, cloves, and ginger or pepper. Use equal parts of five-spice powder in place of the ground allspice called for in a recipe—it's great for both savory and sweet applications.

What is Chinese 5 spice made of? ›

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.

Is there a difference between 5 spices and Chinese 5 spices? ›

In the culinary arts, five spice (also known as Chinese five spice) is a blend of ground spices used in Chinese and Vietnamese cooking.

Is Japanese 7 spice similar to Chinese 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 Chinese 5 Spice same as 7 spice? ›

At first glance seven spice powder may sound like a variant on Chinese five spice powder, but they couldn't be more different. Or rather, they're exactly as different as their native cuisines. Five spice, fragrant with sweet and spicy anise flavors, is the perfect compliment to meaty Chinese braises and barbecues.

What can I use if I don't have allspice? ›

The brand also recommends using a trio of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to make a substitute but prefers these ratios: ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves. Use as a 1:1 substitute in a recipe that calls for one teaspoon of allspice.

Are cloves and allspice the same thing? ›

No, they come from different plant species altogether. Clove is from the Syzygium aromaticum tree, while Allspice is from the Pimenta dioica tree.

What is allspice made of? ›

Allspice is the dried, unripened berry of the myrtle pepper tree, or pimento, which is native to Jamaica and much of Central America. The berries are briefly fermented, then sun-dried until brown. Often mistaken for a blend of spices, allspice is a single-ingredient seasoning with loads of unique flavor.

Can I use Thai 7 spice instead of 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.

What is the Chinese number 5 spice? ›

Origin of Chinese Five Spice

Interestingly, Chinese Five-Spice Powder is based on the five elements—fire, water, wood, earth, and metal. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the five elements manifest in different parts of the body, and when there are imbalances in these elements, illness can result.

Is Chinese 5 spice the same as 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.

How do I substitute Chinese five spice for star anise? ›

The best star anise substitute? Chinese five spice powder! Star anise is one of the main ingredients in Chinese five spice powder, which also includes cinnamon, fennel, pepper and cloves. Use this substitution ratio: For 1 whole star anise, use ½ teaspoon Chinese five spice powder.

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