Originally published on April 21, 2015
Chinese five spice is a spice blend created in China that tries to encapsulate the five tastes: spicy, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. This blend is then used for a number of different dishes including stews, fish, chicken, and pork. Households in China typically make their own blends, making each one distinct and making each dish unique to that home. I suggest that you do the same and take a pass on the pre-mixed blends that you’ll find in supermarkets and just make your own. It’ll taste fresher, more unique to your household, and you’ll know exactly what went into it. This recipe will give you about a cup of the blend. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and it’ll keep for several months.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 1/2 tablespoons ground cloves
2 1/2 tablespoons ground and toasted fennel seed
2 1/2 tablespoons ground and toasted szechuan peppers
Directions:
1.) Place all ingredients into a bowl or container and stir or shake to mix.