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Spices

Five Spice Powder

The backbone of Chinese cuisine — aromatic, warm and just a little exotic.

Karen Browne · 23 May 2026
Five Spice Powder

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
  • 6 star anise
  • 1 tsp cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tsp fennel seeds

Method

  1. Toast all spices in a dry pan for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Leave to cool completely.
  3. Grind to a fine powder in a spice grinder.
  4. Sieve to remove any large pieces.
  5. Store in an airtight jar for up to 3 months. Use in marinades, stir fries and roasted duck.