Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, Ground Fennel Seeds, Ground Star Anise, and Ground Szechuan Peppercorns.
Chinese Five-Spice Rub is a classic blend of five spices that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. This versatile spice rub is made up of equal parts ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground fennel seeds, ground star anise, and ground Szechuan peppercorns.
These spices work together to create a complex and aromatic flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Let’s discuss dishes that use Chinese Five-Spice Rub, and a table that compares the flavor profiles of each of the five spices. First though, we’ll briefly discuss the recipe to make the Chinese Five-Spice Rub yourself at home.
How To Make Chinese-Five Spice Rub
Here’s a recipe for making Chinese Five-Spice Rub at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon ground fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground star anise
- 1 tablespoon ground Szechuan peppercorns
Instructions:
- Combine all of the spices in a bowl and mix well.
- Store the spice rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Making Chinese Five-Spice Rub at home is easy and allows you to adjust the spice levels to your liking. You can also experiment with using whole spices and grinding them yourself for a fresher flavor.
Try it out on different meats, vegetables, and even in desserts for a delicious and aromatic twist on your favorite recipes. Speaking of which, below are some food dishes you can use it in.
Dishes Using Chinese Five-Spice Rub
- Five-Spice Roasted Chicken: Rub a whole chicken with Chinese Five-Spice Rub before roasting for a flavorful and aromatic main dish.
- Five-Spice Stir-Fry: Use Chinese Five-Spice Rub to season stir-fried vegetables and meats for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Five-Spice Pork Tenderloin: Rub a pork tenderloin with Chinese Five-Spice Rub before grilling or roasting for a flavorful and tender main dish.
- Five-Spice Glazed Salmon: Mix Chinese Five-Spice Rub with honey and soy sauce to create a delicious glaze for baked or grilled salmon.
- Five-Spice Tofu Stir-Fry: Use Chinese Five-Spice Rub to season stir-fried tofu and vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Flavor Profile Comparison Table
| Spice | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon | Warm, sweet, and slightly spicy with a hint of bitterness. |
| Cloves | Pungent, sweet, and slightly bitter with a hint of warmth. |
| Fennel seeds | Sweet, licorice-like, and slightly floral with a hint of bitterness. |
| Star anise | Strong, licorice-like, and slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness. |
| Szechuan pepper | Numbing, citrusy, and slightly sweet with a hint of heat. |
Final Thoughts
Chinese Five-Spice Rub is a delicious and versatile spice blend that can be used in a variety of dishes. Experiment with different combinations of meats, fish, and vegetables to find your favorite ways to use this spice rub.
And don’t forget to refer to the flavor profile comparison table to get a better understanding of the individual spices that make up the Chinese Five-Spice Rub.