• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Video Index
  • Vegan Guide
  • About
  • Contact

Get Set Vegan logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Summer Smoothies
  • Recipe Index
  • Video Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Get in touch

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Get Set Vegan » Substitute » Five Spice Powder Substitute 

    Published: Sep 19, 2023 · Modified: Oct 30, 2024 by Hawwa · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Five Spice Powder Substitute 

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Elevate your culinary game with our top-rated Chinese five spice powder substitute! Explore delicious alternatives to this versatile seasoning blend and spice up your dishes today. 

    Five spice powder in a black color bowl.
    Jump to:
    • What is Five Spice Powder? 
    • Five Spice Ingredients 
    • Five Spice Powder Substitute 
    • Experiment with Individual Spices
    • Tips for Perfect Substitution 
    • Chinese Five Spice Uses 
    • MORE FOOD SUBSTITUTES
    • Five Spice Powder Substitute

    What is Five Spice Powder? 

    Five spice powder is a popular spice blend used in Chinese and Asian cuisine. It typically consists of five key spices, although the exact composition may vary slightly from region to region and brand to brand. The traditional five spices that are commonly included in this blend are: 

    Five Spice Ingredients 

    The traditional five-spice powder blend typically consists of the following five key ingredients: 

    • Star Anise: This star-shaped spice has a strong, licorice-like flavor. It's one of the most prominent components of five-spice powder. 
    • Cloves: Cloves contribute a warm and slightly sweet flavor to the blend. They also add a hint of spiciness. 
    • Chinese Cinnamon (or Cassia): This type of cinnamon has a stronger, more intense flavor than the common cinnamon you may be familiar with. It adds a sweet and woody note. 
    • Sichuan (or Chinese) Peppercorns: Sichuan peppercorns are known for their unique mouth-numbing sensation. They have a citrusy and slightly floral flavor, which adds a distinctive element to the spice mix. 
    • Fennel Seeds: Fennel seeds provide a mild licorice or anise-like flavor, contributing to the overall sweetness of the blend. 
    Five spice powder ingredients,

    These five spices are typically ground and combined in varying proportions to create a five-spice powder.

    Five Spice Powder Substitute 

    If you don't have Chinese five spice powder on hand or prefer to avoid it due to allergies or personal taste, there are several alternatives you can use to replicate its unique flavor profile. Here are some common substitutes: 

    Make Your Own 5 Spice Powder 

    If you don't have five-spice powder available and you're looking for a quick and easy substitute to add depth and flavor to your dishes, consider using a combination of common spices that you likely have in your pantry. Here's a simple homemade substitute:  

    Ingredients

    • 1 Tsp Cinnamon Powder
    • ½ Tsp Cloves  (ground)
    • 5-6 Pcs Star Anise
    • 1 Tbs Fennel Seeds
    • 2 Tsp Sichuan peppercorns Powder

    Instructions

    • Roast any whole dry ingredient in a heavy-bottomed skillet.
    • Place all the ingredients in a spice grinder and grind until it forms a smooth powder-like consistency.
    • Store in an air-tight jar

    This homemade blend will be one of the best Chinese 5 spice alternatives and will mimic the flavors incorporating elements of warmth, sweetness, and a hint of spice. Adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences, and feel free to experiment with the balance of spices until you achieve the desired flavor profile. 

    Garam Masala

    Garam masala is an Indian spice blend with warming flavors. It includes cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes black peppercorns. While it lacks anise and Sichuan peppercorns of 5 spice powder, it can still provide depth and complexity to your dish. Use it sparingly, as it can be quite potent. 

    Garam masala in a white bowl.

    Pumpkin Pie Spice

    Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes nutmeg and allspice. It can work as a substitute if you're in a pinch, although it lacks fennel seeds and Sichuan peppercorns. Adjust the quantity to balance the flavors. 

    Pumpkin pie spice and orange pumpkin on dark background.

    All Spice

    While allspice and five-spice powder are distinct spice blends with different flavor profiles, you can use allspice as a substitute for five-spice powder in a pinch if you're in need of a quick alternative. Keep in mind that the flavors won't be identical, but allspice can provide a similar warm and slightly sweet background note. To substitute allspice for five-spice powder, use it in a 1:1 ratio.

    Whole all spice in a white plate.

    Experiment with Individual Spices

    If you're missing only one or two spices in 5 spice powder, you can try using a combination of what you have. For example, if you lack star anise, you can focus on the other spices and adjust the quantities accordingly. 

    Tips for Perfect Substitution 

    Here are some tips to help you successfully substitute Chinese five spice powder 

    • Adjust the Ingredients: Depending on what spices you have available and your flavor preferences, you can tweak the substitute blend. For example, if you don't have star anise or dislike its flavor, you can omit it or increase the amount of another spice. 
    • Consider Other Spices: Explore other spices that complement your dish. For sweetness and warmth, you can add a touch of ground nutmeg, allspice, or ginger. Just be mindful of the overall balance.
    • Taste and Adjust: These five-spice powder alternatives can make or break your recipe. Always taste your dish as you go along. Start with a smaller amount of your substitute blend and gradually add more until you achieve the desired flavor. This way, you can avoid overseasoning. 
    • Keep It Simple: In some cases, a blend of cinnamon and cloves alone can provide a warm and sweet profile that works well in many dishes, even if it's not an exact match for five spice powder. 

    Remember that the key is to adapt and experiment based on the specific dish you're preparing and your personal taste preferences. With some creativity, you can still achieve delicious results without Chinese five-spice powder. 

    Is 5 spice strong?

    Yes, five-spice powder is typically strong in flavor due to its blend of aromatic and pungent spices, including ingredients like star anise, cloves, and Szechuan peppercorns.

    Where does 5 spice come from?

    Five-spice powder is believed to have originated in China, where it has been used for centuries in Chinese cuisine.

    What does 5 Spice smell like?

    It typically has a strong, sweet, and slightly spicy aroma with hints of licorice-like sweetness from the star anise, warmth from the cloves, and earthy notes from the Szechuan peppercorns and cinnamon

    Is 5 spice salty?

    No, five-spice powder is not inherently salty.

    How long does 5 spice last?

    Unopened five-spice powder can last 2-3 years if stored properly. Once opened, it's best to use it within 6 months to a year for optimal flavor.

    What Colour is five spice?

    Five-spice powder is typically brown in color. Its exact shade of brown can vary depending on the specific blend and the proportions of the individual spices used, but it usually has a medium to dark brown appearance.

    • Orzo grains in a glass bottle.
      Top Orzo Substitutes: Perfect Alternatives for Every Dish
    • Fennel seeds in a heart shaped box
      Fennel Seed Substitutes
    • Farro grains in background with text overlay
      Farro Substitutes   
    • Lemongrass substitute.
      Find the Best Lemongrass Substitute  

    Chinese Five Spice Uses 

    Chinese five-spice powder is a versatile spice blend that's widely used in Chinese cuisine and beyond. Here are some common uses for Chinese five-spice powder: 

    • Marinades
    • Stir-Fries
    • Braising
    • Noodles and Rice Dishes
    • Soup and Broths
    • Desserts
    • Sauces and Dressings
    • Snacks

    MORE FOOD SUBSTITUTES

    • Teff Flour Substitute
    • Agar Agar Powder Substitute
    • Chili Oil Substitutes
    • Achiote Paste Substitute
    • Brown Lentils Substitute

    In summary, while there's no perfect substitute for 5 spice powder, you can create a similar flavor profile using a combination of other spices. Experimentation and adjustments to suit your preferences and the specific dish you're preparing are key. 

    Five spice powder in a bowl

    Five Spice Powder Substitute

    Hawwa
    Simple homemade substitute for five spice powder ready in five minute with 5 pantry staple ingredients.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine Chinese
    Calories 44 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Spice Grinder

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Tsp Cinnamon Powder
    • ½ Tsp Cloves  (ground)
    • 5-6 Pcs Star Anise
    • 1 Tbs Fennel Seeds
    • 2 Tsp Sichuan peppercorns Powder

    Instructions
     

    • Roast any whole dry ingredient in a heavy bottom skillet.
    • Place all the ingredients in a spice grinder and grind until it forms a smooth powder like consistency.
    • Store in an air tight jar

    Nutrition

    Calories: 44kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 187mgFiber: 4gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 127mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @GetSetVegan or tag #getsetvegan!
    « Coconut Milk High Calorie Smoothie 
    30 Fruit That Starts with S »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    ABOUT ME

    Thanks for stopping by and Welcome to my blog. This blog is for beautiful people that are interested in adopting a healthy vegan lifestyle by making simple changes.

    Read More
     

    Summer Smoothies

    • Persimmon smoothie served in a white bowl topped with fresh banana, persimmon slices and pumpkin seeds.
      Persimmon Smoothie Bowl 
    • Chocolate mango smoothie in a glass topped with whipped cream
      Chocolate Mango Smoothie
    • Pink color high calorie smoothie in a glass jar garnished with white flower and mint leaf.
      Coconut Milk High Calorie Smoothie 
    • pink color oat milk smoothie served in a glass topped with some oats.
      Oat Milk Smoothie 

    Popular Posts

    • pouring vegan honey in a glass jar
      Vegan Honey Recipe
    • Vegan Coffee Cake topped with sugar glaze
      Vegan Coffee Cake
    • Vegan Red Velvet crinkle cookies
      Vegan Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
    • vegan sweet and sour cauliflower
      Vegan Sweet And Sour Cauliflower
    • potato and rice served in a bowl with mint leaves
      Potato And Rice
    • Mushroom wrap sliced in half
      Mushroom Wrap

    SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER

    Subscribe to my newsletter and receive new recipes in your inbox.

    Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

    Follow us

    • facebook
    • twitter
    • instagram
    • pinterest
    • youtube
    • tumblr

    Footer

    • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2025 Get Set Vegan on the Brunch Pro Theme

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required