What's the Best Substitute for Chinese Five Spice?
Whether you're out of Chinese Five Spice or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Traditional Chinese spice blend containing star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and Szechuan peppercorns, used in Asian cooking In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for Chinese five spice are homemade five spice blend, garam masala, or a mix of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, and Szechuan peppercorns.
Best Substitutes for Chinese Five Spice
Homemade Five Spice Blend
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- stir-fries
- roasted meats
- soups
- marinades
- braised dishes
- rice dishes
Description
Make your own blend using star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and Szechuan peppercorns
Mix equal parts of each spice, then grind. Adjust proportions to taste. Store in airtight container.
Garam Masala
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- curries
- roasted vegetables
- meat dishes
- rice
- soups
Description
Indian spice blend with similar warm, complex flavors
Different flavor profile but similar complexity. Contains some overlapping spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Star Anise + Cinnamon + Cloves
Ratio
1 tsp five spice = 1/2 tsp star anise + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cloves
Best For
- braised dishes
- soups
- roasted meats
- rice dishes
- marinades
Description
Three-spice blend that captures the essential warm, sweet flavors
This captures the core sweet and warm flavors. Add fennel and Szechuan pepper for full complexity.
Allspice + Cinnamon + Cloves
Ratio
1 tsp five spice = 1/2 tsp allspice + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cloves
Best For
- baking
- roasted meats
- soups
- stews
- rice dishes
Description
Simple three-spice blend using allspice to approximate the complex flavor
Allspice contains flavors similar to the combination of five spice. Good approximation.
Pumpkin Pie Spice + Fennel Seeds
Ratio
1 tsp five spice = 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice + 1/4 tsp ground fennel seeds
Best For
- roasted vegetables
- sweet dishes
- baking
- rice pudding
- desserts
Description
Creative blend using pumpkin pie spice as base with added fennel
Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Add fennel for licorice note.
Cinnamon + Cloves + Fennel + Black Pepper
Ratio
1 tsp five spice = 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cloves + 1/4 tsp fennel + 1/4 tsp black pepper
Best For
- stir-fries
- roasted meats
- vegetables
- soups
- marinades
Description
Four-spice blend that approximates the five spice flavor profile
Missing star anise and Szechuan pepper, but has good balance of sweet and savory.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Chinese Five Spice, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Five spice works best with fatty meats like pork and duck
Add early in cooking to allow flavors to develop
Use sparingly - it's a powerful blend
Great for marinades and rubs
Add to stir-fry sauces for depth
Use in braised dishes for complexity
Mix with soy sauce for dipping sauce
Add to rice for fragrant rice dishes
Use in soup broths for warmth
Great for roasted vegetables
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications