Chinese Five Spice Powder
Chinese five spice powder is a fragrant spice blend of Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, fennel seeds, cinnamon and cloves. The Thermomix TM7 grinds whole spices into a fresh, aromatic powder in seconds, far superior to shop-bought versions. Ideal for seasoning stir-fries, marinades and braised Asian dishes.
About this recipe
Chinese Five Spice Powder made in the Thermomix TM7 brings the authentic taste of a Chinese spice shop straight into your kitchen. Searching for a homemade five spice recipe that beats any supermarket jar ends here: Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, dried fennel seeds, cinnamon sticks and cloves are ground into a fine, intensely aromatic powder in a matter of seconds. The all-in-one kitchen machine releases the essential oils hidden inside whole spices, giving a depth of flavour that pre-ground blends simply cannot match. This blend is the secret behind countless Asian recipes: rub it onto pork belly, stir it into marinades for chicken wings, or season roasted sweet potatoes for a weeknight dinner with a difference. Because you make only what you need, the powder stays vividly fragrant for months in an airtight jar. Quick, budget-friendly and endlessly versatile, this is one of the easiest recipes to start exploring homemade spice blends with your TM7.
Preparation tips
- Toast the Sichuan peppercorns, star anise and cinnamon sticks briefly in a dry pan before grinding; this awakens their essential oils and gives the five spice powder a noticeably deeper, warmer aroma.
- Sift the ground powder through a fine sieve and regrind any larger pieces of star anise or cinnamon; this guarantees an even, silky texture that clings beautifully to meat and vegetables.
- Store the five spice powder in a small airtight jar away from light and label it with the date; whole spices ground fresh keep their punch far longer than shop-bought versions ever will.
Recipe variations
- For a milder, family-friendly version, reduce the cloves and Sichuan peppercorns by half and add a little extra cinnamon; the blend becomes sweeter and gentler for children or spice-sensitive guests.
- A festive variation adds half a nutmeg and a strip of dried orange peel to the blend before grinding; this gives a warm, seasonal twist that works wonderfully in winter stews and glühwein-style marinades.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Grinding the star anise in the Thermomix produces a fine, uniform powder that releases its liquorice sweetness instantly into your marinade. [Multi-Function]
- Weighing the Sichuan peppercorns directly in the mixing bowl ensures a balanced blend without extra scales or guesswork. [Built-in Scale]
- Mixing the five whole spices evenly in one bowl guarantees every spoonful of your homemade powder tastes identical. [Multi-Function]
- Heating the ground spices gently removes residual moisture so your five spice powder stays free-flowing in the jar for months. [Multi-Function]
- Chopping the cinnamon sticks into small pieces first protects the blades and makes the final grind noticeably faster. [Time Savings]
Ingredients
- Sichuan peppercorns
- star anise
- dried fennel seeds
- cinnamon sticks
- cloves