Chinese five spice is a blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel seed. It tastes sweet and warm, with a faint numbing edge from the Sichuan pepper. A small pinch goes a long way.
Where to find it
Most large supermarkets stock a jar in the spice aisle or the world food section. Chinese grocers usually carry a larger jar at a lower price per gram.
Choosing a jar
Check the ingredients. A good blend lists all five spices, and some cheaper jars add salt or fillers. Look for a jar with a strong smell when you open it, since that suggests fresh spices.
How to use it
Rub a half teaspoon into pork belly or duck before roasting. Add a pinch to marinades for chicken and beef. Stir a little into a stir fry near the end of cooking for warmth. Start small, since the star anise can dominate.
Storage
Keep the jar tightly closed, away from heat and light. Ground spices lose their flavour over about a year, so buy a smaller jar if you cook with it rarely.
For a Chinese roast that uses it well, see our chicken katsu recipe for a different crispy approach, or try our Sichuan peppercorns guide to find the peppercorns on their own.