Skip to main content

Five-Spice Powder

A macro shot of five spice powder.
Photo by Chelsie Craig

This version is made with up to eight spices. It’s worth using them all for the fullest flavor.  

  

Like this Bon Appétit recipe? There are plenty more where this came from. Subscribe to the magazine here!

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2½ (4"-long) cassia or cinnamon sticks
20 whole star anise
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. whole cloves
20 slices dried sand ginger (optional)
2 Tbsp. plus 1½ tsp. Sichuan peppercorns
2½ tsp. sliced dried licorice root or fennel seeds
1 tsp. black peppercorns
1 tsp. white peppercorns (optional)

Special Equipment:

A spice mill or coffee grinder

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Toast cassia, star anise, cloves, sand ginger (if using), Sichuan peppercorns, licorice root, black peppercorns, and white peppercorns (if using) in a small skillet over medium, tossing once, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Let cool; grind to a powder in spice mill or coffee grinder.

    Step 2

    Do Ahead: Five-Spice Powder can be made 1 month ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Read More
Fufu is a dish that has been passed down through many generations and is seen as a symbol of Ghanaian identity and heritage. Making fufu traditionally is a very laborious task; this recipe mimics some of that hard work but with a few home-cook hacks that make for a far easier time.
Every sauce needs a few secrets. Ours is smoky, sweet, and savory—use it for burgers, fries, tenders, and more.
Fluffier, fresher, and fancier than anything from a tub or can.
Originally called omelette à la neige (snow omelet) in reference to the fluffy snow-like appearance of the meringue, île flottante (floating island) has a lengthy history that dates back to the 17th century.
Native American people made these with cornmeal dumplings, simmering them with wild grapes, which were harvested at their peak sweetness.
There are many things that appeal about a Basque cheesecake—it's crustless (one less job) and is meant to look “rustic” with its wrinkled and jagged sides.
Palets bretons are oversize cookies that feature butter, and because they’re from Brittany, they’re traditionally made with beurre salé, salted butter.
Turn inky black rice into a dreamy coconut milk pudding you’re fully authorized to enjoy for breakfast or dessert.