Achieve a spectacular stir fry with our take on this traditional Chinese blend of five spices: fennel, cinnamon, star anise, Szechuan pepper and cloves. Use about 1 to 2 tablespoons per pound of meat or tofu. Try adding soy sauce or fish sauce, garlic and red chili paste for an authentic flavor. Also try as a dry rub on ribs, as part of a marinade for the grill, or mix it with brown sugar to make a topping for roasted nuts.

"The "Five" in Chinese Five Spice is a nod to the five Chinese elements, which are fire, water, wood, earth, metal. That corresponds to the five flavors in Chinese cooking, which are bitter, salty, sour, sweet and spicy. This is an impressively balanced blend that is well suited for fatty cuts of meat like duck or pork, and in my opinion is highlighted best by char siu - a barbecue pork dish that uses it as its main seasoning." - Penny's Staff Picks, 2021