James Dean
A typical Chinese five spice mix is a combination of ground cloves, cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, fennel and star anise. It manages to capture and balance the five basic tastes of sweet, bitter, sour, salty and pungent – in keeping with the essence of a typical yin and yang philosophy.
As you travel across China, you will come across variations of this spice powder. Some regions even incorporate nutmeg, cardamom, turmeric, ginger root and orange peel to five spice powder which takes it to another level. This heady concoction can be used in the following different ways:
As a Dry Rub
Liberally smear this spice powder over chicken, meat, fish or pork and allow it to sit for a while for the aromatics to seep through. Each of the spices incorporated in the spice mix will lend a unique flavour to your main ingredient. Subsequently, the source of protein can be slowly roasted to cook it through.
For Marinations
Most often while cooking a non-vegetarian dish, poultry, and other meats cook faster and are tender to eat when marinated beforehand. Chinese five spice powder in combination with other regular seasonings makes for a delectable marinade. The aromas it infuses into your culinary creation are beyond compare.
Handy for Stir Fries
Just a pinch of this fragrant mixture combines well with quick stir fry recipes even in the case of a vegetarian one. The spice powder when integrated does not taste raw but lends an immense depth to your dish. It beautifully brings out all the amazing flavours incorporated while striking a perfect balance.
Aid for Basting
Basting is a cooking technique which involves cooking the meat in either its own juices or constantly coating it with another preparation to keep it moist and succulent. In this respect, mixing a teaspoon of five spice powder with some vinegar and oil makes an ideal basting agent for pork and steak while on the grill.
Dipping Agent
By mixing the spice powder with orange juice, soya sauce, honey and ginger juice, you can concoct a versatile Chinese five spice dipping sauce. It is great with steamed dumplings or any other finger food as it gives just the right amount of kick to uplift even a bland dish.
Create Nutty Treats
Ordinary cashew nuts and peanuts can be transformed into an addictive snack by drizzling a combination of butter, sugar, and ground five spice on them. This gives the nuts a lovely toasty, sweet, savoury, and spicy tinge, converting them into appetizing treats.
Jazz up your Veggies
As a lovely side dish, vegetables like carrots and potato wedges can be converted into gourmet delicacies with the addition of this aromatic spice powder. For a uniquely flavourful taste, fry the carrots in butter, sprinkle the spice mix and then let them boil in water which has brown sugar and light soya sauce added to it.
Spice Up Beverages
Turn up the heat on cocktails by incorporating this spice in restrained quantities. As you sip on your drink, you will get a welcome hit of slight pungency at the back of your throat. With this wild addition, your classic beverage becomes extra special, keeping you warm on cold days.
Knock up Warm Desserts
Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg are incorporated in sweet dishes. Similarly, adding a wee bit of five spice powder to baked desserts lends its unique touch. Experiment with this versatile spice mix and earn rave reviews for your baking skills.
Stock up on this intoxicating culinary must have and elevate your cooking to an enviable level. The results will pleasantly surprise even your guinea pigs.
