Star Anise + Cinnamon Substitute for Chinese Five Spice: Exact Ratio
Looking for a chinese five spice substitute? Star Anise + Cinnamon works as a direct replacement. Use 1/2 tsp star anise + 1/2 tsp cinnamon for 1 tsp in any recipe that calls for chinese five spice. This swap works best for braises, soups, marinades.
Best Substitute
Star Anise + Cinnamon
1/2 tsp star anise + 1/2 tsp cinnamon for 1 tsp
Captures the dominant flavors. Add pinch of cloves for complexity.
Tips When Replacing Chinese Five Spice in Recipes
Chinese five spice is potent, so a little goes a long way. Toast the spice blend briefly in a dry pan before use to enhance the aromatics.
What Is Chinese Five Spice and Why Substitute It?
Chinese five spice is an aromatic blend of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns. It creates a balance of sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and salty flavors in Chinese cooking.
Star Anise + Cinnamon is one of 4 alternatives you can use instead of chinese five spice. For a complete list of chinese five spice substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full chinese five spice substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Chinese Five Spice?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use star anise + cinnamon instead of chinese five spice?
Yes, you can use star anise + cinnamon as a substitute for chinese five spice. Use 1/2 tsp star anise + 1/2 tsp cinnamon for 1 tsp. Captures the dominant flavors. Add pinch of cloves for complexity.
How much star anise + cinnamon equals chinese five spice?
Use 1/2 tsp star anise + 1/2 tsp cinnamon for 1 tsp to replace chinese five spice with star anise + cinnamon. Works best for braises, soups, marinades.
What is the best substitute for chinese five spice?
Star Anise + Cinnamon is a popular substitute for chinese five spice. Use 1/2 tsp star anise + 1/2 tsp cinnamon for 1 tsp for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 4 alternatives on our chinese five spice substitute page.
Is star anise + cinnamon a vegan substitute for chinese five spice?
Yes, star anise + cinnamon is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to chinese five spice. Use 1/2 tsp star anise + 1/2 tsp cinnamon for 1 tsp.