Nightshade Free Chinese Five-Spice Blend
Warm, aromatic, and deeply complex, this homemade spice blend brings together star anise, cinnamon, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds into one powerfully fragrant powder. For anyone avoiding nightshades, store-bought spice blends and seasoning mixes can be a minefield — hidden chili powders and paprika have a way of sneaking into pre-mixed blends without much fanfare. Making your own from scratch means you know exactly what's in the jar, and every single ingredient here is completely nightshade-free. Toasting the whole spices before grinding is the move that takes this from good to genuinely great, coaxing out deep, roasted notes that a pre-ground blend simply can't match. The quick pass through a fine-mesh sieve at the end gives you a silky, uniform powder that blends beautifully into marinades, braises, roasted meats, or noodle dishes. Keep a jar on hand and you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly — it's one of those pantry staples that quietly transforms everything it touches.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 4 whole star anise
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches), broken into pieces
- 1 tbsp sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
Instructions
- 1
Place the star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick pieces, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant and just beginning to smoke, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely, as the cloves and fennel seeds can scorch quickly.
- 2
Transfer the toasted spices to a plate and let them cool completely, about 5 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!