Chinese 5 Spice Powder
This chef-curated Chinese 5 Spice Powder offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
- ✓Delivers 34g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
- ✓Portion-balanced at 354 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
- ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.
The Story
This chef-curated Chinese 5 Spice Powder offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes
In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Chinese 5 Spice Powder to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.
At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Chinese 5 Spice Powder, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.
Ingredients & Measurements
- Yield: 1 Batch
- Ingredients
- 60 ea peppercorns, black
- 4 ts anise seed or 1 ea star anise
- 2 ts fennel seed
- 12 ea whole cloves
- 4 ea 1 long stick cinnamon
Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:
- Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
- Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
- Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.
Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass
Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:
Step 1: Technique & Execution
Instructions Put all 5 ingredients through a spice grinder till a fine powder Chinese Almond Cakes:::Gwhp32A Yield: 30 Servings Ingredients 1 barb day 1 1/2 c all purpose flour 3/4 ts baking powder 1/2 c lard 1/2 c vegetable shortening 1 1/2 c sugar 1/4 ts almond extract 2 tb egg beaten 30 blanched whole almonds for garnish Instructions Into a bowl sift together the flour and the baking powder and blend in the lard, the vegetable shortening, and the sugar until the mixture resembles coarse mealStep 2: Technique & Execution
Stir in the almond extract, the egg, and 1 tablespoon water, or enough to form the mixture into a soft dough, knead the dough several times, and let it stand in a cool place for 5 minutesStep 3: Technique & Execution
Form the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls and press them down with the palm of the hand to form cakes about 1/2 inch thickStep 4: Technique & Execution
Press an almond into the center of each cake and bake the cakes in batches on floured baking sheets in the middle of a preheated 375 degStep 5: Technique & Execution
F. oven for 5 minutesStep 6: Technique & Execution
Reduce the temperature to 300 deg F. and bake the cakes for 8 to 10 minutes more, or until they are light golden brownChef's Pro Tips & Variations
Nutritional Profile per Serving
| Metric | Amount | Dietary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 354 kcal | Controlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn |
| Protein | 34g | High-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | Complex, slow-digesting dietary fiber |
| Fat | 19g | Wholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption |
Chinese 5 Spice Powder
This chef-curated Chinese 5 Spice Powder offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)
Ingredients
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Healthy Alternative |
|---|---|
| Animal protein | Firm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas |
| Cooking fat | Extra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter |
Instructions
Technique & Execution: Instructions Put all 5 ingredients through a spice grinder till a fine powder Chinese Almond Cakes:::Gwhp32A Yield: 30 Servings Ingredients 1 barb day 1 1/2 c all purpose flour 3/4 ts baking powder 1/2 c lard 1/2 c vegetable shortening 1 1/2 c sugar 1/4 ts almond extract 2 tb egg beaten 30 blanched whole almonds for garnish Instructions Into a bowl sift together the flour and the baking powder and blend in the lard, the vegetable shortening, and the sugar until the mixture resembles coarse meal
Technique & Execution: Stir in the almond extract, the egg, and 1 tablespoon water, or enough to form the mixture into a soft dough, knead the dough several times, and let it stand in a cool place for 5 minutes
Technique & Execution: Form the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls and press them down with the palm of the hand to form cakes about 1/2 inch thick
Technique & Execution: Press an almond into the center of each cake and bake the cakes in batches on floured baking sheets in the middle of a preheated 375 deg
Technique & Execution: F. oven for 5 minutes
Technique & Execution: Reduce the temperature to 300 deg F. and bake the cakes for 8 to 10 minutes more, or until they are light golden brown
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼
Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?▼
All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!
You Might Also Like
Stewart Lucas
Chief Culinary SpecialistStewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.
Community Reviews
Please log in to leave a review.