Chinese five spice is an aromatic spice powder, often featuring star anise, that adds warm, sweet, and savory flavor to food. These recipes that use Chinese five-spice include chicken, pork, duck, noodles, soups, roasted vegetables, snacks, and desserts.
If you’re wondering how to use Chinese five spice with chicken, you’ll find several options, including Chinese five spice chicken, soy sauce chicken drumsticks, wings, and roasted chicken.
Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Char Siu (BBQ Pork)
This air fryer char siu BBQ pork recreates the sticky, caramelized appeal of Chinese barbecue pork in a convenient way. The pork develops flavorful browned edges while staying tender inside. These slices are easy to serve over rice or noodles for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Char Siu (BBQ Pork)
Thai-style Braised Pork Belly w/ Egg: Tom Palo
This Thai-style braised pork belly combines tender pork and eggs with a deeply seasoned sauce. Slow braising allows the meat to absorb the aromatic flavors while becoming wonderfully soft. These hearty ingredients make the dish particularly satisfying served with steamed rice.
Get the Recipe: Thai-style Braised Pork Belly w/ Egg: Tom Palo
Salt and Pepper Chicken
This salt and pepper chicken keeps things simple while delivering plenty of savory flavor and satisfying texture. The seasoning creates a fragrant crust around tender pieces of chicken. These bite-sized pieces are perfect with rice, noodles, or a selection of dipping sauces.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken
Roast Pork Belly with Apple Sauce
This roasted Kurobuta pork belly pairs rich, tender pork with a bright apple sauce for a striking contrast. The crispy exterior and succulent meat make the dish feel wonderfully indulgent. These sweet and savory flavors work beautifully for a special dinner or celebratory meal.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork Belly with Apple Sauce
Easy Chinese Roasted Chicken
This Chinese roasted chicken gets its character from aromatic seasoning and beautifully browned skin. The meat stays juicy beneath the flavorful exterior, making every bite satisfying. These flavors make the chicken versatile enough for rice bowls, noodles, or a family-style dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chinese Roasted Chicken
Air Fryer Char Siu
This air fryer char siu delivers the sticky, savory-sweet flavor of Chinese barbecue pork with a convenient cooking method. The edges become nicely caramelized while the center stays juicy and tender. These slices are delicious with rice, noodles, or tucked into a simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Char Siu
Delicious Kimchi Ramen
This kimchi ramen gives a quick noodle bowl a punchy combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. Kimchi adds plenty of personality to the broth while the noodles make the dish hearty and comforting. This is the kind of meal that comes together quickly when you need something warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Kimchi Ramen
Asian Chicken Wings
These Asian chicken wings bring bold savory flavor to a favorite party food. The seasoned coating gives the wings plenty of character while keeping them juicy inside. This is an easy recipe to bring out for game days, casual gatherings, or weekend snacking.
Get the Recipe: Asian Chicken Wings
Delicious Shrimp Egg Roll in a Bowl
This shrimp egg roll in a bowl packs the familiar flavors of an egg roll into an easy skillet meal. Juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and savory seasonings come together without the need for wrappers or deep frying. These bowls are a quick option when you want something flavorful and filling.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Shrimp Egg Roll in a Bowl
Char Sui Fried Rice
This char siu fried rice turns leftover-style ingredients into a savory, satisfying meal with plenty of texture. Pieces of barbecue pork add a sweet and smoky element to the seasoned rice. These flavors make it an easy way to bring a Chinese takeout favorite into your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Char Sui Fried Rice
Chewy Spiced Oatmeal Cookies with Black Sesame
This cookie recipe combines cozy oatmeal with the nutty character of black sesame and warming spices. The result is a treat with plenty of texture and a more interesting flavor than a standard oatmeal cookie. These are lovely with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Spiced Oatmeal Cookies with Black Sesame
Chili Garlic Noodles
These Chinese noodles get their bold personality from chili and garlic, creating a dish with plenty of savory heat. The noodles are quick to prepare and easy to customize with vegetables or your favorite protein. This is a great option for a fast lunch or simple weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chili Garlic Noodles
Chinese Five Spice Chicken: Family Favorite Recipe
This Chinese five spice chicken brings together juicy chicken and a fragrant blend of warm, savory spices. The seasoning gives the meat a deep, aromatic flavor with a hint of sweetness. These tender pieces make a satisfying main dish for a weeknight dinner or family meal.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Five Spice Chicken: Family Favorite Recipe
Chinese Five Spice Turkey Tacos With Sesame Oil Sour Cream
These turkey tacos add Chinese five spice to a familiar taco night for an unexpected flavor combination. The warm spice blend gives the seasoned turkey an aromatic depth that works surprisingly well with fresh toppings. This recipe is a fun way to switch up your usual taco routine.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Five Spice Turkey Tacos With Sesame Oil Sour Cream
Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe (Simple and Delicious)
This Chinese roast chicken develops beautifully seasoned, golden skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Aromatic spices add plenty of flavor without making the dish overly complicated. These flavors pair especially well with steamed rice and simple vegetable sides.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe (Simple and Delicious)
Dan Dan Noodles
These dan dan noodles combine chewy noodles with a rich, savory sauce and the signature heat associated with the classic dish. Aromatic ingredients give the sauce plenty of depth without overpowering the noodles. This is a satisfying choice when you’re craving something spicy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles
Easy 15 Minutes One Pan Stir Fry Recipe
This easy Chinese five spice stir-fry keeps the snow peas crisp while adding warm, savory flavor. It’s a tasty example of how to use Chinese five spice in stir fry recipes without overpowering the fresh vegetables. Serve it with rice or noodles for a healthy vegetarian dinner that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Easy 15 Minutes One Pan Stir Fry Recipe
Easy Turkey Lentil Soup
This turkey lentil soup combines lean turkey with hearty lentils in a comforting, savory broth. The lentils add substance while vegetables and seasonings round out the flavor. These ingredients make a satisfying one-pot meal for a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Easy Turkey Lentil Soup
Five Spice Maple Pumpkin Seeds
These pumpkin seeds combine sweet maple syrup with the warm, aromatic notes of five spice. Roasting gives them a crunchy texture that makes them easy to snack on throughout the day. This is a simple seasonal treat that also works nicely as a topping for salads or soups.
Get the Recipe: Five Spice Maple Pumpkin Seeds
Ginger Molasses Cookie Recipe
These five-spice snap cookies add an unexpected twist to a crisp, spiced cookie with the aromatic warmth of Chinese five spice. Their delicate crunch makes them especially enjoyable alongside coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. This is a creative seasonal bake for anyone who likes trying something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Molasses Cookie Recipe
Hanoi Ramen: A Healthy Ramen Soup
This healthy ramen soup offers a lighter take on the comforting noodle bowl while keeping plenty of flavor in the broth. Noodles and nourishing ingredients make it filling without feeling overly heavy. These warm bowls are ideal for an easy lunch or cozy dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Hanoi Ramen: A Healthy Ramen Soup
Hoisin Crispy Duck Pancake Wraps
These hoisin duck pancake wraps bring together tender duck, sweet-savory hoisin sauce, and soft pancakes for a satisfying handheld meal. Fresh garnishes add brightness and crunch to the rich meat. This is a great choice when you want a restaurant-inspired dish that feels fun to assemble at home.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Crispy Duck Pancake Wraps
Honey-Garlic Stir-Fried Pork
This honey garlic pork stir-fry combines tender pork with a glossy sauce that hits both sweet and savory notes. Crisp vegetables add freshness and texture to the skillet. These flavors come together quickly, making it a practical dinner for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Honey-Garlic Stir-Fried Pork
Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
This hot and sour soup brings together contrasting spicy and tangy flavors in a comforting broth. The combination gives the soup plenty of character while keeping it warming and satisfying. These bold flavors make it a great starter or light meal when you’re craving something with a little kick.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
Inside Out Egg Rolls
These inside-out egg rolls turn the classic appetizer into a simple filling bowl without all the rolling and frying. The combination of seasoned meat and crunchy vegetables keeps the texture interesting. This is a handy dinner for busy nights when you want egg roll flavor with less fuss.
Get the Recipe: Inside Out Egg Rolls
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
This Instant Pot beef and broccoli brings a familiar takeout favorite to the dinner table with less cooking time. Tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli come together in a savory sauce that pairs naturally with rice. This is a convenient option when you’re craving a homemade version of a classic combination.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
Chinese Five Spice Soy Sauce Chicken Drumsticks
These chicken drumsticks combine soy sauce with Chinese five spice for a savory, aromatic coating. Slow cooking helps the meat become tender while allowing the seasoning to soak in. This is an easy family-friendly dish to serve with rice and vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Five Spice Soy Sauce Chicken Drumsticks
Kung Pao Chickpeas
These kung pao chickpeas put a plant-based spin on the familiar spicy Chinese dish. Chickpeas soak up the bold sauce while adding plenty of hearty texture to each bite. This recipe works well over rice when you want a flavorful meatless meal.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas
Maple Five-Spice Roasted Butternut Squash
This roasted butternut squash balances sweet maple syrup with the warm complexity of five spice. Roasting brings out the squash’s natural sweetness while creating caramelized edges. These cubes make a colorful side for everything from roasted meats to grain-based meals.
Get the Recipe: Maple Five-Spice Roasted Butternut Squash
Slow Cooker Chinese 5 Spice Pulled Pork
This slow cooker pulled pork lets Chinese five spice infuse the meat with deep, aromatic flavor as it cooks. The pork becomes tender enough to shred and is packed with savory richness. These tender strands are great in sandwiches, rice bowls, wraps, or noodle dishes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chinese 5 Spice Pulled Pork
Spiced Pumpkin Bisque
These pumpkin bisque shooters turn creamy soup into a fun appetizer-sized serving. Warm spices complement the pumpkin’s natural sweetness while keeping the soup rich and comforting. This presentation makes them especially suited to parties, holiday gatherings, or seasonal entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Bisque
Tummy Healing Soup For One
This comforting soup is portioned for one, making it a practical choice when you want a warm homemade meal without leftovers. Gentle ingredients and a soothing broth give it a cozy, uncomplicated feel. These simple flavors make the soup especially nice for a quiet lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tummy Healing Soup For One
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Bowl (Gluten-free)
This Taiwanese beef noodle bowl features tender beef, chewy noodles, and a richly seasoned broth. The combination creates a warming meal with layers of savory and aromatic flavors. These hearty bowls are especially comforting on cool days when you want something substantial.
Get the Recipe: Taiwanese Beef Noodle Bowl (Gluten-free)
Final thoughts
From a classic five-spice chicken recipe to slow-cooked pork and duck, these recipes using five-spice powder offer plenty of flavorful dinner ideas. The collection also includes vegetarian recipes using Chinese five spice, such as roasted butternut squash and maple pumpkin seeds, along with dessert recipes like spiced cookies.
Whether you want easy recipes using Chinese five spice or a more comforting meal, there are many creative ways to use this versatile Chinese seasoning.
