What does Asian 5 spice taste like?

Question

I found a tilapia recipe that uses it.

Answer 1

Asian 5 spice is also known as the Chinese Five Spices or "Ngo Hiong". They say it has the mixture of Star Anise, Cinnamon, Cloves, Szechwan pepper and ground fennel seeds. Others says have ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, pepper, thyme and star anise.
The classic southern Chinese Five Spice blend encompasses nature's five basic flavors: sour,sweet, bitter, pungent and salty. The formula are based on the Chinese philosophy of balancing the yin and yang in food. This aromatic blend of spices gives a slightly sweet smelling, pungent flavor to roasted meats or poultry, and adds wonderful character to stir fry dishes and marinades and mixes well with soy sauce, garlic and ginger.

If you are a Filipino and have tasted a Beef Mami in Ma Mon Luk. Thats the taste of chinese five spice.

Answer 2

Its an aromatic spice blend. It stimulates most areas of the tongue, giving you a spicy, sweet, zingy taste. Its hard to really describe it. Tilapia doesnt have much natural flavor so the 5-spice would be good with it. Just sprinkle a bit on your fish or it will over power it.
You should be able to buy it pre-made at your local grocer, without having to make your own.

Answer 3

It tastes like Chinese food. Along with sesame oil, and fresh ginger it is one of those things that is essential to get that authentic taste. Without these things, your stir fries will always taste as if something is missing.

But as said, be careful with it - you don't need very much - a pinch or two is usually sufficient. Use too much and you're food will be overpowered. Add a little at a time, and give it time to mix and absorb into the food before tasting and adding more.

For best results, buy the five spices whole, mix equal parts by weight and grind them up in a mortar and pestle. There are variations, but practically all contain ginger, cloves and cinnamon (or cassia), with combinations of star anise, anise, pepper or fennel the other two spots.

Answer 4

5 spice powder contains cassia, star anise, fennel, cloves and ginger. It is a lovely blend. Think of black licorise, cloves and ginger. It is a fairly potent blend so don't over do it. I use the handle end of a teaspoon to dole out the spice.

Answer 5

I see that some eggroll recipes calls for 5 spice and I was wondering due to the licorice smell will it give the eggroll that same tastes?

Answer 6

It tastes like a combination of allspice, cloves, coriander, cinnamon and pepper. It is very good, but a little goes a long way, so use in moderation.