Don’t have this unique ingredient or realized you’re all out while you’re cooking? Here’s the best star anise substitute in recipes.
Making a recipe that calls for star anise and don’t have it? Star anise is a seed pod that’s shaped like a star. It’s a warm spice with an anise flavor, giving it hints of black licorice. The culinary uses are wide: it’s the main ingredient in Chinese five spice powder, and is used in Vietnamese pho and is part of Indian masala chai and mulling spices for cider. Don’t have time to grab it? Here’s the best star anise substitute to use in a pinch.
Here are a few more alternatives you can use when you don’t have star anise on hand.Anise Seed.Fennel Seed.Chinese Five Spice.Cloves.Allspice.
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Anise Seed.
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Fennel Seed.
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Chinese Five Spice.
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Cloves.
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Allspice.
First off…decide whether you need a substitute!
Are you making a recipe with star anise other spices, too? Often star anise is used in combination with spices like cinnamon, cloves and fennel. If there are a lot of other spices going on in the recipe, you might be able to simply omit the star anise. Of course, it won’t taste nearly as good! But it works in a pinch.
That said, if you’re making a recipe with “star anise” in the title, like Star Anise Braised Chicken, or a traditional recipe like Vietnamese pho, you may want to wait until you have a chance to run to the store to grab the real thing.
Best star anise substitute
The best star anise substitute? Chinese five spice powder! Star anise is one of the main ingredients in Chinese five spice powder, which also includes cinnamon, fennel, pepper and cloves. Use this substitution ratio: For 1 whole star anise, use ½ teaspoon Chinese five spice powder.
It’s likely if you don’t have star anise you might not have five spice powder on hand, so see below for more options. Another thing to consider is if your recipe calls for whole spices like in mulled cider, you may not want to use a ground spice (or just strain it before drinking).
Another good star anise substitute? Anise seeds! The two plants are not related, but both have a similar black licorice finish to the flavor. Use this substitution ratio: For 1 whole star anise, use ½ teaspoon anise seeds.
A final star anise substitute? Fennel seeds. Fennel seed has a much different flavor from star anise, but it can work in a pinch. Because the flavor is different, we recommend adding a smaller amount of fennel. Use this substitution ratio: For 1 whole star anise, use ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds.
How To Make Grind Star Anise Powder
FAQ
What is a good substitute for ground anise?
What can I use in place of anise extract?
Can you use 5 spice instead of star anise?
What is another name for ground anise?
What can I substitute for star anise?
You can add these seeds to alcoholic beverages like absinthe, sambuca, and ouzo. Anise seed has a mildly spicy and sweet licorice flavor. Therefore, it can be a good substitute for star anise. However, since star anise has a stronger flavor than anise seed, use 2 teaspoons of anise seed to substitute 1 teaspoon ground star anise.
What are the healthier substitutes for Allspice?
Allspice berries have been compared to the aroma and flavor combination of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Allspice is described as warm and earthy with a peppery kick. It is possible to substitute other warming earthy spices for allspice, either individually or in combination. Whether the substitute is healthier is debatable. Most culinary spices are healthy additions to the diet, while some spices have been studied more than others. For example, evidence from human trials suggest that cinnamon may lower blood sugar and blood lipids(fats) and only small amounts(one to three grams) are needed to provide benefit. A combination of ground clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon is considered a worthy substitute for ground allspice.
Is liqueur a good substitute for anise?
Licorice liqueur is a sweet and strong alcoholic beverage made from anise seeds. Licorice liqueur can be used as a substitute for anise in recipes that call for anise-flavored liqueurs, such as sambuca and ouzo, or in savory dishes that require a sweeter flavor (such as curries). It would be best to use it sparingly since it has a strong flavor.
Can I use ground star anise instead of ground?
Yes! If your recipe calls for the whole version of this spice, you may use ground if you have it. Substitute ½ teaspoon ground star anise for 1 whole star anise, and vice versa. Here are some recipes where you could use this star anise substitute: