Stock Up on These 8 Spices When Star Anise Is Missing

What Exactly Is Star Anise?

Star anise is a spice with a distinct licorice flavor commonly used in various Asian and South Asian dishes.

This spice comes from the fruit of an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, known for its unique star-shaped pods. Each pod contains a single seed, and both the seed and the pod are used in cooking. The essential oil anethole imparts its signature licorice-like taste.

Star anise is a versatile spice, enhancing both sweet and savory dishes like desserts, pastries, noodle soups, stews, curries, broths, and meat-based recipes. It can be used whole or ground.

Top Substitutes for Star Anise

What are some good substitutes for this uniquely shaped spice, known for its strong, fragrant, and licorice-like flavor?

If star anise isn't on hand, there are several alternatives that can mimic its musky, licorice-like notes in your dishes.

Chinese Five Spice Blend

Chinese Five Spice is a top choice to replace ground star anise, as it includes this spice in its blend.

This spice mix also contains rich cloves, cinnamon, pepper, and fennel seeds.

Chinese Five Spice can substitute for ground star anise in recipes, but it's more potent. Use half the amount called for in the recipe.

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Cloves

Cloves can be a good alternative to star anise, offering a sweet, warm flavor with a hint of bitterness. They work well in savory dishes like meats and stews. Use less clove than star anise, as it has a more intense flavor.

Allspice

Allspice may sound like a blend, but it's actually a single spice. Its flavor is a mix of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Star anise and allspice have noticeably different flavors. Allspice lacks the licorice undertones of star anise.

Allspice can be directly substituted for star anise. Adding a pinch of sugar or pepper can enhance the flavor of the substitution.

Caraway Seeds and Tarragon

Caraway seeds offer a woodsy flavor with a hint of licorice, while tarragon brings notes of vanilla, mint, and eucalyptus. Together, they mimic the taste of star anise.

A 1:1 blend of caraway seeds and dried tarragon (about one teaspoon each) can replace star anise in a recipe. Be cautious, as caraway seeds can become bitter with prolonged cooking, so add them near the end.

Cassia Bark Powder

Cassia bark powder, also called Chinese cinnamon, is often what you find in most ground cinnamon products at the store. While it adds a warm, rich flavor, it won't replicate the licorice taste of star anise.

Substitute ½ teaspoon of cassia bark powder or ground cinnamon for every 1 teaspoon of star anise.

Licorice Root

Licorice root is a simple and effective substitute for star anise.

Use this as a direct replacement in both sweet and savory dishes, including meats and vibrant soups. Start with a small amount, as its licorice flavor is strong, and adjust to taste.

Anise Seeds

Anise seeds share a licorice-like flavor with star anise, making them a great substitute. However, since star anise is more potent, reduce the amount by half when substituting with anise seeds. Use double the amount of anise seeds when replacing star anise.

Star anise has a slightly more bitter taste than anise seeds, but both bring out a similar licorice note in your recipes.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel bulbs are a vegetable with a licorice-like flavor, with the seeds carrying the strongest taste. Fennel's flavor is milder compared to anise.

Fennel seeds can be quite potent and may dominate a dish if overused. For substitution, use only a quarter of the amount called for in the recipe when replacing star anise, whether using whole pods or ground star anise.