Chinese Five Spice Barbecue Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sauce brings an exciting fusion of East and West. The familiar tang of barbecue sauce is elevated with star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel from the five spice blend. It’s quick to prepare, deeply flavorful, and versatile enough to use as a marinade, glaze, or condiment.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ketchup
• Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar or honey
• Hoisin sauce
• Chinese five spice powder
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Chili paste or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Water (to adjust consistency)

Directions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce. Stir until smooth.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and Chinese five spice powder. Stir well.
3. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. If desired, add chili paste or red pepper flakes for heat.
5. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
6. Adjust consistency with a splash of water if needed.
7. Remove from heat and let cool before using as a glaze, marinade, or dip.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 2 cups of sauce.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for natural sweetness.
• Add orange zest or juice for a citrusy flavor boost.
• Swap hoisin sauce with oyster sauce for a richer, savory flavor.
• Make it spicy with fresh chopped chilies or Sriracha.
• Blend in roasted sesame oil (a small amount) for added depth.

Storage/Reheating

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

FAQs

What does Chinese five spice taste like?

It has a warm, aromatic flavor with notes of sweet, savory, and slightly peppery spices.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors develop even more after sitting for a day or two.

Is this barbecue sauce spicy?

Not by default, but you can add chili paste or red pepper flakes if you like it hot.

Can I use this sauce as a marinade?

Yes, it works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, pork, or tofu.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check labels on hoisin sauce.

What can I serve with this sauce?

It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, dumplings, or noodles.

How thick should the sauce be?

It should be thick enough to coat food but still pourable; you can adjust with water.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just scale up the ingredients and store leftovers for later use.

Do I need to strain the sauce?

No, but you can blend it for a smoother texture if preferred.

Is this sauce vegan?

Yes, if made with plant-based sweeteners like sugar or maple syrup.

Conclusion

Chinese five spice barbecue sauce is a unique and flavorful way to elevate your grilling game. With its blend of sweet, tangy, and aromatic spices, this sauce is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for glazing, dipping, or marinating. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Chinese Five Spice Barbecue Sauce

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Chinese five spice barbecue sauce is a sweet, tangy, and aromatic twist on traditional barbecue sauce. Infused with the bold flavors of Chinese five spice, garlic, and ginger, it’s perfect for glazing meats, marinating, or dipping.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 cups
• Category: Sauce, Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion, Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

1. 1 cup ketchup
2. 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
3. 2 tbsp rice vinegar
4. 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
5. 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
6. 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
7. 2 garlic cloves, minced
8. 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
9. 1 tsp chili paste or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
10. 1/4 cup water (as needed for consistency)

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Instructions

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce. Stir until smooth.

1. Add garlic, ginger, and Chinese five spice powder. Mix well.
2. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Add chili paste or red pepper flakes if a spicier sauce is desired.
4. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
5. Adjust consistency with a splash of water if needed.
6. Remove from heat and cool before using as a glaze, dip, or marinade.

Notes

• Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for natural sweetness.
• Add orange zest or juice for a citrusy layer of flavor.
• Swap hoisin with oyster sauce for a richer taste.
• Blend the sauce for a smoother texture if preferred.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tbsp
• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg