Chinese Five Spice is based on the five elements – fire, water, wood, earth and metal. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the five elements are manifested in different parts of the body and when there are imbalances in these elements, illness can result. It is also said Chinese Five Spice Powder is a seasoning mix that is considered to be the perfectly balanced combination of the five key flavors in Chinese (and other Asian) cooking: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and spicy.
These flavors are made up of five unique ingredients that make up the blend: cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns
Hoisin sauce is a thick and fragrant sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. Often as glazing for meat or as dipping sauce. It is darkly-colored in appearance and sweet and salty in taste. Although many variants exist in different regions of China and Asia, hoisin sauce usually includes soybeans, fennel, red chili peppers, and garlic.
Sesame oil is a key ingredient in any Essential Chinese Pantry Ingredients. It’s one of those Asian key additives that has made its way out into the mainstream. Today it is commonly found in regular grocery stores. It has a strong smell and taste so use it as per the recipe instructions