Indomex Original Recipe – Chinese 5-Spice

I am often asked what Chinese Five Spice can be used for – it obviously makes a great addition to any stir-fry or noodle dish and is an elemental ingredient in Chinese Cuisine adding well recognised earthy flavours to much-loved Chinese dishes like 5-Spice “Bang Bang” Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork, and the famous Peking Duck; but there is so much more to this humble spice mix.

The Indomex Chinese 5-Spice flavours are captured by the five unique ingredients that make up this traditional fragrant blend: Star Annise, Cinnamon, Fennel Seeds, Szechuan Peppercorns & Cloves. This spice mix has a distinct liquorice-like flavour from the star-anise, sweet & warm flavour from the cinnamon and fennel, pungent acidity from the cloves and peppery, floral, lemony notes from the Szechuan Peppercorns – a perfect balance and delicious with Asian-inspired savoury dishes but also really great for adding a depth of flavour to desserts and really great in marinades.

Sharing a favourite Apple Cake recipe with you today (we do love our Apple Pie – we are Dutch after-all) and a delicious chicken marinade best for cooking over hot coals on the braai (or Barbecue for those who don’t speak “South African”)

Chinese 5-Spice Upside Down Apple Cake

INGREDIENTS

Apples

• 3 large apples cored, peeled, and cut into thick slices or 2 cups
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tsp Chinese five spice powder

 Cake Batter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla essence
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup milk preferably full cream

 INSTRUCTIONS

Apples

Melt butter in a shallow saucepan.

Add water, brown sugar, and five spice powder. Mix well and wait for bubbling to begin.

Add apples and cook until they begin to soften.

Remove from heat & pour into a greased cake tin ensuring apples are evenly spread out

Cake

Cream butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy in texture

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition

Add vanilla essence and mix well

In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder

Fold dry ingredients to egg mixture – add milk and mix well

Pour cake batter over the apples & syrup ensuring fruit is covered

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until cake tester emerges clean

Immediately flip cake over onto a large plate

Serve warm with a dollop of Mascarpone or Crème Fraiche

Five Spice “Hibachi” Chicken

INGREDIENTS

• 8 Chicken pieces (thighs and drums)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 3 cloves crushed garlic
• 1 tablespoon Chinese Five Spice Powder
• 2 teaspoons Indomex Sambal Oelek
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons Indomex Ketjap Manis

INSTRUCTIONS

• Combine all Marinade Ingredients in a zip-lock bag
• Add Chicken Pieces and marinade for at least 2-hours (overnight is best)
• Pre-heat your Hibachi, outdoor grill or light a braai fire (the smokiness adds to the flavour)
• Grill or Braai Chicken until lightly charred and cooked through – baste with marinade each time you turn your chicken pieces so ensure they stay moist and bursting with flavour
• Serve with an Asian dipping sauce and a green leafy salad

Asian Dipping Sauce

Combine 1 tablespoon lime juice, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon Sambal Oelek, 1 tablespoon Ketjap Manis and ½ teaspoon brown sugar in a jar and give a good shake – drizzle over braai’d Chicken or serve as a dipping sauce – add chopped Coriander for a fresh zing

Indomex Indonesian & Asian spices, oils, sauces and spice jars including our fChinese Five Spice Powder are available from our factory store or online shop – see www.indomex.co.za/shop for more Indomex Original Products and Asian Kitchen Essentials

For more authentic Indonesian and Asian-inspired recipes and ideas, follow our blog www.indomex.co.za/blog

Indomex – Authentic Asian flavour in your kitchen