{"id":24731,"date":"2024-02-10T14:08:37","date_gmt":"2024-02-10T14:08:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/?p=24731"},"modified":"2024-02-10T14:08:39","modified_gmt":"2024-02-10T14:08:39","slug":"what-is-13-spice-powder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/","title":{"rendered":"What is 13 Spice Powder?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>13 spice powder<\/strong>, also known as shi san xiang, is an aromatic Chinese spice blend with a complex and robust flavor profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/What-is-13-Spice-Powder.jpeg\" alt=\"What is 13 Spice Powder\" class=\"wp-image-24769\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It builds upon the classic <a href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/5-spice-powder-uses\/\">five spice powder<\/a> by incorporating additional <a href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/ranch-powder-substitutes\/\">spices<\/a> and herbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The result is a blend that enhances and deepens the flavors of dishes, especially meat, fish, and savory foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #565656;color:#565656\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #565656;color:#565656\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/#Origin_and_History\" title=\"Origin and History\">Origin and History<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/#Ingredients\" title=\"Ingredients\">Ingredients<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/#How_is_13_Spice_Powder_Used\" title=\"How is 13 Spice Powder Used?\">How is 13 Spice Powder Used?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/#How_Does_it_Compare_to_5_Spice_Powder\" title=\"How Does it Compare to 5 Spice Powder?\">How Does it Compare to 5 Spice Powder?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/#Popular_Brands_and_Availability\" title=\"Popular Brands and Availability\">Popular Brands and Availability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/#Does_it_contain_exactly_13_ingredients\" title=\"Does it contain exactly 13 ingredients?\">Does it contain exactly 13 ingredients?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/#Whats_the_difference_between_13_spices_and_13_flavor_powder\" title=\"What&#039;s the difference between 13 spices and 13 flavor powder?\">What's the difference between 13 spices and 13 flavor powder?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/#Is_there_a_recipe_for_making_it_myself\" title=\"Is there a recipe for making it myself?\">Is there a recipe for making it myself?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/#Does_it_contain_soy_sauce_or_MSG\" title=\"Does it contain soy sauce or MSG?\">Does it contain soy sauce or MSG?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/#Is_it_spicy_hot\" title=\"Is it spicy hot?\">Is it spicy hot?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/what-is-13-spice-powder\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Origin_and_History\"><\/span>Origin and History<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The origins of <a href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/13-spice-powder-recipe\/\">13 spice powder<\/a> can be traced back centuries in Chinese cuisine. However, the modern commercial blend was standardized in the 1950s by the Wang Shouyi spice company in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wang Shouyi<\/strong> is credited with perfecting the blend and popularizing 13 spice powder nationwide. The number 13 does not refer to a specific number of ingredients. Rather, it signifies a mixture of multiple spices, in the same way <a href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/5-spice-powder-recipe\/\">5 spice powder<\/a> refers to a blend of 5 or more spices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Wang Shouyi<\/strong> brand continues to be one of the most popular producers of 13 spice powder today. Their distinctive packaging featuring Wang Shouyi himself is recognizable in Asian grocery stores worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ingredients\"><\/span>Ingredients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is variability between different brands and regions, but 13 spice powder typically contains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Star anise<\/strong>&nbsp;- The signature flavor of 5 spice powder, provides a sweet <a href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/anise-powder-substitutes\/\">anise flavor<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fennel seeds<\/strong>&nbsp;- Earthy, licorice-like aroma.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sichuan peppercorns<\/strong>&nbsp;- Distinct tingling, numbing effect.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cinnamon<\/strong>&nbsp;- Warming sweetness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cloves<\/strong>&nbsp;- Strong, sweetly pungent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Licorice root<\/strong>&nbsp;- Sweetens and modulates other flavors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>White pepper<\/strong>&nbsp;- Spicy heat without altering color.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other ingredients like <strong>nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, tangerine peel,<\/strong> and <strong>Sichuan flower pepper<\/strong> are also commonly included. Some blends have 20 or more ingredients!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The complexity arises from the careful balancing of sweet, spicy, earthy, and aromatic flavors. No single flavor dominates the blend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_13_Spice_Powder_Used\"><\/span>How is 13 Spice Powder Used?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>13 spice powder excels at adding complex flavor to meat and protein dishes. The spices penetrate deep into the ingredients to profoundly season them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It works particularly well with <strong>lamb, beef, duck, chicken, fish,<\/strong> and <strong>shellfish<\/strong>. The blend counters gamey flavors and unpleasant odors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some popular uses for 13 spice powder include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Marinades<\/strong>&nbsp;- Sprinkle on meats before cooking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stews and braises<\/strong>&nbsp;- Add directly to the liquid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Roasts<\/strong>&nbsp;- Rub onto meat before roasting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dumplings<\/strong>&nbsp;- Mix a small amount into the filling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stir fries<\/strong>&nbsp;- Toss in near the end of cooking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soups and hot pots<\/strong>&nbsp;- Simmer in the broth to infuse flavor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For most applications, use approximately 1 teaspoon of 13 spice powder per pound of meat or protein. Adjust to taste, as potency can vary between blends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with less until you determine the ideal amount for your dishes. Too much can overpower with bitter notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Key Takeaway:<\/strong> 13 spice powder works especially well in marinades, stews, roasts, dumplings, stir fries, soups and more. It excels at flavoring meat and protein.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_it_Compare_to_5_Spice_Powder\"><\/span>How Does it Compare to 5 Spice Powder?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Five spice powder focuses on just a few ingredients that create a harmonious blend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Star anise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cinnamon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cloves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/13-fenugreek-powder-substitutes\/\">Fennel seeds<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sichuan peppercorns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The simplicity and balance of these 5 spices make it extremely versatile. It has a universally appealing flavor that works in both sweet and savory recipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>13 spice powder builds on top of the 5 spice flavors<\/strong>. It incorporates a wider range of spices, especially bitter, earthy, and aromatic ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whereas 5 spice powder has a milder, cleaner taste, <strong>13 spice powder is more robust, complex, and pungent<\/strong>. It packs a stronger \u201cspice\u201d flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The additional ingredients modulate the anise and licorice notes, which are quite dominant in standard 5 spice powder. This gives 13 spice blend a deeper, broader taste profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Five spice powder makes an excellent all-purpose blend, while 13 spice powder excels at enhancing bold meaty flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Popular_Brands_and_Availability\"><\/span>Popular Brands and Availability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Commercial 13 spice powder can be found at most Asian grocery stores and online retailers. Some popular brands include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Wang Shouyi<\/strong>&nbsp;- The original famous 13 spice powder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mantou<\/strong>&nbsp;- Budget-friendly option in a large bag.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dynasty<\/strong>&nbsp;- Consistent premium quality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Amoy<\/strong>&nbsp;- Made in Singapore, savory flavor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spice World<\/strong>&nbsp;- Widely available brand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Prices range enormously, from just a few dollars for a small bag, up to $15 or more for fancier gourmet blends. Paying more tends to get you higher quality, more <a href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/horseradish-powder-substitutes\/\">pungent spices<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For maximum freshness, look for packages with a recent production date and buy spices in small batches instead of large containers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have access to whole spices, you can also easily make DIY 13 spice powder at home. This allows customizing flavors to your taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_it_contain_exactly_13_ingredients\"><\/span>Does it contain exactly 13 ingredients?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not necessarily. The number 13 indicates a mixture of many spices, by analogy to 5 spice powder. Products labeled 13 spice powder can contain anywhere from 10 to 20 or more spices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_the_difference_between_13_spices_and_13_flavor_powder\"><\/span>What's the difference between 13 spices and 13 flavor powder?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>They are the same seasoning blend. 13 flavor powder is an alternate name, especially common among Western brands marketing the spice mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_a_recipe_for_making_it_myself\"><\/span>Is there a recipe for making it myself?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes! You can make DIY 13 spice powder by combining whole spices in proportions like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>4 parts fennel seeds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4 parts Sichuan peppercorns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 parts <a href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/cinnamon-sticks-vs-cinnamon-powder\/\">cinnamon sticks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 parts star anise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 part cloves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 part licorice root<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 part white peppercorns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Toast gently until fragrant then grind. Tweak for your taste preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_it_contain_soy_sauce_or_MSG\"><\/span>Does it contain soy sauce or MSG?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Authentic 13 spice powder is just a blend of dried spices. It does not contain any additives like soy sauce, MSG, salt, or anti-caking agents. However, check ingredient labels to be sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_spicy_hot\"><\/span>Is it spicy hot?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not particularly. Despite containing peppercorns and <a href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/lemongrass-powder-substitutes\/\">Sichuan pepper<\/a>, 13 spice powder focuses more on aromatic, earthy flavors rather than heat. However, you can adjust by adding more white or <a href=\"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/mace-powder-substitutes\/\">black pepper<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For cooks bored with basic five spice powder, <strong>13 spice powder<\/strong> kicks things up a notch. It provides a journey through layers of sweet, bitter, earthy, pungent, and aromatic flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a pedigree tracing back centuries in Chinese cuisine, this blend can quickly elevate everyday ingredients like chicken, fish, and pork into restaurant-quality dishes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>13 spice powder, also known as shi san xiang, is an aromatic Chinese spice blend with a complex and robust flavor profile. It builds upon the classic five spice powder by incorporating additional spices and herbs. The result is a blend that enhances and deepens the flavors of dishes, especially meat, fish, and savory foods. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24769,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24731"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24731"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24731\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24770,"href":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24731\/revisions\/24770"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24769"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24731"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24731"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unlimited-recipes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24731"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}