How Can I Learn to Use Star Anise in My Cooking?

Faith Durand
Faith DurandSenior Vice President of Content at AT Media
Faith is the SVP of Content at Apartment Therapy Media and former Editor-in-Chief of The Kitchn. She is the author of three cookbooks, including the James Beard Award-winning, The Kitchn Cookbook. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and two daughters.
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updated May 12, 2022
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Q: I am seeing star anise everywhere on cooking shows lately. I can’t even say I know what it tastes like, let alone how to use it.

Please satisfy my viewer curiosity and help me use a new, fun-looking ingredient!

Sent by Sara

Editor: Sara, star anise tastes a bit like licorice, with a sweet edge. We’ve talked about how well it pairs with tomato in sauces and soups (that licorice flavor is rather like basil!) and we also like to add it to homemade masala chai tea. You can also add it to roasted vegetables. We also love this recipe for onion soup, which calls for star anise.

Readers, how do you like to use star anise?

Next question?

Related: Video: Star Anise from Spices of Life

(Image: Emma Christensen)

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herbs
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