Chinese Five Spice Almonds
Making Chinese Five Spice Almonds is a simple and tasty way to enjoy a snack that's both savory and a little sweet. This recipe serves 8 and uses basic ingredients like almonds, light soy sauce, honey (or rice malt syrup), Chinese five-spice powder, and a bit of sea salt. You'll also need a baking tray lined with baking paper. Here's how you make them: First, heat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Place the almonds on your prepared tray and bake them for about 10 minutes until they start to smell deliciously nutty. After baking, mix the soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder in a bowl, then toss the almonds in this mixture to coat them well. Spread them back out on the tray and bake again for 15-18 minutes, giving them a stir now and then, until they're nicely browned and dry. Once done, you can add a little salt to taste.
- 250 g Almonds
- 3 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- ½ tbsp Runny Honey
- 2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- Sea salt
- Warming Up
Preheat oven to a 150°C (300°F/Gas Mark 2), setting the stage for a slow and even roasting process.
- First Roast
Arrange the almonds in a single, even layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Roast them in the warm oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until they release a rich, nutty aroma. Keep the oven turned on after this step.
- Seasoning the Almonds
After roasting, carefully transfer the almonds into a heatproof bowl. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder until combined. Pour this flavorful mixture over the warm almonds, stirring well to ensure each almond is evenly coated.
- Second Roast for Perfection
Spread the coated almonds back out onto the baking tray, maintaining a single layer for even cooking. Return them to the oven, this time stirring them occasionally, for about 15-18 minutes. They should emerge dry to the touch and browned.
- Final Touches
Before serving, give the almonds a taste test and season with a little salt if necessary to balance the sweet and savory flavors. Enjoy them warm as a cozy snack, or allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for later indulgence.
