Star anise has a very strong, distinct flavor that is sweet and spicy, similar to licorice, and should be used in small quantities. Although the flavor of star anise is generally thought of as sweet, it is commonly used in savory dishes; it pairs well with citrus, onions, poultry, beef, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It can be slightly more bitter than Spanish anise but is a much less expensive and a comparable substitute. To replace star anise in a recipe, you can use fennel seed, common anise, or Chinese five spice powder.
