Spice blends play a central role in Thai cuisine, infusing dishes with a balance of flavors that range from spicy and aromatic to earthy and sweet. This simple recipe is perfect with Thai soups, curries, spice rub for meats, seasoning vegetables, rice, and noodles.
Why Make Your Own Thai 7 Spice Blend
- Homemade is fresher. Make your own fresh Thai 7 spice blend so you always know you have the best, freshest spices for all your recipes.
- Save some money. Making your own spices is less expensive and a great way to use up dried spices and herbs you have in your cabinet.
- Easy recipe. Homemade spices take no time to mix up and add great flavor to your recipes.
What is Thai 7 Spice?
Thai cooking emphasizes lightly prepared dishes with strong aromatic seasonings and a spicy edge. For some, these flavors might seem spicy to a foreign palate. This homemade Thai seasoning blend recipe uses seven different spices and ensures a balance of a little sweetness, some savory, and a touch of heat.
Ingredients
You can use already ground spices to make a Thai spice blend in less than five minutes or grind your own whole spices, which takes just a tad bit longer but might be more flavorful in the end.
Here are the spices that make up this seasoning blend.
- Chili Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ginger
- Black Pepper
- Ground Cloves
- Star of Anise
How to Make 7 Spice Seasoning
There are two ways to make this easy Thai 7 spice recipe. The first uses already ground spices, and the other slightly involves using whole spices instead. If you choose the already ground spices, be sure they are fresh and aromatic.
Using Ground Spices
- Measure out each ground spice and place it in a small bowl, whisking to break any clumps. Mix well so that all the spices are well-blended.
- Pour the seasoning mix into an air-tight jar and secure the lid. Use within 3 months.
Using Whole Spices
The biggest advantage to grinding whole spices is flavor. Once spices are ground, they start to degrade and lose their flavor. Grinding your spices will give you a more aromatic and stronger flavor to your spice blend.
Grinding Whole Spices For Thai Seven Spice Blend
You can use whole spices for each of the 7 ingredients or simply mix and match dry and whole spices. Here’s how to grind each spice.
- Use a coffee grinder or spice grinder. I have a coffee grinder that I only use for grinding spices. This means I don’t have to worry about the strong flavors of coffee interfering with the spice flavors.
- Place the seeds and pods in the grinder. Pulse for about 30 seconds, then give it a 30-second long grind until you can no longer hear pieces spinning around in the grinder.
- After you’ve got all the spices ground, measure them out and follow the instructions for mixing up Thai 7 spice.
Herb Grinder Tip: I took a black permanent marker and wrote spices only on it, so the family doesn’t use it for coffee beans. If they did, they might get a surprise hint of spice in their coffee.
Variation Ideas
- Make It Spicy: Use different types of chilies, such as mild or extra-hot varieties, to control the spiciness.
- Add Citrus Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of finely ground Kaffir lime leaves. Kaffir lime leaves have a strong, distinctive citrusy flavor that is both fragrant and slightly tangy. This makes them ideal for adding a refreshing, zesty note to Thai dishes, from curries and soups to stir-fries and salads.
How to Store This Thai Seven Spice Blend Recipe
Spices and herbs tend to lose their flavor with time, but proper storage can extend their life.
I store my spices in glass see-through jars with airtight lids. I also label my jars so I can easily see what is in the jar.
Thai Grill Chicken Using 7 Spice Blend
One of my favorite ways to use this Thai 7 Spice seasoning is to fire up the grill for this slightly spicy, exotic-flavored Thai Grilled Chicken. It’s easy to prepare ahead, so all you have to do at dinner time is grill and eat. This is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a BBQ on the patio.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.
Thai 7 Spice Blend Recipe
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder, mild or spicy depending on how you like your heat level
- 3 teaspoons cumin
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons ground ginger
- 3 teaspoons black pepper, use red chili pepper if you like it spicy
- 2 teaspoons cloves, ground
- 2 teaspoons star of anise, ground fine
Instructions
Pre Ground Spices
- Measure all the seasonings into a small bowl. Whisk to break up any clumps and blend well.
- Pour Thai 7 Spice into an air-tight jar and secure the lid. Use within 3 months.
Whole Spices
- Place the seeds and pods in a spice grinder. Pulse for about 30 seconds, then give it a 30-second long grind until you can no longer hear pieces spinning around in the grinder.
- After you've ground all the spices, measure them according to the recipe. Place all the seasonings in a small bowl, whisk to break up any clumps, and blend well.
- Pour Thai 7 Spice into an air-tight jar and secure the lid. Use within 3 months.
Notes
Update Notes: This post was originally published in 2021, but was republished with new photos, step-by-step instructions, and tips, in May of 2022.