Fennel, Chile, and Maple Dry Brine

A fragrant and flavorful dry brine combining aromatic star anise, fennel seeds, and maple sugar with a kick of chile heat. Perfect for seasoning and curing meats before cooking.

4 servings
4 min

Ingredients

  • 6 pods whole star anise pods
  • 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
  • ½ cup kosher salt
  • ¼ cup maple sugar or 3 tablespoonss brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Toast star anise and fennel seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a food processor; add salt, maple sugar, thyme, and red pepper flakes and pulse to blend, about 30 seconds.

    3 min

  2. 2.

    DO AHEAD: Dry brine can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

    1 min

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