baat3 gok3八角
Jyutpingbaat3 gok3
Yalebaat gok
Definition
Star anise; the star-shaped, aromatic fruit of Illicium verum used in cooking and Chinese medicine.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Used primarily as a fundamental spice in Cantonese braised dishes, particularly for red meat like beef brisket or pork belly. It is rarely used on its own and is almost always paired with other aromatics like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce to create a deep, savory profile. Beyond the kitchen, it is recognized as a traditional medicinal ingredient for warming the stomach.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
Remember to add a few star anise when braising beef brisket.
Did you buy these star anise at the wet market?
Related words
Common phrases
star anise (full name)
Common mistake
Do not confuse it with the Japanese star anise, which is toxic and not used for cooking. In a culinary context, ensure you do not add too many, as the flavor is potent and can easily overpower the other ingredients in a dish.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
