This savory-sweet mix layers airy crackers, crunchy noodles and roasted legumes with orange-scented five-spice seasoning. Reserve the wasabi peas and seaweed for the final toss so their contrast stays clear. Makes about 9 cups; nutrition is estimated per 1 cup, or half the listed values for a ½-cup snack portion.
Chinese
Shanghai Five Spice Flight Crunch
After 34 years as a flight attendant, how could I resist giving a snack mix a name like Flight Crunch? I love a snack with a little adventure in every handful, and this one has plenty. Rice crackers, sesame sticks, crispy chow mein noodles, and roasted edamame get a sweet-savory coating of honey, sesame, orange zest, and Chinese five-spice. Then I add wasabi peas and nori for an extra surprise. It takes the familiar American party mix in a Shanghai-inspired direction, with a few other Asian flavors joining the fun. Set out a bowl and see which crunchy little bite becomes your favorite!
Mary’s Introduction
Why These Flavors Work
Honey balances salty soy sauce and the sharp bite of wasabi peas. Sesame oil and seeds echo the sesame sticks, while five-spice adds warm aromatic depth. Orange zest lifts the coating, and nori adds a savory finish against the different crisp textures.
THE RECIPE
Shanghai Five Spice Flight Crunch
Prep 5 minCook 15 minTotal 30 min
Equipment Needed
- Half sheet pan Shop this item
- Mixing bowls Shop this item
Ingredients
Crunchy Base
Five-Spice Coating
Fold In After Cooling
Instructions
Chef Notes
- Use crisp, ready-to-eat chow mein noodles, not dried noodles intended for boiling.
- Whisk the coating immediately before pouring because the oil and soy sauce separate on standing.
- Five-spice blends differ in anise and clove intensity; the measured teaspoon should perfume the mix without obscuring its toasted flavors.
Nutrition estimated per serving
374 Calories11.1 g Protein42.6 g Carbs18.3 g Fat2.8 g Sat. Fat5.5 g Fiber7 g Sugar579 mg Sodium
View Full Nutrition Label
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories374
Protein11.1 g
Carbs42.6 g
Fat18.3 g
Sat. Fat2.8 g
Fiber5.5 g
Sugar7 g
Sodium579 mg
Nutrition information is an estimate based on available ingredient data and can vary by brand, preparation and substitutions. It is provided for convenience and is not medical advice.
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How to Make Shanghai Five Spice Flight Crunch
Set up the sheet
Heat the oven to 275°F and line a rimmed baking sheet.
Build the base
Combine crackers, sesame sticks, noodles and edamame gently.
Whisk the coating
Blend both oils, honey, soy sauce, spices and orange zest.
Toss lightly
Drizzle broadly and lift the base to coat without crushing.
Bake and cool
Bake 15–18 minutes, stirring once, then cool completely.
Add the final crunch
Fold in wasabi peas, sesame seeds and nori just before packing.
Recipe Guidance
Storage
Seal the completely cooled finished mix airtight at cool room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep the container dry and close it promptly after serving. Freezing the assembled mix is not recommended: thawing can soften the rice crackers and nori. Prepare a smaller batch for the stated 5-day storage window.
Reheating
Serve at room temperature without reheating. If only the baked base needs refreshing before the peas and nori are added, warm briefly at 275°F and cool completely again.
Make Ahead
Measure the cracker base and coating ingredients up to 1 day ahead. Keep the dry base, liquids and finishing ingredients separate; whisk the coating immediately before using.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in shallow ramekins or small bowls at room temperature. Gently redistribute the mix before portioning. Offer individual covered portions for travel; the Bunny scene is a fictional presentation image, not a serving-size guide.
