Soy Sauce Marinade (for chashu, chicken, and eggs)

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup sake
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• 2 scallions (about 2 ounces), trimmed and coarsely chopped
• 1 ounce ginger, skin on, crushed
• 2 pieces star anise (optional)

Add all the ingredients to a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from the heat and allow to come to room temperature.