2Add two tablespoons of white distilled vinegar to the boiling water.
3Carefully add the eggs to the boiling water using a mesh strainer.
4Cook for exactly 7 minutes.
5Immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
6In a bowl, prepare the marinade by combining ½ cup of mirin, ½ cup of dark soy sauce, 1 smashed garlic clove, 1 star anise, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, ½ cup of water and ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes.
7Mix the marinade well.
8Submerge the peeled eggs in the marinade.
9Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, ensuring the eggs are completely submerged.