CHINESE PORK APPETIZERS

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons salad oil
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 small dried hot red chile, crushed
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon anise seeds
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 pounds lean boneless pork

Mix soy, oil, garlic, chile, sugar, anise seeds, cinnamon, and cloves; set aside.

Cut pork into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick strips about 1 inch wide (you should have about 48 strips). Add to soy mixture, stirring to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 hours, stirring several times.

Meanwhile, soak 24 bamboo skewers in hot water to cover for 30 minutes.

WHEN READY TO COOK:
Thread 2 strips of meat onto each skewer. Place on a lightly greased grill 4 to 6 inches above a solid bed of medium coals. (Or place skewers on a rack in a broiler pan and broil about 4 inches below heat.) Cook, turning occasionally, until no longer pink in center when cut (about 7 minutes).

Makes 2 dozen
Source: Sunset Cookbook Classics - Appetizers; April 2000