Szechwan Spiced Beef Stew

• 4 star anise (whole)
• 1/4 chunks
• 700 ml water
• 550 gr stew meat
• 90 ml oil
• 60 ml pale dry sherry
• 60 ml black soy sauce
• 38 ml szechwan sweet bean sauce
• 34 gr scallions (chopped)
• 26 ml szechwan chili bean sauce