Description
Mayak Eggs, also known as Korean marinated eggs, are soft-boiled eggs soaked in a flavorful marinade featuring soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame seeds. These eggs develop a rich umami flavor and a slightly sweet and savory taste, perfect as a snack, side dish, or topping for rice and noodles.
Ingredients
Eggs
- 6 large eggs
- Vinegar (optional for boiling eggs, 2 tablespoons)
Marinade
- ¼ medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 stalk green onion, sliced
- 1 chili pepper, finely chopped or sliced (optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 10 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (½ cup + 2 tablespoons)
- 5 tablespoons honey (rice syrup or corn syrup also acceptable)
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Boil the eggs: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and gently place the eggs inside. Boil them for exactly 6 minutes for perfectly soft-boiled eggs. If desired, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to 5 cups of water to make peeling easier.
- Shock the eggs: Remove the eggs from boiling water and immediately place them into a bowl of iced water. Let them cool completely to stop further cooking and loosen shells for easier peeling.
- Prepare the marinade: While the eggs cool, combine the finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, sliced green onion, optional chili pepper, toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, honey, and water in a bowl. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Marinate the eggs: Once cooled, gently crack and peel the eggs. Place peeled eggs in an airtight container and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all eggs are submerged. Use plastic wrap if necessary to keep eggs fully covered. Seal and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Serve: After marinating, the eggs will have a brown outer appearance with deep orange yolks. Serve with rice, a drizzle of sesame oil, and some of the flavorful marinade.
Notes
- Adding vinegar to boiling water helps make peeling soft-boiled eggs easier.
- Marinate the eggs overnight if you want richer flavor and deeper color absorption.
- Use plastic wrap pressed against the surface of the marinade to keep eggs submerged if they float.
- These eggs can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature as a snack or side dish.
- Honey can be substituted with rice syrup or corn syrup if preferred.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
