Mayak eggs, or Korean soy marinated eggs, is a popular Korean side dish (banchan) made by marinating soft boiled eggs in a soy sauce based marinade. It's sweet, savory, soft, and jammy!
Prep Time9 minutesmins
Cook Time6 minutesmins
Marinating Time6 hourshrs
Total Time15 minutesmins
Yield: 6eggs
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Ingredients
6largeeggs
Vinegar(optional for boiling eggs)
¼mediumyellow onionfinely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
3clovesgarlicminced (about 2 TBSP)
1stalkgreen onionsliced
1chili pepperfinely chopped or sliced* (optional for spice)
10tablespoonssoy saucewe used low sodium soy sauce (½ cup + 2 TBSP)
5tablespoonshoneyrice syrup and corn syrup are fine too
¼cupwater
Instructions
Boil the eggs:Bring a pot of water to a boil and gently place the eggs in the boiling water. Let the eggs boil for 6 minutes for the perfect soft boiled eggs.*If you wish, add some vinegar to the water. This will make the eggs a bit easier to peel, especial when the eggs are not hard boil eggs. Use 5 cups of water to 2 tablespoons of vinegar.*
After 6 minutes, remove the eggs from the boiling water and shock them in iced water. Let the eggs cool completely. *The shocking process will help stop the eggs from cooking further and also help release the egg shell from the egg.*
Make the mayak marinade:While the eggs are cooling, make the mayak marinade. Combine everything except the eggs and vinegar in a bowl (onion, garlic, green onion, chili pepper, sesame seeds, soy sauce, honey, and water). Mix unti combined.
Marinate the eggs:Once the eggs are cooled, crack and peel the eggs. Place them in a suitable airtight container and pour the mayak marinade over the eggs. Place the lid on the container and let the eggs marinade in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.*If your eggs float in the marinade, you can use a sheet of plastic wrap to keep them submerged. Refer to the post for more details and photo reference!*
After marinating, the eggs will look brown and the yolks will take on a rich orange color. Enjoy the eggs with some rice, a splash of sesame oil, and some marinade!
Notes
Please refer to the post above for step by step photos, tips, and FAQs!
Mayak eggs are best enjoyed soft boiled. However, if you prefer hard boiled eggs, boil the eggs for 11 to 12 minutes instead.
Cook time for the eggs are based on large eggs taken straight from the fridge. If you are using smaller or larger eggs, or eggs that are room temperature, please adjust the cook time accordingly.
Adding vinegar to the water is totally optional. It's used to help making peeling the egg shells easier. If using, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar per 5 cups water.
Using chili peppers in the marinade is optional. They are for adding some spiciness, color, and texture. If you like it spicy, make sure to use the seeds of the pepper as well.