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Addictive Korean Marinated Eggs (Mayak Gyeran)

Two halves of soft-boiled marinated eggs with runny yolks, topped with sesame seeds and scallions.

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Welcome to My Kitchen! These Korean Marinated Eggs, known as Mayak Gyeran or ‘drug eggs,’ are intensely flavorful. You get jammy soft-boiled yolks soaked in a savory, slightly sweet, garlicky soy sauce marinade. They are perfect for meal prep, topping rice bowls, or eating as a high-protein snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), optional
  • 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the eggs: Gently place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the eggs sit for exactly 6 minutes and 30 seconds for a jammy yolk.
  2. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them cool completely, about 10 minutes.
  3. Peel the cooled eggs carefully. If you are new to peeling soft-boiled eggs, tap them gently all over on a hard surface and roll them lightly to loosen the shell before peeling under running water.
  4. Make the marinade: In a medium bowl or a sealable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and gochugaru (if using). Whisk or shake until the sugar dissolves.
  5. Marinate the eggs: Place the peeled eggs into the marinade. Make sure they are fully submerged. If using a bowl, you may need to flip them halfway through.
  6. Cover the container and refrigerate. Marinate the eggs for a minimum of 6 hours, but overnight is best for the deepest flavor.
  7. Serve: Remove the eggs from the marinade. Slice them in half and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Drizzle a little of the marinade over the eggs before serving.

Notes

  • For the perfect jammy yolk, timing the boil is crucial. If you prefer a firmer yolk, boil for 7 to 8 minutes.
  • Save the leftover marinade! You can use it as a flavorful dressing for salads or as a dipping sauce for tofu.
  • These marinated eggs are excellent for meal prep and stay flavorful in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition