Description
Korean Mayak Eggs are soft-boiled eggs marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, green onions, chili, and toasted sesame seeds. These marinated eggs have a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, with creamy yolks that add depth to any meal or snack. Perfect to serve over rice or enjoy on their own as a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggs
- 4 large eggs
Marinade
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey or rice syrup
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 Thai bird’s eye chili, sliced (or pepper of choice)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggs: Remove the eggs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature to prevent cracking when boiling. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil; optionally, add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of vinegar to make peeling easier. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl for cooling the eggs.
- Make the Marinade: While the water is boiling, combine ½ cup water, ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup honey or rice syrup, crushed garlic cloves, sliced green onions, sliced chili, and toasted sesame seeds in a container with a lid. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Eggs: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high. Gently add the eggs into the pot using a slotted spoon. Simmer for 7 to 8 minutes depending on yolk preference: 7 minutes for a jammy center or 8 minutes for a firmer yolk.
- Cool the Eggs: Immediately remove the eggs from boiling water and transfer them into the ice bath to stop cooking and cool completely. This also helps with easier peeling.
- Peel and Marinate: Once the eggs are cool, carefully peel the shells. Place the peeled eggs in the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Serve: Remove the marinated eggs from the container and serve them over a bowl of rice or enjoy as a savory snack. The eggs can be sliced or eaten whole.
Notes
- Bringing eggs to room temperature before boiling can help prevent cracking.
- Adding vinegar to boiling water helps the egg whites coagulate faster, making peeling easier.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor depth but a minimum of 4 hours is sufficient.
- Adjust the chili quantity to your preferred spice level or substitute with another type of pepper.
- Store marinated eggs in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
