If you have a soft spot for eggs that are bursting with flavor and a delightfully silky yolk, then this Korean Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs (Mayak Gyeran) Recipe is going to become one of your new favorites. These eggs are perfectly cooked so the yolks remain lusciously soft, then soaked in a savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed marinade that transforms them into addictive bites. Whether you pop them atop rice, noodles, or savor them on their own, these eggs bring a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have you hooked from the very first taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Korean Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs (Mayak Gyeran) Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet combine to create an unforgettable taste experience. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of sweet, salty, tangy, and nutty flavors, while also adding texture and a pop of color to your eggs.
- 6 large eggs: The star of the dish, fresh eggs ensure a creamy, soft yolk after boiling.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred): Adds deep umami without overpowering saltiness.
- 1/2 cup water: Balances the soy sauce to create the perfect marinade consistency.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the eggs with a glorious nutty aroma and richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Offers a gentle sweetness that harmonizes the marinade.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a bold, savory punch for complexity.
- 1 green onion (finely chopped): Brings freshness and a mild sharpness to the mix.
- 1 small red chili (thinly sliced, optional): For a kick of heat and vibrant color (feel free to skip if you prefer mild).
- 1 small green chili (thinly sliced, optional): Adds a slightly different spicy note and crunch.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: Final touch for texture and nutty flavor that complements the sesame oil.
How to Make Korean Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs (Mayak Gyeran) Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Soft-Boil Your Eggs
Start by gently bringing a pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully lower your eggs in and boil them for exactly 6 minutes and 30 seconds to achieve those irresistibly soft yet cooked yolks. The timing here is crucial to get that perfect, jammy interior. While the eggs boil, prepare an ice bath — this quick cool down stops the cooking instantly and helps with easy peeling.
Step 2: Peel With Care
Once cooled, gently peel each egg. The key is to avoid tearing the tender whites while removing the shell. Setting the peeled eggs aside gives you a moment to enjoy the anticipation of the next step—the flavorful marinade.
Step 3: Whip Up The Marinade
In a medium bowl or container, whisk together soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey until completely combined. Then stir in the minced garlic, chopped green onion, chili slices if you’re using them, and toasted sesame seeds. This marinade packs balanced flavors that seep into the eggs to create that addictive sweet-savory tang.
Step 4: Marinate The Eggs
Place your peeled eggs carefully into the marinade, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and pop them into the fridge for at least 6 hours, but overnight is even better for the flavors to penetrate deeply. This patience is what transforms simple soft-boiled eggs into Korean Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs (Mayak Gyeran) that are bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Korean Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs (Mayak Gyeran) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving presentation, sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top for a little crunchiness and visual appeal. Adding a few thinly sliced fresh green onions or a pinch of toasted seaweed flakes can bring an extra pop of color and texture that complements the marinated eggs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These flavorful eggs are the perfect sidekick to many Korean dishes. Serve them alongside steaming bowls of bibimbap, kimchi fried rice, or a comforting batch of instant ramen or cold noodles. They also shine when paired with simple steamed rice and vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends or family? Serve these eggs halved atop avocado toast for a fancy brunch twist, or add them to bento boxes for an Instagram-worthy lunch. You can even keep it casual and slice them on top of a spicy salad or poke bowl—they add a rich, flavorful dimension that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These eggs keep beautifully in their marinade when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making them a handy, protein-packed snack or meal addition whenever you want.
Freezing
Because of their soft yolk and delicate texture, it’s not recommended to freeze Korean Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs (Mayak Gyeran) Recipe. Freezing can turn the eggs rubbery and affect their creamy goodness.
Reheating
These eggs are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to appreciate the full depth of their marinade. If you prefer them warmer, remove from the fridge about 15 minutes ahead or enjoy them briefed at room temperature rather than reheating.
FAQs
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium?
You can, but low sodium soy sauce is recommended to avoid overly salty eggs. Regular soy sauce works if you shorten the marinating time slightly or dilute the marinade with a bit more water.
How long should I marinate the eggs for the best flavor?
For full flavor absorption, marinate the eggs for a minimum of 6 hours, but ideally overnight. The longer they soak, the richer the taste.
Are these eggs spicy?
The spiciness depends on whether you include the chili slices and if you leave their seeds in. You can adjust according to your heat tolerance or omit them completely for a mild version.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Since the core ingredient is eggs, this recipe isn’t suitable for vegans or vegetarians. However, you could experiment with marinating soft tofu cubes for a plant-based twist, although it won’t replicate the same texture.
What can I use Korean Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs (Mayak Gyeran) Recipe for aside from snacking?
These eggs are fantastic on top of noodle dishes, rice bowls, salads, or even as a protein addition to sandwiches and wraps. They add a burst of flavor and richness that enhances many meals.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Korean Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs (Mayak Gyeran) Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re simple to make, yet their bold, complex flavors and luxurious yolk texture turn even the simplest meal into a special occasion. Give them a go, and get ready to have a snack or side dish you can’t stop craving.
Print
Korean Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs (Mayak Gyeran) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 eggs
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Korean Marinated Eggs, known as Mayak Gyeran, are soft-boiled eggs soaked in a flavorful soy-based marinade. Perfect as a side dish or topping over rice, noodles, or toast, these eggs combine savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed flavors enhanced by garlic, sesame oil, and chili for a subtle kick.
Ingredients
Eggs
- 6 large eggs
Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 small green chili, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Boil Eggs: Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and carefully add the eggs. Boil exactly 6 minutes and 30 seconds to achieve soft-boiled yolks.
- Ice Bath: Prepare an ice bath while eggs cook. Once cooking time is complete, transfer eggs immediately to the ice bath and let cool for 5–10 minutes.
- Peel Eggs: Gently peel the cooled eggs and set aside, taking care to keep the white intact.
- Make Marinade: In a medium bowl or container, whisk together soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey until well combined. Stir in minced garlic, chopped green onion, chili slices if using, and toasted sesame seeds.
- Marinate Eggs: Place peeled eggs into the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor absorption.
- Serve: Serve the marinated eggs cold or at room temperature as a side dish or over rice, noodles, or toast for a delicious Korean-inspired treat.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to prevent eggs from becoming too salty.
- Keeping chili seeds in will increase the spiciness if desired.
- These marinated eggs keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
