Soy-Marinated Eggs (Mayak Gyeran) 😋 The Addictive Snack You’ll Make on Repeat!

Wait… Eggs Can Taste THIS Good? 🤯

Let me tell you about the first time I tried Mayak Gyeran—those little flavor-bomb eggs stole my heart (and my chopsticks). I was at a tiny Korean spot in D.C., slurping ramen, when the chef slid over a small bowl of glossy, deep-brown eggs. One bite later? Mind. Blown.

These aren’t your average hard-boiled eggs. Imagine:
✨ Jammy, custardy yolks soaked in a sweet-salty garlic-soy elixir
✨ A hint of spice and nutty sesame
✨ Ready in 15 minutes (plus marinating time—if you can wait!)

Now I keep a jar in my fridge at all times. Ramen? Rice? Midnight snack? Sorted. Let’s make your new obsession!

Why You’ll Be Hooked 🎣

1. Zero Fancy Skills Needed – Boil, peel, soak. Done.

2. Meal Prep MVP – Stays tasty for 4 days (if they last that long).

3. Umami Magic – Like soy sauce hugged an egg. Best. Friends. Forever.

Pro Tip: Double the batch. Trust me, you’ll want extras!

Grocery List 🛒 (Pantry Staples FTW!)

The Must-Haves

• 6 eggs (room temp = fewer cracks!)

• ¾ cup soy sauce (low-sodium works too)

• 2 tbsp honey (or sugar/maple syrup)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil (that toasty aroma!)

Flavor Boosters (Pick Your Faves!)

• 2 garlic cloves (minced) – non-negotiable for me!

• 1 tsp chili flakes (or a sliced jalapeño 🌶️)

• 1 green onion (for freshness)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (crunch = life)

Shortcut: Skip the kelp/radish (unless you’re feeling extra!).

Step-by-Step (So Easy, You’ll LOL) 😆

1️⃣ Boil Like a Boss

• Gently lower eggs into boiling water (add 1 tsp vinegar to prevent cracks!).

• 6–7 mins for jammy yolks (8 mins for firmer).

• ICE BATH IMMEDIATELY! (This stops cooking = perfect texture.)

2️⃣ Peel Without Tears

• Tap eggs gently on the counter, then roll. Peel under cold water—shells slide right off!

3️⃣ Marinate & Wait (Hardest Part!)

• Mix soy sauce, water, honey, garlic, chili, sesame oil.

• Submerge eggs in a jar or ziplock.

• Fridge Time: 2 hours = good. Overnight = 💋👌

Ways to Devour These 🤤

• Ramen’s BFF – Slice in half, float on broth. Chef’s kiss.

• Rice Bowl Upgrade – Drizzle extra marinade, add kimchi.

• Snack Attack – Pop one whole (warning: addictive!).

Fun Fact: Koreans call these “drug eggs” (Mayak = drug) because they’re THAT irresistible. 😉

Final Tip ✨

Make these TODAY. Your future self (and your tastebuds) will thank you. Drop a comment if you get hooked—I’ll high-five you through the screen! 🙌

Hungry for more? Try my Spicy Korean Noodles next!

Cooking is more than just a recipe—crafting flavors, creating memories, and sharing delicious food with love. These soy-marinated eggs are a simple yet flavorful addition to your kitchen, offering endless possibilities for enhancing meals.

Soy-Marinated Eggs (Mayak Gyeran)

These Korean-style jammy eggs are soaked in a sweet-savory garlic-soy marinade with a hint of spice. Perfect for ramen, rice bowls, or snacking straight from the jar!

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Video

Notes

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes
Servings: 6 eggs
Cuisine: Korean
Estimated Cost: $3-$5

Ingredients

Main Components

• 6 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¾ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ½ cup water

Flavor Base

• 3 tbsp honey (or sugar/maple syrup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp rice vinegar

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ tsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Cook the Eggs

1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Gently lower eggs into water with a slotted spoon.
3. Boil for 6-7 minutes for jammy yolks (8 minutes for firmer).
4. Immediately transfer to an ice bath for 5 minutes.

2. Peel Carefully

• Lightly crack eggs and roll on counter.
• Peel under cool running water for smooth shells.

3. Make the Marinade

1. In a bowl, whisk together:
   • Soy sauce
   • Water
   • Honey
   • Garlic
   • Sesame oil
   • Vinegar
2. Optional: Stir in chili flakes.

4. Marinate

1. Place peeled eggs and marinade in an airtight container.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for deeper flavor).
3. Gently shake container occasionally for even color.

Notes & Tips

Storage

• Best consumed within 4 days.
• Keep eggs fully submerged in marinade.

Serving Suggestions

• Halve and add to ramen
• Serve over steamed rice with scallions
• Slice for salads or avocado toast

Cost-Saving Tips

• Use regular soy sauce instead of premium
• Substitute honey with white sugar

Nutrition (per egg):
Calories: 80 | Protein: 6g | Carbs: 5g | Fat: 4g

 

FAQ (Because I Got Curious Too!)

Q: Can I reuse the marinade?
A: Yes! Boil it first to kill germs, then cool. (But fresh is best.)

Q: How long do they last?
A: 4 days max—if they’re not eaten by then!

Q: Help! My eggs are too salty!
A: Dilute the marinade with extra water next time.