Name: Soy Marinated Eggs (Korean Mayak Eggs)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-482549H8M39S
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 6 eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup sugar or honey; 3 garlic cloves, chopped; 4 green onions, chopped; 1 green chili, chopped (optional); 1 red chili, chopped (optional); 1 tbsp sesame seeds

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Okay, let’s talk about something life-changing: Soy Marinated Eggs, also known as Korean Mayak Eggs. These beauties are savory, slightly sweet, and oh-so-addictive—you’ll want to put them on everything. They’re silky, umami-packed, and seriously the easiest way to elevate your rice bowls, noodles, or even plain toast. Trust me, once you taste that golden yolk marinated to perfection, you’ll be hooked. Plus, they’re called “mayak,” which means “drug” in Korean for a reason—they’re that good (don’t worry, totally legal!). Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love Soy Marinated Eggs

This recipe brings flavor, simplicity, and versatility to your kitchen like no other:

Flavor Explosion: A perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory with a hint of garlic and sesame.
Effortless Elegance: Looks fancy, but it’s a breeze to make. Impress your friends or treat yourself!
Meal-Prep Hero: Make a batch and enjoy throughout the week. They only get better as they marinate.
Versatile: Perfect as a topping for rice, noodles, or salads—or enjoy them as a snack straight from the fridge.

Ingredients

Eggs

The main star of the show. Soft-boiled eggs with jammy yolks absorb all the flavors from the marinade.

Soy Sauce

The umami-rich base that infuses every bite with depth and savoriness.

Water

Helps balance the intense flavors and creates the perfect brine.

Sugar

Adds just the right touch of sweetness to round out the salty soy sauce.

Garlic

For that irresistible aroma and a hint of sharpness.

Green Onions

Add freshness and a pop of color to the marinade.

Sesame Seeds

A nutty finish that takes these eggs to the next level.

Red Chili (Optional)

For those who love a little kick, this adds a subtle heat.

(Note: Full measurements are listed in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Prepare the Eggs

Soft-boil your eggs by cooking them for 6–7 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, gently peel them.

Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce, water, sugar, minced garlic, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and optional red chili slices. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Combine and Marinate

Place the peeled eggs in a container or jar, then pour the marinade over them, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or, for the best flavor, overnight.

Serve

Enjoy the eggs sliced over rice, noodles, or as is. Drizzle some of that delicious marinade over your dish for an extra punch of flavor.

How to Serve Soy Marinated Eggs

Over Steamed Rice: A classic Korean pairing. Add some kimchi and you’ve got a meal.
In Ramen: These eggs are made to swim in a hot, savory broth.
With Salads: Slice them over a simple green salad for an umami-packed protein boost.
As a Snack: Straight from the fridge, they’re the perfect quick bite.

Tips

Perfect Soft-Boil: Boil eggs for exactly 6 minutes for a runny yolk or up to 7 for a slightly firmer center.
Customizable Marinade: Add ginger, mirin, or even a splash of vinegar for a different twist.
Storage: Keep the eggs in their marinade in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’ll only get more flavorful!

FAQ

Q1: Can I reuse the marinade?

Yes! You can use it for another batch of eggs or as a sauce for rice or veggies. Just boil it before reusing.

Q2: What if I prefer hard-boiled eggs?

That works too! The marinade will infuse the flavor regardless of the yolk’s texture.

Q3: Can I make these spicy?

Absolutely. Add more chili or even a spoonful of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade.

Q4: Do I have to peel the eggs before marinating?

Yes, peeled eggs absorb the marinade better and more evenly.

Q5: Can I use brown sugar instead of white?

Yes, brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor.

Q6: Are these eggs gluten-free?

Substitute tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Q7: How long can I marinate the eggs?

While 6 hours is the minimum, you can marinate them for up to 2 days for a deeper flavor.

Q8: Can I freeze these eggs?

No, freezing will affect the texture of the eggs and isn’t recommended.

Q9: What else can I use the marinade for?

Try it as a stir-fry sauce or a marinade for tofu or chicken.

Q10: What can I pair with these eggs?

Steamed veggies, rice bowls, or even avocado toast are excellent options.

Conclusion

These Soy Marinated Eggs are a total flavor bomb, perfect for elevating any meal. Whether you’re prepping for the week or adding a quick touch of gourmet to your dinner, they never disappoint. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to recipe. Now go grab some eggs and get marinating—you’ve got a masterpiece to create!