Mayak Eggs

Sweet and spicy, soy garlic marinated, jammy Mayak Eggs (마약계란) are a delightful Korean banchan that can elevate any rice bowl. With their addictively rich flavor and unique texture, these marinated eggs are perfect for various occasions—from casual snacks to impressive appetizers. Get ready to indulge in a dish that’s taking the culinary world by storm!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare – This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it accessible for everyone.
• Flavor Explosion – The combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a deliciously addictive marinade.
• Versatile Dish – Perfect as a side dish, topping for rice bowls, or even on its own as a snack.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Marinate the eggs ahead of time for a quick and tasty addition to your meals throughout the week.
• Healthier Alternative – Packed with protein and nutrients while being low in calories.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Mayak Eggs, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Spider strainer or slotted spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Airtight container

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan – Essential for boiling the eggs evenly, ensuring just the right texture.
• Spider strainer or slotted spoon – Helps safely lower and remove eggs from boiling water without cracking them.
• Mixing bowl – Perfect for combining all marinade ingredients thoroughly.
• Airtight container – Keeps the eggs fresh while marinating and prevents spills.

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Ingredients

For the Eggs

• 6 eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar

For the Marinade

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 small yellow onion (diced about 1/4 cup)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 stalks scallions (minced)
• 1 Korean red pepper (sliced)
• 1 serrano (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

How to Make Mayak Eggs

Step 1: Soft Boil the Eggs

• In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil with salt and vinegar.
• Using a spider strainer or slotted spoon, carefully lower the eggs into the water. Ensure the water completely covers them.
• Simmer room-temperature eggs on medium heat for 6 minutes over a gentle boil or 7 minutes if using cold eggs from the refrigerator.

Step 2: Chill the Eggs

• Remove the eggs from boiling water using your spider strainer or slotted spoon.
• Place them in a water bath for about 10 minutes or until cooled completely.
• Gently peel the cooled eggs.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

• In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, honey, diced onion, minced garlic, minced scallions, sliced Korean red pepper, sliced serrano pepper, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix well.

Step 4: Marinate Overnight

• Place the peeled eggs in an airtight container and pour the marinade over them.
• Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours; however, overnight is preferable. They can be kept in marinade for up to one week.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve these delicious Korean marinated eggs with freshly cooked rice.
• Drizzle with additional sesame oil and add a spoonful of marinade for extra flavor. Enjoy your delectable Mayak Eggs!

How to Serve Mayak Eggs

Mayak eggs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. These soy marinated delights add a delightful punch to your meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Serve the mayak eggs over a bed of freshly steamed rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.

In a Rice Bowl

• Create a hearty rice bowl by adding vegetables, avocado, and your choice of protein alongside the marinated eggs.

As a Snack

• Enjoy mayak eggs as a quick snack. Their sweet and spicy flavor makes them perfect for munching anytime.

On Top of Salads

• Slice the mayak eggs and place them on top of mixed greens or grain salads for added protein and flavor.

With Noodles

• Pair these eggs with cold noodles tossed in sesame oil and veggies for a refreshing dish.

How to Perfect Mayak Eggs

Making the perfect mayak eggs is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Choose Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs will yield the best texture and flavor, enhancing your final dish.
• Monitor Boiling Time: For jammy yolks, boil the eggs for exactly 6-7 minutes based on their temperature before boiling.
• Cool Properly: Placing boiled eggs in an ice bath stops cooking immediately, ensuring the perfect doneness.
• Use Quality Soy Sauce: A high-quality soy sauce will significantly impact the overall flavor of your marinade.
• Marinate Longer: For deeper flavors, marinate the eggs overnight; this allows them to absorb more of the marinade’s goodness.

Best Side Dishes for Mayak Eggs

Pairing mayak eggs with complementary side dishes enhances their deliciousness. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Korean Kimchi: This fermented vegetable dish adds a spicy crunch that complements the sweetness of mayak eggs perfectly.
2. Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing cucumber salad can balance the rich flavors of the marinated eggs.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quick stir-fried seasonal vegetables provide color and nutrients, making your meal more satisfying.
4. Sesame Spinach: This simple spinach dish dressed with sesame oil offers an earthy flavor that pairs well with soy marinated foods.
5. Savory Pancakes: Korean-style savory pancakes (pajeon) can add texture and substance alongside mayak eggs.
6. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with vegetables or chicken complement the flavors while adding variety to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can make your Mayak Eggs even better. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Overcooking the eggs: Boiling the eggs for too long can lead to a hard yolk instead of the desired jammy texture. Stick to the 6–7 minute timing for perfect results.
• Skipping the cooling bath: Failing to cool the eggs in ice water after boiling may make peeling difficult. Always use a water bath for easy peeling.
• Ignoring marination time: Not allowing enough marination time can result in bland flavors. Aim for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor absorption.
• Using old eggs: Fresh eggs peel more easily and taste better than stale ones. Always check the freshness of your eggs before cooking.
• Incorrect storage: Storing marinated eggs improperly can shorten their shelf life. Use an airtight container and keep them refrigerated.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mayak Eggs in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week when properly refrigerated.

Freezing Mayak Eggs

• It’s not recommended to freeze Mayak Eggs as the texture may change upon thawing.

Reheating Mayak Eggs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan with a bit of water and cover, heating gently on low until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Mayak Eggs.

What are Mayak Eggs?

Mayak Eggs are soy garlic marinated eggs that are sweet, spicy, and jammy, making them a delicious Korean side dish or banchan.

How do I achieve the perfect jammy yolk?

To get the ideal jammy yolk, boil your eggs for exactly 6 minutes if they’re at room temperature or 7 minutes if cold from the fridge, then cool them quickly in ice water.

Can I customize the flavors of Mayak Eggs?

Absolutely! You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or experiment with different types of chili peppers for varying spice levels.

How long do Marinated Mayak Eggs last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last up to one week while maintaining their flavor and quality.

Final Thoughts

Mayak Eggs bring a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors that can enhance any meal. Their versatility makes them perfect as a snack or a side dish, and you can easily customize them to fit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you might just find yourself addicted!