Name: Mayak Eggs (Korean Marinated Eggs)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 6 large eggs; Vinegar (optional, for boiling); ¼ medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about ⅓ cup); 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 Tbsp); 1 stalk green onion, sliced; 1 chili pepper, finely chopped or sliced (optional); 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 10 Tbsp soy sauce (¼ cup + 2 Tbsp; low sodium preferred); 5 Tbsp honey (or rice syrup or corn syrup); ¼ cup water

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Mayak eggs—also known as Korean marinated eggs—are creamy soft-boiled eggs soaked in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy soy-based marinade. They’re irresistibly addictive and perfect as a snack, ramen topping, or side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These eggs are packed with flavor—umami from soy sauce, sweetness from honey or syrup, and a touch of spice from chili. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and elevate any meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

6 large eggs
Vinegar (optional, for boiling)
¼ medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 Tbsp)
1 stalk green onion, sliced
1 chili pepper, finely chopped or sliced (optional for spice)
1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
10 Tbsp soy sauce (¼ cup + 2 Tbsp; low sodium preferred)
5 Tbsp honey (rice syrup or corn syrup work too)
¼ cup water

Directions

Boil the eggs: Bring water to a boil. Gently add eggs and boil for 6 minutes for soft centers. For easier peeling, add 2 Tbsp vinegar per 5 cups of water (optional).
Shock eggs: Immediately transfer eggs to iced water. Let cool completely—this stops cooking and helps with peeling.
Make marinade: In a bowl, combine onion, garlic, green onion, chili pepper, sesame seeds, soy sauce, honey, and water. Stir until mixed.
Peel eggs: Once cooled, gently crack and peel the eggs.
Marinate: Place eggs in an airtight container and pour marinade over them. Ensure eggs are submerged; use plastic wrap if needed.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to develop.
Serve: Eggs should have brown edges and rich orange yolks. Serve with rice, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a spoonful of marinade.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 eggs (serves 2–3 as snack or 1 as a ramen topping)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: Minimum 6 hours (overnight recommended)
Total time: ~6 hrs 10 min (active time ~10 min)

Variations

Mild version: Omit chili pepper or reduce garlic.
Spicy kick: Add extra chili slices or a dash of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes).
Sweetness swap: Use brown sugar or maple syrup instead of honey.
Herby twist: Add sliced cilantro or chives to the marinade.

Storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store submerged in marinade in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Not recommended—eggs become watery upon thawing.
Serving tip: Bring eggs to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use hard-boiled eggs instead?

You can, but you won’t get the creamy yolk center—it’s not traditional, but still tasty.

2. Why use vinegar in boiling water?

Vinegar helps eggs peel more easily—especially important with soft-boiled eggs.

3. How long should I marinate?

Minimum of 6 hours; overnight (8–12 hours) gives the deepest flavor and color.

4. Can I reuse the marinade?

Only if boiled after use and stored properly. Best to treat it as single-use.

5. What do they taste like?

Salty, sweet, garlicky, with a hint of sesame and spice—perfectly balanced umami.

6. Are they gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari). Otherwise, soy sauce contains gluten.

7. Can I make this vegan?

Not with eggs—but you can marinate tofu similarly for a plant-based version.

8. Will they get soggy?

No, when properly pebbled in marinade and refrigerated, texture remains firm.

9. Can I cook eggs ahead of time?

Yes—boil and shock eggs up to a day ahead, peel them, then marinate when ready.

10. Can I adjust saltiness?

Yes—use low-sodium soy sauce or mix in more water or honey to balance flavors.

Conclusion

Mayak eggs are a simple yet flavor-packed addition to your meal routine. With creamy yolks and a punchy marinade, they transform everyday breakfasts, ramen bowls, or snacks into something special—prepare ahead and enjoy the delicious results!

Ezabella