Mayak Eggs (Korean Marinated Eggs)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Elevate your meals with these flavorful Mayak Eggs, a Korean delicacy that combines creamy, soft-boiled eggs with a savory soy sauce marinade. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or topping for rice and noodles, these eggs are sure to become your new favorite. Simple to prepare, they pack a punch of umami that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Maya Richardson

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2025-11-23T13:38:39.962Z

Mayak Eggs, often referred to as 'drug eggs' in Korean due to their addictive flavor, are simple yet incredibly satisfying. The process involves boiling eggs to a perfect soft-boiled state and then marinating them in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil.

The Perfect Snack or Side Dish

Mayak Eggs make for an outstanding snack option, bursting with flavor and nutrients. This popular Korean dish transforms humble ingredients into a delightful treat that can be enjoyed anytime. The combination of soft-boiled eggs and a savory marinade creates a rich flavor experience that pairs wonderfully with rice or can stand alone as a satisfying snack.

These marinated eggs are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They can be served as a side dish at lunch or dinner, enhancing your meal with their umami richness. Additionally, they’re a great contender for potluck gatherings, allowing you to share a taste of Korean cuisine with friends and family.

Health Benefits of Mayak Eggs

Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and contain essential vitamins and minerals. Incorporating Mayak Eggs into your diet allows you to reap the benefits of these nutrients while enjoying a unique and flavorful dish. Plus, the ingredients used in this marinade offer their own health advantages, such as garlic's immune-boosting properties and sesame oil’s healthy fats.

By choosing to make Mayak Eggs, you’re not only making a delicious food choice but a nutritious one as well. The balancing act of flavors and healthiness makes this dish ideal for those on a healthy eating journey, without compromising on taste.

The Art of Marinating

Marinating is a technique that enhances the flavors of food and keeps ingredients moist. In the case of Mayak Eggs, the marinade plays a critical role in infusing the soft-boiled eggs with a savory profile that captivates the palate. The simple combination of soy sauce and sesame oil forms the basis, while the garlic and green onion add an aromatic touch that enriches every bite.

It's important to allow sufficient time for marination to ensure the eggs absorb the enticing flavors completely. After at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, you'll notice how the eggs transform into a tantalizing dish that can elevate any meal.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Mayak Eggs

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water

Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the eggs are evenly coated.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Eggs

Bring a pot of water to a boil and gently lower in the eggs. Boil for exactly 6 minutes for soft-boiled consistency.

Cool and Peel

After boiling, transfer the eggs to ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, carefully peel the eggs.

Make the Marinade

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, chopped green onion, sugar, and water.

Marinate the Eggs

Place the peeled eggs in a container and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the eggs are submerged and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Enjoy your Mayak Eggs as a side dish or in your favorite rice bowl!

Tips for Perfecting Mayak Eggs

To achieve the ideal soft-boiled texture, precise timing is key. After boiling the eggs for six minutes, immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This step not only halts the cooking process but also makes peeling much easier. Using slightly older eggs can also help as they tend to peel more easily compared to fresh eggs.

Experimenting with the marinade is part of the fun! You can adjust the balance of soy sauce, sesame oil, or even add spices like chili flakes for a kick. Customizing the flavors to suit your taste buds will make your Mayak Eggs even more enjoyable and personalize them for your gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Mayak Eggs are incredibly adaptable. You can serve them as an appetizer, a side dish alongside grilled meats, or incorporate them into a noodle dish for added protein. Chop them up and toss them in salads, or serve them on top of rice for a comforting bowl meal that’s bursting with flavor.

For an authentic Korean experience, pair your Mayak Eggs with rice, kimchi, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This combination not only creates a balanced meal but also introduces an array of textures and tastes that will impress anyone at your dining table.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use older eggs for this recipe?

Yes, older eggs are often easier to peel after boiling.

Mayak Eggs (Korean Marinated Eggs)

Elevate your meals with these flavorful Mayak Eggs, a Korean delicacy that combines creamy, soft-boiled eggs with a savory soy sauce marinade. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or topping for rice and noodles, these eggs are sure to become your new favorite. Simple to prepare, they pack a punch of umami that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 minutes
Overall Time21 minutes

Created by: Maya Richardson

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Mayak Eggs

  1. 4 large eggs
  2. 1/2 cup soy sauce
  3. 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 green onion, chopped
  6. 1 tablespoon sugar
  7. 1 tablespoon water

How-To Steps

Step 01

Bring a pot of water to a boil and gently lower in the eggs. Boil for exactly 6 minutes for soft-boiled consistency.

Step 02

After boiling, transfer the eggs to ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, carefully peel the eggs.

Step 03

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, chopped green onion, sugar, and water.

Step 04

Place the peeled eggs in a container and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the eggs are submerged and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g