Korean Mayak Eggs Recipe

If you’re looking for a new snack or appetizer to spice up your meal rotation, Korean Mayak Eggs are about to become your best friend. These addictive, savory, soft-boiled eggs are soaked in a sweet, garlicky, and slightly spicy sauce that makes every bite utterly irresistible. The word “mayak” means “drug” in Korean, and once you take a bite, you’ll understand why—they’re just that good! These eggs are perfect as a quick snack, a flavorful side dish, or even a topping for rice or noodles. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Korean Mayak Eggs

This recipe is the definition of simple but wow-worthy. With just a few ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a dish that’s packed with flavor and will have everyone asking for the recipe. Here’s why it’s such a winner:

Addictive Flavor

The sauce is a blend of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili flakes that creates a perfect balance of salty, sweet, savory, and spicy. The eggs soak up all those delicious flavors, making them hard to stop eating!

Easy and Quick

With just a few steps, you can make these eggs in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a treat but doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a side dish, or a party appetizer, these Korean Mayak Eggs are sure to impress. They’re also great to meal prep, making for a delicious addition to lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Customizable

You can adjust the sauce to your taste. Love heat? Add more chili flakes or even a bit of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for extra spice. Want it milder? Cut back on the chili flakes and sugar.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Korean Mayak Eggs:

Eggs

The star of the dish! Soft-boiled eggs are the perfect base, with their creamy yolks and firm whites.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is the base of the sauce, providing a salty and umami depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the eggs.

Sugar

Sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce, creating that perfect sweet-and-salty combination.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is a must! It infuses the sauce with a fragrant and savory punch that complements the other ingredients.

Chili Flakes

For a little heat and flavor, chili flakes add just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil brings a nutty, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall sauce and makes everything taste richer and more complex.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Let’s make these mouthwatering eggs:

Soft-Boil the Eggs

Begin by boiling your eggs. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, gently lower your eggs into the water using a spoon. Boil for about 7-8 minutes for a soft, creamy yolk. Once done, remove the eggs and place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Peel the eggs once they’re cool enough to handle.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, chili flakes, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything is well mixed. The sauce should be fragrant, sweet, savory, and a little spicy—exactly what we’re looking for!

Marinate the Eggs

Gently cut the boiled eggs in half (or keep them whole for a more dramatic presentation). Place them in a jar or container, and pour the sauce over the eggs, making sure they’re well-coated. Let the eggs soak in the sauce for at least 20 minutes to absorb all that delicious flavor. For even better results, let them sit for an hour or two, or even overnight in the fridge.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the eggs have marinated, serve them as a snack, side dish, or topping for rice. You can garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions for added freshness and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 120
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 200mg
Sodium: 360mg
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 9g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Korean Mayak Eggs

Korean Mayak Eggs can be served in a variety of ways to suit any meal:

As a Snack

Enjoy them on their own as a quick, flavorful snack. The rich, creamy yolk combined with the savory sauce makes for the perfect bite.

With Rice

Serve these eggs over a bowl of steamed white rice for a complete meal. The sauce will soak into the rice, making every bite even more delicious.

As a Topping

Top your noodles, ramen, or even a salad with these marinated eggs. They add a beautiful touch and elevate any dish you serve them with.

On a Charcuterie Board

These eggs make a great addition to any charcuterie or appetizer spread. Their bold flavors stand out and will definitely be a hit at parties.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcook the Eggs

For the perfect soft-boiled eggs, make sure not to overcook them. Aim for 7-8 minutes of boiling time for a runny yolk and firm whites. If you prefer a more set yolk, cook for a minute or two longer.

Adjust the Spice Level

If you’re not a fan of too much heat, you can use fewer chili flakes or omit them entirely. Alternatively, you can add more for a spicier kick.

Make Them Ahead of Time

Korean Mayak Eggs are a great make-ahead dish. They taste even better the longer they marinate, so prepare them in advance and let them sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Use a Jar for Marinating

Using a jar to marinate the eggs makes it easy to shake the eggs around in the sauce to ensure they’re fully coated. It’s an easy way to get maximum flavor.

Garnish for Extra Flavor

Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a dash of chili oil on top of the eggs before serving. It adds color, flavor, and a little extra crunch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use hard-boiled eggs instead of soft-boiled?

A1: Absolutely! Hard-boiled eggs will work, though they will be firmer in texture. Soft-boiled eggs are more traditional for this recipe, but either will taste delicious.

Q2: How long can I store these eggs?

A2: You can store the eggs in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavor will continue to develop as they marinate.

Q3: Can I make this recipe without sesame oil?

A3: If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with another oil like vegetable oil, though it won’t have the same nutty flavor. Sesame oil is a key part of the dish, so if possible, try to use it.

Q4: Can I add other seasonings to the sauce?

A4: Yes! Feel free to add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick, or a little bit of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for more depth of flavor and spice.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A5: Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using plant-based eggs or tofu instead of real eggs. The sauce is flavorful enough to work with these alternatives.

Q6: How can I make the eggs less salty?

A6: If the eggs taste too salty after marinating, you can rinse them gently before serving to remove some of the salt from the soy sauce.

Q7: Can I freeze these eggs?

A7: Freezing boiled eggs is not recommended, as it can affect their texture. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a few days of making them.

Q8: Can I use a different type of soy sauce?

A8: Yes! You can use light or low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly.

Q9: How do I make the sauce sweeter?

A9: To make the sauce sweeter, simply add a little more sugar or honey. Taste and adjust as you go to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.

Q10: Can I add more garlic to the sauce?

A10: Absolutely! If you love garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic for a stronger flavor. Garlic pairs perfectly with the soy sauce and adds depth to the dish.

Conclusion

Korean Mayak Eggs are a simple, yet absolutely addictive dish that’s perfect for snacking or adding to your meal rotation. With their balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, these eggs will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Give them a try, and I promise you won’t be able to stop at just one!

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