Mayak Eggs

Sweet and spicy, soy garlic marinated, jammy mayak eggs (마약계란) are a delicious Korean banchan to spice up your rice bowl. These soy marinated eggs are trending because they are dangerously addicting and perfect for various occasions, from casual snacks to impressive appetizers. Their unique blend of flavors makes them a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delightful dish without any complicated techniques.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and spices creates a rich flavor that enhances any meal.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy these eggs as a side dish, snack, or even as part of a hearty breakfast bowl.
• Make Ahead Option: Marinate them overnight for an easy meal prep that’s ready when you are.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your family and friends with this trendy Korean delicacy that pairs beautifully with rice or salads.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your mayak eggs, gather the necessary tools to ensure smooth preparation.

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 to achieve the perfect soft-boiled texture.
• Spider strainer or slotted spoon: Helps safely lower and remove eggs from boiling water without cracking them.
• Mixing bowl: Used for combining the marinade ingredients efficiently.
• Airtight container: Keeps the marinated eggs fresh while allowing the flavors to develop overnight.

Ingredients

To make delicious mayak eggs, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Eggs

• 6 eggs
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon 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

To start, fill a medium saucepan with water and add salt and vinegar. Bring it to a boil. Using a spider strainer or slotted spoon:
* Carefully lower the eggs into the boiling water.
* Ensure they are fully submerged.
* Simmer at medium heat for 6 minutes (if room temperature) or 7 minutes (if cold).

Step 2: Chill the Eggs

Once cooked:
* Remove the eggs from hot water.
* Place them in an ice bath for about 10 minutes until completely cooled.
* Gently peel each egg under cool running water.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

In a mixing bowl:
* Combine soy sauce, water, honey, diced onion, minced garlic, minced scallions, sliced Korean red pepper, sliced serrano pepper, and toasted sesame seeds.

Step 4: Marinate Overnight

In an airtight container:
* Add the peeled eggs.
* Pour the marinade over them until fully submerged.
* Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Serve

When ready to enjoy:
* Serve mayak eggs with freshly cooked rice.
* Drizzle with extra marinade and sesame oil for added flavor.

This recipe yields about three servings. Enjoy your flavorful mayak eggs as an appetizer or snack!

How to Serve Mayak Eggs

Mayak eggs are a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Their sweet and spicy flavor makes them a perfect companion for various dishes, adding a delightful twist to your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Enjoy mayak eggs served over a bowl of fluffy steamed rice. The rice soaks up the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor.

As a Snack

• These marinated eggs make for a tasty snack. Just grab one, and enjoy its rich taste on the go!

In a Rice Bowl

• Create a delicious rice bowl by layering mayak eggs with your favorite vegetables and proteins. This adds texture and flavor to your meal.

With Noodles

• Slice the mayak eggs and add them to your noodle dish. Their unique flavor complements both cold and hot noodle preparations.

As Part of a Banchan Spread

• Serve mayak eggs alongside other banchan (side dishes) for an authentic Korean meal experience. This allows you to explore different flavors together.

How to Perfect Mayak Eggs

Perfecting mayak eggs involves careful attention to each step in the process, ensuring you achieve that ideal balance of flavors and textures.

• Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs yield better results with creamier yolks, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Control boiling time: For jammy yolks, boil the eggs for exactly 6-7 minutes. This ensures they are cooked but still soft in the center.
• Chill thoroughly: After boiling, chill the eggs in an ice water bath to stop cooking immediately. This helps maintain that perfect jammy texture.
• Marinate overnight: Allowing the eggs to marinate overnight maximizes flavor absorption, making each bite deliciously rich.
• Store properly: Keep marinated eggs in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to a week without losing their taste.

Best Side Dishes for Mayak Eggs

Pairing mayak eggs with complementary side dishes enhances your meal’s variety and richness. Here are some great options:

1. Kimchi: A classic Korean side dish that offers a spicy crunch, balancing the sweetness of mayak eggs.
2. Pickled Vegetables: These tangy bites provide a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness of the yolks.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutritional value while maintaining simplicity.
4. Sesame Spinach Salad: A salad made with blanched spinach dressed in sesame oil complements the flavors of mayak eggs beautifully.
5. Rice Cakes: Chewy rice cakes can be served alongside for added texture and heartiness.
6. Fried Tofu Squares: Crispy tofu provides protein while soaking up any leftover marinade flavors from the plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mayak Eggs can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the eggs: Cooking the eggs for too long will result in a hard yolk instead of the desired jammy texture. Aim for 6 to 7 minutes based on egg temperature.
• Skipping the cooling bath: Failing to cool the eggs properly after boiling can make peeling difficult and affect the marinade absorption. Always place them in an ice bath for 10 minutes.
• Using low-quality soy sauce: A poor-quality soy sauce can lead to bland flavors in your marinade. Choose a good quality soy sauce for the best taste.
• Not marinating long enough: Rushing the marination process results in less flavorful eggs. Ideally, let them marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using old or spoiled ingredients can ruin the dish’s taste and safety. Always opt for fresh produce and pantry items.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mayak Eggs in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mayak Eggs

• It is not recommended to freeze Mayak Eggs as they may lose their texture and flavor once thawed.

Reheating Mayak Eggs

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the eggs in a baking dish and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual eggs on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds at medium power, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Simmer gently in water without boiling until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mayak Eggs:

What are Mayak Eggs?

Mayak Eggs are Korean marinated soft-boiled eggs that are soaked in a soy garlic marinade, resulting in a sweet and savory flavor.

How do I achieve the perfect jammy yolk?

To achieve that perfect jammy yolk, boil the eggs for precisely 6 minutes if they’re at room temperature, or 7 minutes if they come straight from the fridge.

Can I customize my marinade?

Yes! Feel free to adjust ingredients like adding more spice with chili flakes or using different types of vinegar based on your taste preferences.

How should I serve Mayak Eggs?

Serve them over freshly cooked rice, topped with some of the marinade and a drizzle of sesame oil for a delicious meal or side dish.

Are there variations of Mayak Eggs?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different spices or add additional vegetables like sliced radish or cucumber into the marinade.

Final Thoughts

Mayak Eggs offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spiciness that enhances any rice bowl. Their versatility allows you to enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Don’t hesitate to customize your marinade with your favorite flavors!