Mayak Eggs

Sweet and spicy, soy garlic marinated, jammy mayak eggs (마약계란) are a delicious Korean banchan that can elevate any rice bowl. These soy marinated eggs are not just trendy; they are dangerously addicting! Perfect for appetizers, side dishes, or snacks, mayak eggs bring a burst of flavor to your meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a sweet and savory taste that’s truly irresistible.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them on their own, over rice, or as part of a larger spread—these eggs fit any occasion!
• Meal Prep Friendly: These marinated eggs last up to a week in the fridge, making them great for meal prep.
• Healthy Snack Option: Packed with protein and low in calories, they make for a nutritious snack anytime.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare mayak eggs efficiently, having the right tools is essential. These items will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: Ideal for boiling the eggs evenly while ensuring they are perfectly cooked.
• Spider strainer or slotted spoon: Helps you safely lower the eggs into boiling water without cracking them.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the marinade ingredients thoroughly.
• Airtight container: Keeps the eggs submerged in marinade for optimal flavor absorption.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your flavorful mayak eggs:

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

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil with salt and vinegar.
2. Using a spider strainer or slotted spoon, carefully lower the eggs into the water. Ensure that the water completely covers the eggs.
3. 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

1. Remove the boiled eggs from the water using your spider strainer.
2. Place them in a water bath for 10 minutes or until cooled completely.
3. Gently peel each egg once cooled.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, water, honey, diced onion, minced garlic, minced scallions, sliced Korean pepper, sliced serrano pepper, and toasted sesame seeds.
2. Stir well until all ingredients are blended together.

Step 4: Marinate Overnight

1. Place peeled eggs in an airtight container.
2. Pour marinade over the eggs until fully submerged.
3. Seal and refrigerate for at least 6 hours—overnight is preferable—for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy your mayak eggs with freshly cooked rice.
2. Add a spoonful of marinade on top and drizzle with sesame oil for an extra touch of flavor.

Now you’re ready to savor these delicious mayak eggs!

How to Serve Mayak Eggs

Mayak eggs are a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Their sweet, spicy, and savory flavors make them perfect for various serving suggestions.

With Rice

• Serve the eggs over a bowl of freshly cooked rice. The rich marinade complements the rice beautifully.

In a Salad

• Slice the marinated eggs and add them to a fresh salad. They provide protein and flavor, making the salad more filling.

As a Snack

• Enjoy mayak eggs on their own as a tasty snack. Pair them with some pickled vegetables for added crunch.

On Toast

• Spread avocado or cream cheese on toast and top with sliced mayak eggs for a delicious brunch option.

With Noodles

• Toss cooked noodles with some of the marinade and sliced mayak eggs for an easy meal.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board

• Include mayak eggs on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, fruits, and crackers for a delightful appetizer spread.

How to Perfect Mayak Eggs

Creating perfect mayak eggs is all about mastering the technique. Here are some tips to ensure your eggs turn out just right.

• Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs yield better texture and flavor when marinated.

• Control boiling time: Soft boil the eggs for exactly 6-7 minutes to achieve that ideal jammy consistency.

• Chill in ice water: After boiling, quickly place the eggs in an ice water bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier.

• Marinate longer: For maximum flavor, allow the eggs to marinate overnight. This enhances their taste significantly.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices or herbs to the marinade for additional depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Mayak Eggs

Pairing mayak eggs with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Kimchi: This fermented vegetable dish adds spice and tang, creating a balanced plate.

2. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or bok choy provides freshness and color next to rich mayak eggs.

3. Spicy Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with chili flakes offers crunch and brightness.

4. Korean Rice Cake (Tteok): Chewy rice cakes can be served alongside for a satisfying textural contrast.

5. Pickled Radishes: These sweet-and-sour bites cleanse the palate between bites of flavorful mayak eggs.

6. Sesame Spinach Salad: A simple spinach salad dressed in sesame oil complements the soy sauce flavors beautifully.

7. Fried Tofu Bites: Crispy tofu adds protein while providing an excellent textural contrast to soft mayak eggs.

8. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup rounds out the meal nicely, offering warmth and comfort alongside your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mayak Eggs, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final outcome. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the water bath: Not chilling the eggs immediately after boiling can result in overcooked eggs. Always place them in a cold water bath for proper cooling.
• Incorrect marinating time: Marinating for too little time will not allow the flavors to penetrate the eggs fully. Aim for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best.
• Using cold eggs: Starting with cold eggs can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before boiling for consistent softness.
• Overlooking onion preparation: Failing to dice the onion finely may result in a chunky marinade. Chop it small to ensure even flavor distribution.
• Ignoring storage tips: Not storing your marinated eggs correctly can affect their taste and safety. Use airtight containers and refrigerate them promptly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents odors from other foods.
• Mayak Eggs can be kept refrigerated for up to one week.

Freezing Mayak Eggs

• It’s not recommended to freeze Mayak Eggs as freezing can alter their texture and flavor.
• If you must, use a freezer-safe container, but consume within one month for best flavor.

Reheating Mayak Eggs

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place eggs on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Heat in short increments (15-20 seconds), checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Mayak Eggs that might help you.

What are Mayak Eggs?

Mayak Eggs are soy garlic marinated eggs known for their sweet and spicy flavor, making them a popular Korean side dish.

How long should I marinate Mayak Eggs?

For optimal flavor, marinate Mayak Eggs overnight. At minimum, let them sit in the marinade for 6 hours.

Can I use different types of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you prefer different flavors in your marinade.

How do I achieve jammy yolks in my Mayak Eggs?

To achieve perfectly jammy yolks, boil the eggs for 6-7 minutes depending on their temperature before cooling them rapidly.

Final Thoughts

Mayak Eggs offer a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors that elevate any meal. Their versatility makes them perfect as a side dish or snack. Feel free to customize the marinade by adding your favorite spices or adjusting sweetness levels based on your preference!