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. Perfect for meal prep or as an appetizer, Mayak Eggs bring unique flavors that will impress your guests or elevate your weekday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and spices creates a rich flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory.
• Versatile Usage: Serve these eggs on rice bowls, salads, or enjoy them as a snack on their own.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate the eggs overnight for a make-ahead dish that stays fresh throughout the week.
• Nutritious Snack: Packed with protein and healthy fats, these eggs are a great addition to any meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making Mayak Eggs, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having the right equipment on hand will make preparation easy and efficient.

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 and efficiently.
• Spider strainer or slotted spoon: Helps gently lower and remove the eggs without cracking them.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients thoroughly.
• Airtight container: Ensures the eggs stay fresh while marinating in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

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.

For the Mayak 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 eggs from boiling water and place them in a water bath for 10 minutes or until cooled.
2. Gently peel the cooled eggs once they are ready.

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.

Step 4: Marinate Overnight

1. Place the peeled eggs into an airtight container.
2. Pour the marinade over the eggs until fully submerged.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours but preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 5: Serve

Enjoy your Korean marinated Mayak Eggs with freshly cooked rice, adding a spoonful of marinade on top along with a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor!

How to Serve Mayak Eggs

Mayak eggs are a delicious and versatile dish that can elevate any meal. They are perfect for serving alongside various dishes or as a snack on their own.

With Steamed Rice

• Serve the marinated eggs over a bowl of freshly steamed rice for a comforting and filling meal. The soy marinade adds a burst of flavor to the rice.

As a Snack

• Enjoy mayak eggs on their own as a flavorful snack. Their sweet and spicy taste makes them addictive, perfect for an afternoon treat.

In a Rice Bowl

• Add sliced mayak eggs to your favorite rice bowl. Top with fresh veggies, avocado, or pickled radish for extra crunch and flavor.

On Toast

• Place halved mayak eggs on toasted bread for a unique twist on avocado toast. Drizzle with sesame oil for added richness.

In Salads

• Chop the marinated eggs and toss them into salads. They add protein and flavor, making your salad more satisfying.

How to Perfect Mayak Eggs

Getting the best out of your mayak eggs is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure your eggs come out perfectly every time.

• Choose Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs yield better texture and flavor in the final dish. Look for eggs that are free from cracks.

• Control Cooking Time: To achieve the perfect jammy consistency, monitor the cooking time closely—aim for 6-7 minutes based on egg temperature.

• Use Cold Water Bath: After boiling, placing the eggs in cold water quickly stops the cooking process, preventing overcooking.

• Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, let the eggs marinate overnight. This allows them to absorb all the delicious flavors from the marinade.

• Store Properly: Keep marinated eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Best Side Dishes for Mayak Eggs

Mayak eggs pair beautifully with various side dishes, enhancing your dining experience. Here are some excellent choices to consider:

1. Kimchi: A classic Korean side dish that adds spice and tanginess. It complements the sweet soy marinade of mayak eggs perfectly.

2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances the flavors of mayak eggs with its crisp texture and light vinaigrette dressing.

3. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful stir-fried vegetables provide nutrients and crunch, making them an ideal companion to rich mayak eggs.

4. Seaweed Salad: This umami-packed salad offers a delightful contrast in texture and flavor while being light on calories.

5. Pickled Radishes: A crunchy side that cuts through the richness of mayak eggs, pickled radishes add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.

6. Sesame Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach with sesame gives you a nutritious option that pairs well with both rice and mayak eggs.

7. Grilled Tofu: For added protein, grilled tofu works wonders alongside mayak eggs while soaking up some of their marinade flavors.

8. Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh rice paper rolls filled with vegetables create a light yet satisfying side dish that complements the main event beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making mayak eggs can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to navigate.

• Bold preparation: Skipping the chilling step after boiling can result in overcooking. Always cool the eggs in an ice bath for perfect jammy centers.
• Bold marination time: Not allowing enough time for marination will lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, for optimal taste.
• Bold ingredient substitution: Using regular vinegar instead of white vinegar can alter the taste profile. Stick to white vinegar for authenticity.
• Bold storage practices: Storing marinated eggs improperly can lead to spoilage. Use an airtight container and keep them refrigerated.
• Bold egg peeling technique: Peeling eggs while they’re still warm can make it difficult. Let them cool completely before peeling for clean results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store mayak eggs in an airtight container.
• They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Mayak Eggs

• Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the eggs.
• For best results, consume within the week without freezing.

Reheating Mayak Eggs

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the eggs for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Gently warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making mayak eggs.

What are Mayak Eggs?

Mayak eggs are soy garlic marinated eggs that feature a sweet and spicy flavor, making them a popular Korean banchan.

How do I achieve the perfect jammy yolk?

To achieve a jammy yolk, boil your eggs for exactly 6-7 minutes depending on their temperature before cooling them quickly.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes! You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer Korean red peppers or serrano peppers based on your preference.

How long should I marinate Mayak Eggs?

For best results, marinate mayak eggs overnight; however, a minimum of 6 hours will also yield tasty results.

Final Thoughts

Mayak eggs are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them as part of a rice bowl or as a stand-alone snack. Feel free to customize the marinade by adding your preferred spices or herbs, making this dish perfect for any occasion!