Mayak Eggs

Sweet and spicy, Mayak Eggs (마약계란) are not just a delicious Korean banchan; they are a culinary sensation. These soy-marinated eggs deliver a unique blend of flavors that can elevate any meal. Perfect as a side dish or snack, Mayak Eggs are great for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. Their jammy texture and addictive taste have made them a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a rich marinade that is both sweet and savory.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can prepare these marinated eggs with minimal effort.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy them with rice, as part of a salad, or even on their own as a snack.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These eggs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and low in carbs, they make for a nutritious addition to your diet.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Mayak Eggs, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: This is essential for boiling the eggs evenly to achieve that perfect soft-boiled texture.
• Spider strainer or slotted spoon: Helps safely lower and remove the eggs from boiling water without cracking them.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining the marinade ingredients seamlessly.
• Airtight container: Keeps the marinated eggs fresh while soaking up all those flavorful juices.

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 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

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil with salt and vinegar. Using a spider strainer or slotted spoon:
1. Carefully lower the eggs into the water.
2. Ensure the water completely covers the eggs.
3. Simmer room-temperature eggs on medium heat for 6 minutes over gentle boil or 7 minutes if using cold eggs from refrigerator.

Step 2: Chill the Eggs

Remove the eggs from boiling water:
1. Place them in a water bath for 10 minutes or until cooled.
2. Gently peel the eggs once cooled.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

In a mixing bowl:
1. 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:
1. Add the peeled eggs and pour the marinade on top.
2. Marinate in refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours but preferably overnight.

Step 5: Serve

Enjoy your Mayak Eggs with freshly cooked rice:
– Add a spoonful of marinade over them.
– Drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor.

How to Serve Mayak Eggs

Mayak eggs are versatile and can enhance various dishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enjoy these flavorful Korean marinated eggs.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve mayak eggs over a bowl of freshly steamed rice. The eggs’ rich flavor pairs perfectly with the simplicity of rice, making for a comforting meal.

In a Salad

• Slice the marinated eggs and add them to a fresh salad. Their umami-rich taste complements greens, avocado, and sesame dressing beautifully.

With Noodles

• Toss mayak eggs with your favorite noodles. The marinade adds a sweet and savory kick that elevates a simple noodle dish.

As a Snack

• Enjoy mayak eggs as a quick snack. Their jammy texture and bold flavors make them an addictive treat on their own.

On Toast

• Place halved mayak eggs on toasted bread. Top with avocado or fresh herbs for an easy yet satisfying brunch option.

How to Perfect Mayak Eggs

Achieving the perfect mayak eggs requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your marinated eggs turn out amazing every time.

• Use room temperature eggs – Starting with room temperature eggs helps achieve the ideal texture during boiling.
• Simmer gently – Avoid rapid boiling; simmering gently keeps the egg whites tender and prevents cracking.
• Cool in ice water – After boiling, quickly transferring the eggs to an ice bath stops cooking and makes peeling easier.
• Marinate overnight – For maximum flavor infusion, allow the eggs to soak in the marinade overnight.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add extra spices or herbs in the marinade to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Best Side Dishes for Mayak Eggs

Pairing side dishes with mayak eggs can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to serve alongside this delicious treat.

1. Kimchi – A classic Korean side dish, kimchi adds spice and crunch that complements mayak eggs well.
2. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious contrast and vibrant color on your plate.
3. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame oil and vinegar balances the richness of the marinated eggs.
4. Pickled Radish – Sweet and tangy pickled radish cuts through the flavors of mayak eggs for a delightful palate cleanser.
5. Sesame Spinach – Sautéed spinach tossed with sesame seeds offers earthy flavors that pair nicely with soy marinated dishes.
6. Rice Cakes – Chewy rice cakes can be served plain or sautéed for added texture alongside the eggs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mayak Eggs, it’s easy to overlook some essential steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using cold eggs: Starting with cold eggs can lead to uneven cooking. Always let your eggs reach room temperature before boiling.
• Skipping the water bath: Not cooling the eggs quickly can make peeling them difficult. Always transfer boiled eggs to an ice water bath immediately.
• Under-seasoning the marinade: Insufficient marinade can result in bland flavors. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for optimal taste.
• Not marinating long enough: Rushing the marination process can lead to under-flavored eggs. Marinate overnight for the best results.
• Storing improperly: Using non-airtight containers can spoil your Mayak Eggs faster. Store them in airtight containers to maintain flavor and freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Mayak Eggs

• It’s not recommended to freeze Mayak Eggs as the texture may change upon thawing.

Reheating Mayak Eggs

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the eggs for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Place eggs in a pan with a little water and cover until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mayak Eggs that may help clarify any uncertainties.

What are Mayak Eggs?

Mayak Eggs are soy garlic marinated jammy eggs that serve as a delicious Korean banchan, perfect for enhancing rice dishes.

How long do I need to marinate Mayak Eggs?

For optimal flavor, it is best to marinate them overnight, but a minimum of 6 hours will also work.

Can I customize the spice level of Mayak Eggs?

Yes! Adjust the amount of Korean red pepper or serrano peppers based on your heat preference.

What should I serve with Mayak Eggs?

These flavorful eggs pair wonderfully with rice, salads, or as part of a larger Korean meal spread.

Final Thoughts

Mayak Eggs are not just tasty; they offer versatility in serving options and flavor combinations. Feel free to customize the spices and enjoy them with various dishes. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!