Often referred to as “addictive eggs” in Korea – “mayak” loosely translates to “drug” due to their irresistible flavor – this mayak eggs recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether served as a delicious banchan (Korean side dish) or a quick snack, these Korean marinated eggs soak up a bold, sweet and savoury marinade that will have you reaching for more every time.
What are Mayak Eggs (Mayak Gyeran)?
Mayak eggs, or mayak gyeran, are soft-boiled eggs marinated in a soy-based sauce with garlic, chili, green onions, and sesame oil. Originating in Seoul, Korean mayak eggs quickly became a viral food sensation thanks to their bold umami flavor and addictive taste.
Servings
4
Prep time
5 minutes
Cooking time
1 hour
Total time
1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
6 large eggs
1/2 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium soy sauce for a milder taste)
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (gochugaru), adjust to taste
1 green onion (scallion), thinly sliced for garnish
Directions
- Boil the eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes for soft-boiled eggs. Once cooked, remove the eggs from the water and transfer them immediately to an ice-cold water bath to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Mayak Gyeran Marinade: Combine soy sauce, water, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes in an airtight container. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is well combined.
- Peel the Eggs: Gently tap the boiled eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell. Carefully peel off the shell, ensuring not to damage the egg whites.
- Marinate the Eggs: Place the peeled boiled eggs in your air tight container with the marinade, ensuring the eggs are fully submerged. If needed, add more water to cover the eggs completely.
- Chill: Seal the container or jar and refrigerate the mayak eggs in the marinade for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavours to infuse into the eggs. For best results marinate the eggs overnight.
- Garnish and Serve: Once marinated, remove the eggs from the refrigerator. Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top for an added burst of freshness.
Serving suggestions for mayak eggs
- Serve Mayak Gyeran as an enticing banchan alongside a traditional Korean meal
- Serve this Mayak eggs recipe on steaming hot rice with an extra drizzle of the marinade and a little bit of kimchi
- Savour these addictive eggs all on their own as a delightful and protein rich snack
What does “Mayak Gyuran” mean?
“Mayak” loosely translated means “drug” or “addictive” and “gyeran” means egg = drug eggs. Not because they contain anything illicit, this Korean marinated eggs recipe is just that good.
How long to marinate these mayak eggs?
For best results, we suggest marinating these overnight in the fridge, but you could leave them for as little as 6 hours. A bit of meal prep your future self will definitely thank you for.
Make it your way: Mayak egg recipe variations
Want to customise your marak gyeran recipe to your taste? Try these easy variations and tell us which one you like best!
- Spicy mayak eggs – Add another spoonful of gochujang (red pepper flakes) or some chilli to bring up the heat
- A sweet soy version – Add a bit more sugar or a splash of mirin for a sweeter profile
- Citrusy goodness – Try with lemon or yuzu juice for a tangy, refreshing contrast
- Toasted garlic – If you haven’t tried this, you must. Fry your garlic before mixing into the marinade for extra depth