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 any meal or occasion, mayak eggs can elevate your dishes and impress your guests with their unique flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: The simple steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and spices creates a rich taste that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Serve them as a side dish, snack, or even on top of salads or rice bowls for a protein boost.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time! They last in the fridge for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Customizable Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of peppers to suit your heat preference.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious mayak eggs, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process and enhance efficiency.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Spider strainer or slotted spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Airtight container
- Water bath setup (bowl filled with ice water)
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium saucepan: This is essential for boiling the eggs evenly.
- Spider strainer or slotted spoon: Helps you lower and remove eggs from boiling water safely without cracking them.
- Airtight container: Crucial for marinating the eggs properly while keeping them fresh.
Ingredients
For the Mayak Eggs
– 6 eggs
– 2 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoon white vinegar
– 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, carefully lower the eggs into the boiling water. Ensure the water completely covers the eggs.
- 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
- Remove the boiled eggs from the saucepan and place them in a bowl filled with ice water for 10 minutes to cool down.
- Once cooled, gently peel the eggs.
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
- Place the peeled eggs in an airtight container.
- Pour the marinade over the eggs ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours but preferably overnight. The eggs will last up to one week in this marinade.
Step 5: Serve
Enjoy your Korean marinated mayak eggs with freshly cooked rice and a drizzle of sesame oil for added richness!
How to Serve Mayak Eggs
Mayak eggs are a versatile dish that can enhance any meal. Their sweet and spicy flavor profile pairs well with various dishes. Here are some creative ways to serve these delicious soy marinated eggs.
With Steamed Rice
- Serve the mayak eggs over a bowl of freshly steamed rice for a comforting meal. The rice absorbs the savory marinade, making every bite delightful.
As a Snack
- Enjoy mayak eggs as a quick snack. They are perfect for on-the-go munching or as a light appetizer before a meal.
In a Salad
- Slice the marinated eggs and add them to your favorite salad. Their unique flavor adds depth and protein to any green creation.
In a Rice Bowl
- Create a vibrant rice bowl by layering sliced vegetables, grains, and mayak eggs. Drizzle with extra marinade for added flavor.
Topped on Avocado Toast
- Elevate your avocado toast by adding halved mayak eggs on top. The creamy avocado complements the jammy yolk beautifully.
How to Perfect Mayak Eggs
To achieve the ultimate mayak eggs, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe every time.
- Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs yield better texture and flavor. Look for eggs that are within their sell-by date for optimal results.
- Control Cooking Time: Adjust the boiling time based on your preference for softness. Six minutes give you a jammy yolk, while seven minutes will firm it up slightly.
- Chill Thoroughly: Make sure to chill the boiled eggs in an ice water bath for at least 10 minutes before peeling. This helps prevent overcooking and makes peeling easier.
- Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, allow the eggs to marinate overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures they absorb all the delicious soy garlic marinade.
Best Side Dishes for Mayak Eggs
Mayak eggs can be enjoyed with various sides that complement their flavors. Here are some excellent options:
- Kimchi: This spicy fermented cabbage adds crunch and tanginess, creating a balanced meal alongside mayak eggs.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a nutritious option that pairs well with the rich flavors of the marinated eggs.
- Savory Korean Pancakes: These pancakes can be filled with vegetables or seafood, providing additional texture and flavor to your meal.
- Spicy Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in sesame oil and chili flakes creates an excellent contrast to the richness of mayak eggs.
- Pickled Radishes: These crunchy pickles offer a burst of acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the soy marinade nicely.
- Sesame Noodles: Serve cold sesame noodles tossed in sauce as a delightful side that complements the flavors of mayak eggs perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mayak Eggs, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to keep in mind.
- Boldly boil the eggs: Overcooking can lead to rubbery whites. Stick to 6-7 minutes for the perfect jammy yolk.
- Boldly skip the cooling bath: Not chilling the eggs can make peeling difficult. Always place them in ice water after boiling.
- Boldly rush the marination: Allowing insufficient time for marination results in bland flavors. Aim for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Boldly ignore storage tips: Storing eggs improperly can affect their texture and taste. Use airtight containers and refrigerate immediately.
- Boldly forget about customization: Sticking strictly to the recipe may limit flavor. Feel free to adjust spices or add ingredients according to your taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Mayak Eggs in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Mayak Eggs
- It is not recommended to freeze Mayak Eggs, as freezing can change their texture and flavor.
Reheating Mayak Eggs
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the eggs for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Place eggs in a pot of warm water and heat gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Mayak Eggs that you might find helpful.
What are Mayak Eggs?
Mayak Eggs are Korean soy-marinated eggs that are sweet, spicy, and known for their addictive flavor profile.
How long should I marinate Mayak Eggs?
For the best flavor, marinate them overnight in the refrigerator. A minimum of 6 hours is required for decent flavor infusion.
Can I customize my Mayak Eggs?
Absolutely! You can adjust spices or even add different types of peppers based on your preference for heat.
How do I store Mayak Eggs properly?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last up to one week without losing quality.
Final Thoughts
Mayak Eggs offer a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that can enhance any meal. Their versatility allows you to enjoy them as a snack or paired with rice. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices or ingredients to make this dish uniquely yours!

Mayak Eggs
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Mayak Eggs, or Korean soy marinated eggs, are a delightful culinary creation that combines sweet and spicy flavors for an addictively tasty experience. These jammy eggs are perfect for enhancing your rice bowls, salads, or even enjoyed as a snack. With a simple marinade made from soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices, Mayak Eggs can elevate any meal with their unique texture and flavor. Ideal for meal prep, these eggs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Customize the spice levels to suit your taste and impress your guests with this versatile dish!
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 small yellow onion (diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 stalks scallions (minced)
- 1 Korean red pepper (sliced)
- 1 serrano pepper (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Soft boil the eggs by bringing water to a boil in a medium saucepan with salt and vinegar. Carefully lower room-temperature eggs into boiling water and simmer for 6 minutes.
- Chill the boiled eggs in ice water for 10 minutes before gently peeling them.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, water, honey, diced onion, garlic, scallions, sliced peppers, and sesame seeds to create the marinade.
- Place peeled eggs in an airtight container and pour over the marinade until fully submerged. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight.
- Serve over rice or as a snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg (approximately 50g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 186mg
Keywords: For optimal results, use fresh eggs. Control cooking time based on your preferred yolk texture; adjust between 6 to 7 minutes of boiling.









