Name: Easy & Simple Mayak Eggs Recipe
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: PT-490298H47M3S
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 6 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons salt (for boiling); 2 teaspoons white vinegar (for boiling); ½ cup regular soy sauce; ½ cup water (cold or room temperature); ¼ cup honey (or white/brown sugar, maple syrup, corn syrup, or Oligodang syrup); ¼ cup finely diced onion; 1-2 red chili peppers, finely diced (or substitute with green chili or red bell pepper for non-spicy version); 1 green onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 9 reviews

There is something truly magical about the simplicity and depth of flavor in the Easy & Simple Mayak Eggs Recipe. Picture soft-boiled eggs, their yolks luxuriously jammy, soaking in a beautifully balanced soy-based marinade that offers a harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and umami with a touch of nutty sesame. This Korean side dish is more than just a recipe; it’s an addictive flavor adventure that can transform a simple meal into a memorable experience. Perfect for sharing with friends or elevating your everyday dinners, this dish brings together sound technique and vibrant ingredients with effortless ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with six light brown eggs submerged in a dark soy sauce-based liquid mixed with small diced white onions, green scallions, and red chili pieces, all topped with a generous layer of light tan sesame seeds. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right, and around the bowl, there are small side dishes with chopped green onions and a whole red chili on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this Easy & Simple Mayak Eggs Recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance, from the soft-boiled eggs’ creamy center to the marinade’s tangy-sweet-spicy profile that beautifully complements every bite.

6 large eggs (room temperature): Using room temperature eggs helps achieve that perfect soft boil without cracking.
2 teaspoons salt: Added to the boiling water to enhance the eggs’ flavor and make peeling easier.
2 teaspoons white vinegar: Helps prevent eggs from cracking and aids in easier peeling.
½ cup regular soy sauce: The savory backbone of the marinade, adding umami richness.
½ cup water (cold or room temperature): Dilutes the soy sauce to balance the saltiness.
¼ cup honey (or white/brown sugar, maple syrup, corn syrup, or Oligodang syrup): Provides that luscious sweetness that complements the salty soy.
¼ cup onion (finely diced): Adds a mild sharpness and texture contrast in the marinade.
1-2 red chili peppers (finely diced): Brings a spicy kick; substitute with green chili or red bell pepper for mildness.
1 green onion (finely chopped): Freshness and mild oniony flavor to brighten the marinade.
4 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the marinade with savory depth and warmth.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted): Adds nuttiness and a subtle crunchy texture for garnish and flavor.

How to Make Easy & Simple Mayak Eggs Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Eggs Perfectly

Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add salt and white vinegar to the water—this not only seasons the eggs slightly but also helps prevent cracking and makes the eggs easier to peel later. Carefully lower your room-temperature eggs into the water with a slotted spoon, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle rolling boil. For that gorgeous jammy yolk, time your eggs for 6 and a half minutes. If you prefer firmer yolks, aim for about 10 minutes. Remember not to cover the pot during this process to avoid overcooking.

Step 2: Chill the Eggs in an Ice Bath

Once cooked, immediately transfer the eggs into a pre-prepared ice water bath. This cool-down step halts the cooking process, preserving the perfect soft yolk texture and makes peeling a breeze. Let them sit until completely chilled, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Flavorful Marinade

While your eggs are cooling, mix together the soy sauce, cold water, honey (or your chosen sweetener), finely diced onion, chili peppers, chopped green onion, minced garlic, and toasted sesame seeds in a jar or container with a tight lid. Stir or shake the mixture well until the honey is fully dissolved and the ingredients are evenly distributed to prepare the flavorful bath for your eggs.

Step 4: Peel the Eggs Gently

With the eggs cool, gently crack the shells all over using the back of a spoon. Start peeling from the less pointy end to remove the shell easily while keeping the egg intact. This delicate process is key for a smooth surface that will absorb the marinade beautifully.

Step 5: Marinate the Eggs

Place the peeled eggs into your marinade, making sure they’re fully submerged. To encourage even coloring and flavoring, lay a clean square of paper towel or plastic wrap directly on top of the eggs, gently pressing them down into the liquid. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, but ideally overnight, to let the flavors really sink in and the eggs take on a lovely amber hue.

How to Serve Easy & Simple Mayak Eggs Recipe

A close-up of a bowl with three layers: the bottom layer is white sticky rice with a soft texture, topped with small pieces of green onion and red chili. Above the rice is a layer of dark soy sauce mixed with tiny bits of brown fried garlic and other seasonings. The top layer consists of two halves of a shiny brown marinated egg with a soft, bright orange yolk inside, held by a golden spoon above the bowl. The bowl is white with blue vertical stripes on the inside, and it sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving Mayak eggs with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few extra thin slices of green onion on top adds a pop of color and a subtle crunch that makes each bite even more delightful. You can also drizzle a little bit of the reserved marinade over the eggs to boost the flavor even further.

Side Dishes

These eggs are incredibly versatile but truly shine alongside steamed white rice or sticky rice, where their rich, savory-sweetness complements the plain grains perfectly. They also pair wonderfully with Korean BBQ dishes or a fresh vegetable salad to balance the intense marinade flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Create an elegant appetizer by halving the eggs and placing them on small spoons with a drop of the marinade and a tiny chili slice for a spicy kick. You can also halve these eggs and serve them atop ramen, bibimbap, or poke bowls where their divine texture enhances the entire dish beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover marinated eggs sealed in their marinade in the fridge for up to 4 days. The longer they sit, the more intensely flavored they become, so they actually improve with time, but try to consume them within this window for the best texture and freshness.

Freezing

While freezing is generally not recommended for marinated soft-boiled eggs because it can affect the texture of the yolk and white, if you must freeze, peel the eggs first and store them in an airtight container without the marinade. Keep in mind that once thawed, the eggs are best used in cooked dishes rather than eaten alone.

Reheating

To reheat your Easy & Simple Mayak Eggs Recipe, bring them to room temperature or warm them gently in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving since it can cause the yolk to become dry or rubbery. Serve immediately after warming for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use cold eggs straight from the fridge?

Using room temperature eggs is recommended because it helps prevent cracking during boiling and ensures even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can quickly bring eggs to room temperature by soaking them in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before boiling.

How spicy are Mayak eggs?

The level of spice depends on the type and amount of chili you add to the marinade. Using red chili peppers adds a noticeable but pleasant heat. For a milder version, simply swap the chili for sweet red bell peppers or reduce the quantity.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! The marinade can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This makes assembling the recipe even faster and more convenient.

What if I want hard-boiled eggs instead of soft-boiled?

No problem at all! Just extend the cooking time to 10 minutes to hard boil your eggs before plunging them into the ice bath. The marinade still works beautifully with hard yolks, though the texture will of course be different.

Is the soy sauce the only salty element?

Yes, soy sauce provides the primary saltiness in this recipe. Adjusting the soy sauce amount can control salt levels, but keep in mind it’s crucial for that signature savory flavor, so balance it carefully with the sweetener for perfect harmony.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make this irresistible Easy & Simple Mayak Eggs Recipe, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a fantastic dish that brings bright, bold Korean flavors and a showcase of perfectly cooked eggs onto your table with minimal fuss. Whether as a side, snack, or even a topping, these eggs always impress and delight. You might just find yourself craving them again and again!