Mayak Eggs (Korean Soft Boiled Marinated Eggs)

What is Mayak Eggs?

Mayak eggs, also known as “mayak gyeran” or “drug eggs,” are a popular Korean snack or side dish.

Mayak eggs are typically soft boiled eggs that are marinated in a flavorful sauce. The sauce is made from a combination of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sometimes other seasonings like sesame oil or sesame seeds. The result is a sweet, salty, and slightly garlicky flavor that infuses the eggs.

The eggs are typically peeled and then marinated in this sauce, allowing them to soak up the flavors and become more savory. They are often served as a side dish in Korean cuisine or as a bar snack with drinks. The bite-sized eggs are convenient and satisfying, making them a popular choice for those looking for a quick and tasty snack in Korea.

Why are Mayak Eggs called Drug Eggs?

Mayak eggs are colloquially referred to as “drug eggs” because of their reputation for being incredibly addictive. The term “mayak” in Korean translates to “narcotic” in English, and the name is given to these eggs due to their irresistibly delicious and moreish quality.

The idea behind the nickname is that just like some people find it hard to resist or stop using narcotics, individuals who try mayak eggs often can’t stop eating them once they start. The combination of sweet, salty, and garlicky flavors in the sauce, along with the convenience of bite-sized eggs, makes them quite addictive to many people.

It’s important to note that “drug eggs” is not a literal or official term, but rather a playful and descriptive nickname given by people who have experienced the addictive quality of mayak eggs.

How to Make Mayak Eggs?

To make Mayak eggs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• Eggs: To make Soft Boiled Eggs. You can adjust the quantity according to your preference.
• Soy Sauce: Use regular soy sauce to add a savory and salty flavor to the eggs.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar is typically used to provide sweetness and balance the flavors.
• Red chili pepper: It adds spiciness and a distinct flavor to the dish. You can adjust the amount to control the level of spiciness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves or garlic paste will add a pungent and savory flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil is used to infuse the eggs with a nutty, aromatic essence.

Optional garnishes:

• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can be sprinkled on top for added texture and flavor.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions can be used as a garnish to add freshness and color to the dish.

These ingredients are combined to make a flavorful sauce that coats the boiled eggs, giving Mayak eggs their distinctive sweet, savory, and spicy taste. You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, especially in terms of sweetness and spiciness.

Instructions

1. Boil the Eggs:
   • You can follow the soft-boiled egg instructions mentioned earlier in the above section.
   • Once cooked, transfer the eggs to an ice water bath to cool them quickly. After they have cooled, peel the eggs.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, red chili pepper, minced garlic, sesame oil. Adjust the quantities of sugar and chili to taste. If you like it spicier, add more red chili pepper. If you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar.
3. Marinate the Eggs:
   • Place the eggs into the bowl of sauce. You may also put it in a glass container. Gently toss the eggs to ensure they are coated evenly with the sauce. You can use your hands or a spoon for this.
4. Chill and Rest:
   • Cover the bowl or glass container and refrigerate the eggs for at least 30 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sauce. For the best results, let them marinate for a few hours or even overnight.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the eggs from the refrigerator when you’re ready to serve.
   • If desired, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the eggs for extra flavor and garnish.

Mayak eggs are typically enjoyed as a spicy and savory snack. They make a great appetizer or accompaniment to other Korean dishes. Adjust the spiciness and sweetness to your liking by varying the amounts of red chili pepper and sugar in the sauce.

How to Make Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs?

Making perfect soft boiled eggs can be a straightforward process with consistent results. This is my own way of making perfect soft boiled eggs and here’s a step-by-step guide:

Instructions:

1. Choose Fresh Eggs: Start with fresh eggs, as older eggs can be more difficult to peel.
2. Bring Eggs to Room Temperature: Allow your eggs to come to room temperature before cooking. This helps prevent the shells from cracking during boiling.
3. Put the Eggs into Water: Pour room temperature water to a pot and place the eggs in the pot cover with water. Make sure you have added enough water to cover the eggs. There is no need to boil the water ahead and use room temperature water would be fine.
4. Turn the Heat On to Start Boiling the Eggs: Turn the heat on to medium heat and start boiling the eggs.
5. Cooking Time: For soft-boiled eggs with a runny yolk, cook them for approximately 6-7 minutes. For a slightly firmer but still runny yolk, aim for 8-9 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness.
6. Ice Bath: Once the eggs have finished cooking, you can place them in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. This also makes it easier to peel the eggs later.
7. Peel and Serve: Carefully crack the eggshell all over by tapping it gently on a hard surface. Then, peel the egg starting from the larger end, where there’s usually an air pocket. The eggs should peel easily if you’ve used fresh eggs and given them an ice bath.
8. Serve: Soft-boiled eggs are typically served in egg cups. Slice off the top of the egg, season with salt and pepper, and serve with toast or as desired.

Keep in mind that the exact cooking time may vary depending on factors like the size of the eggs and the starting temperature of the water. Experiment to find the timing that produces the perfect soft-boiled eggs to suit your taste.

You can also learn more tips here on how to make perfect soft boiled eggs!

What is the Best Way to Serve Mayak Eggs?

Mayak eggs are typically served as a delicious and addictive Korean street food snack or appetizer. Here are some popular ways to serve and enjoy Mayak eggs:

• As a Side Dish: Mayak eggs can be served alongside other Korean dishes as a side dish. They pair well with rice, kimchi, and other banchan (Korean side dishes). The spicy and savory flavor of Mayak eggs complements a variety of Korean flavors.
• In Bibimbap: Add Mayak eggs as a topping to a bowl of bibimbap, a traditional Korean rice dish that typically includes vegetables, meat, and a spicy sauce. The eggs add a creamy, spicy element to the mix.
• With Noodles: You can also incorporate Mayak eggs into noodle dishes, like bibim naengmyeon (spicy cold noodles) or bibim guksu (spicy mixed noodles). The eggs add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
• In Salads: Mayak eggs can be used to enhance the flavor of salads. Chop the eggs and toss them into a vegetable or mixed greens salad for a spicy kick.
• With Ramen: Add Mayak eggs as a garnish to your bowl of ramen. They provide a burst of flavor and a touch of spiciness to the savory broth.
• On Rice: Serve the eggs on a bed of steamed rice for a simple yet satisfying meal. This is known as “mayak bap” (mayak rice).
• As a Snack: Of course, the most common way to enjoy Mayak eggs is as a snack. Simply serve them on a plate or in a bowl and let people enjoy their addictive flavor.

Feel free to get creative with how you serve Mayak eggs. The spicy and savory sauce they are marinated in makes them a versatile addition to many Korean dishes, and they can be enjoyed in various contexts to suit your taste and preferences.