Korean Marinated Eggs

Mayak gyeran represents the creative simplicity of Korean banchan, where humble eggs are transformed into addictively delicious Morean Marinated Eggs side dishes through a perfect marinade. The name literally translates to "drug eggs or crack eggs," playfully referring to how addictive these savory, jammy eggs become once marinated in a perfectly balanced soy sauce-based solution. This modern addition to Korean cuisine has quickly become a beloved banchan and popular cafe menu item.

What makes mayak gyeran particularly special is its perfect soft-boiled texture combined with the umami-rich marinade that penetrates the eggs. The contrast between the jammy yolk and the seasoned white creates a perfect bite that keeps people coming back for more. This dish demonstrates how Korean cuisine continues to evolve, creating new classics that honor traditional flavoring principles.

In modern Korean dining, mayak gyeran has become increasingly popular not only as a banchan but also as a topping for rice bowls, ramen, or as a protein-rich snack. Whether served at trendy cafes or prepared at home, these marinated eggs offer a perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes them truly addictive.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Perfect jammy yolks

• Make-ahead friendly

• Protein-rich snack

• Versatile topping

• Simple ingredients

• Addictively delicious

What is Mayak Gyeran?

Mayak gyeran (마약계란) is Korean marinated soft-boiled eggs, where perfectly cooked eggs are soaked in a soy sauce-based marinade. The name means "drug eggs" because their delicious flavor makes them highly addictive.

My Essential Korean Pantry contains several of these ingredients, specifically:

• Sempio Soy Sauce
• Kadoya Sesame Oil
• Shirakiku Roasted Sesame Seeds
• Kikkoman Aji Mirin

Need help with what ingredients to stock? Check out My Essential Korean Pantry article. This article describes each essential ingredient with links to where you can buy them easily!