Korean Marinated Eggs: Easy Mayak Gyeran Recipe (마약계란)
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.
Ingredients
For the Eggs:
- 6 large eggs
- Water for boiling
- Ice for ice bath
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 green onion(s) finely chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) optional
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
For Serving:
- green onion(s)
- Sesame seeds
- Steamed rice optional
Instructions
Boil Eggs:
- Bring water to gentle boil
- Add eggs straight from refrigerator
- Cook exactly 6.5 minutes
- Prepare ice bath while cooking
Ice Bath:
- Remove eggs immediately
- Place in ice bath
- Cool completely (5 minutes)
- Peel carefully
Make Marinade:
- Combine all marinade ingredients
- Stir until sugar dissolves
- Let sit 5 minutes for flavors to meld
Marinate:
- Place peeled eggs in marinade
- Minimum 2 hours, best overnight
- Turn occasionally if not fully submerged
To Serve:
- Slice or serve whole
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Recipe Tips
- Use eggs straight from fridge
- Time cooking precisely
- Peel under running water
- Make extra marinade
- Keep eggs submerged
- Don’t marinate more than 24 hours
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Steamed rice
- Ramen or noodles
- As banchan
- In lunch boxes
- On rice bowls
- As protein snack
Variations
- Spicy version
- Tea-stained eggs
- Different marinades
- Shorter/longer cook time
- Add ginger
- Include other aromatics
Storage
- Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated
- Store in marinade
- Don’t freeze
- Best within first 24 hours
- Keep refrigerated
- Can reuse marinade once
Nutrition
Find more great Nosh With David Recipes, including authentic Korean recipes like this one, at https://www.noshwithdavid.com/recipes/
Key ingredients from this recipe include:
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!
