Mayak Eggs is an addictive snack that has taken the world of social media by storm! Mayak Gyeran, also known as Korean Mayak Eggs, is a popular Korean side dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
These bite-sized, savory eggs are marinated in a flavorful sauce, resulting in a sweet and tangy taste with a hint of spiciness. Mayak Eggs are easy to make and perfect for meal prepping, snacking, brunches, or as a side dish. Full of tantalizing flavors of Mayak Eggs and provide you with a simple and tasty Mayak Eggs recipe that you can try at home.

What are Mayak Eggs?
Mayak Eggs, also known as Mayak Gyeran in Korean, are a popular Korean side dish made from boiled eggs that are marinated in a flavorful sauce. The term “Mayak” translates to “narcotic” or “addictive” in Korean, reflecting the addictive nature of these delicious eggs that are known for their addictive taste.
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Ingredients
What you need for the Mayak Egg Ingredients
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Mayak Eggs
- Bring the water to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Place the eggs in carefully. Set the time for 6 minutes.
- Remove the eggs from the pot and put them into a bowl of ice water. After 1 minute, peel the eggs and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients.
- Place the peeled eggs into a glass container or plastic bag and pour the marinade over the eggs.
- Seal the container or bag and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- To serve, sprinkle sesame seeds and scoop some of the marinade over the top of the eggs.
Note: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili in the marinade. However, if you like it extra spicy, you can add more!
Top tip for how to peel an egg successfully
My number 1 tip for peeling soft-boiled eggs successfully is to go slow. Use the back of the spoon to crack the eggs gently all over. Dip it in cold water and slowly peel the shell off.
Boil water. Place the eggs gently and simmer for 6 minutes.
Form into ball shape with your hands
Press into patties on the tray
Place into oven at 350 fahrenheit
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Substitutions
Mayak Eggs are a versatile dish, and if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there are some substitutions you can make to adjust the flavor profile according to your preference. Here are some possible substitutions for the ingredients you’ve listed:
- Soy Sauce: If you don’t have soy sauce, you can use tamari, liquid aminos, or even Worcestershire sauce as a substitute. Keep in mind that different sauces may have slightly different flavors, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Water: Water is typically used as a base for the marinade, but you can also use vegetable broth or chicken broth for added flavor.
- Honey: If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as a sweetener substitute. Adjust the quantity to taste, as sweetness levels may vary.
- Garlic: If you’re out of garlic, you can use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar as a substitute. The flavor may be slightly different, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Green Onions: If you don’t have green onions, you can use finely chopped regular onions or chives as a substitute. They will add a similar oniony flavor to the marinade.
- Red Thai Chili Peppers: If you can’t find red Thai chili peppers, you can use other types of chili peppers like jalapenos, serranos, or crushed red pepper flakes as a substitute. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.
- Sesame Seeds: If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can skip them or substitute them with other seeds, like sunflower seeds, for a different texture and flavor.
Remember to taste and adjust the marinade as you go to suit your preference, and enjoy experimenting with different substitutions to create your own unique version of Mayak Eggs!
Variations
Mayak Eggs, also known as Mayak Gyeran in Korean, can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas for what you can do with Mayak Eggs:
- Appetizer or Snack: Mayak Eggs make a delicious and addictive appetizer or snack. Simply serve them as is, either chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors.
- Bento or Lunchbox: Pack Mayak Eggs in a bento or lunchbox along with other Korean or Asian-inspired dishes for a flavorful and satisfying meal on the go. They make a great addition to a packed lunch for work or school.
- Salad Topping: Add Mayak Eggs as a topping to your favorite salads for an extra burst of flavor. The marinade adds a delicious umami taste that complements various salad ingredients.
- Rice Bowl: Create a Korean-inspired rice bowl by serving Mayak Eggs over a bed of steamed rice, along with some veggies, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of sesame oil. It’s a simple and tasty meal option.
- Ramen or Noodle Topping: Use Mayak Eggs as a topping for ramen or other noodle dishes. The rich flavor of the marinade adds depth and complexity to the broth, and the eggs provide a burst of flavor with each bite.
- Sandwich Filling: Chop up Mayak Eggs and use them as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. They add a burst of flavor and can complement a variety of fillings such as veggies, meats, or cheeses.
- Side Dish: Serve Mayak Eggs as a side dish alongside other Korean or Asian dishes, such as bulgogi, bibimbap, or kimchi. They add a burst of flavor and texture to the meal.
Remember to adjust the flavors and quantities to suit your taste preferences, and feel free to get creative with how you use Mayak Eggs in your culinary adventures!
Equipment
- Bowl
- Airtight container
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Pot for boiling water
Storage
Here are some tips for storing Korean eggs in the fridge:
- Store in an airtight container: Transfer the eggs and the marinade into an airtight container, and seal it tightly to prevent any air or moisture from entering, which can cause spoilage.
- Keep refrigerated at the proper temperature: Store the container of Korean eggs in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below, which is the optimal temperature for food safety and freshness.
- Keep eggs submerged in the marinade: Make sure that the eggs are fully submerged in the marinade at all times. This helps to preserve the flavor and quality of the eggs and prevents them from drying out.
- Avoid cross-contamination: Keep the container of Korean eggs separate from other foods in the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination. Eggs can absorb odors and flavors from other foods, so storing them separately helps maintain their original taste.
- Check for signs of spoilage: Before consuming leftover Korean eggs, check for any signs of spoilage, such as off odors, unusual colors, or sliminess. If you notice any of these signs, discard the eggs as they may no longer be safe to consume.
It’s always important to use your best judgment and follow food safety guidelines when storing leftover Korean eggs or any other food to ensure their freshness and safety for consumption. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and discard any eggs that show signs of spoilage.
FAQs
Mayak” (마약) in Korean translates to “drug” or “narcotic” in English. However, when used in the context of “Mayak Gyeran” (마약 계란), which refers to Mayak Eggs, it does not have any drug-related connotations. Instead, it is a term used to describe the addictive quality and deliciousness of the dish, as the eggs are typically marinated in a flavorful sauce that is known to be highly addictive and enjoyable to eat. The term “Mayak” in this context refers to the addictive and irresistible nature of the dish.
It is generally not recommended to reuse the marinade for Mayak Eggs or any other marinated dish. This is because the marinade has come into contact with eggs, which may contain bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Reusing the marinade can lead to cross-contamination and food safety risks.
Korean-style eggs, such as Mayak Eggs, can typically last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. It’s important to handle and store the eggs safely to ensure their freshness and food safety.
Related
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What to serve with this Mayak Eggs
Easy Mayak Eggs Recipe
Mayak Eggs is an addictive snack that has taken the world of social media by storm! Mayak Gyeran, also known as Korean Mayak Eggs, is a popular Korean side dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 6 eggs 1x
Ingredients
6 eggs
Marinade:
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup water
¼ cup of honey
3 minced garlic cloves
3 stalks of chopped green onions
1 red thai chili peppers
1 tbsp of sesame seeds
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Place the eggs in carefully. Set the time for 6 minutes.
- Remove the eggs from the pot and put them into a bowl of ice water. After 1 minute, peel the eggs and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients.
- Place the peeled eggs into a glass container or plastic bag and pour the marinade over the eggs.
- Seal the container or bag and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- To serve, sprinkle sesame seeds and scoop some of the marinade over the top of the eggs.
Notes
Note: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili in the marinade. However, if you like it extra spicy, you can add more!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: sides
- Method: boil
- Cuisine: korean
Keywords: mayak eggs, mayak gyeran eggs, mayak eggs recipe, mayak egg
Janice Welsh
I have to be honest, this was my first time trying Mayak eggs, but I was blown away with how good they were. Thanks for introducing me to one of my favorite things 😁
Carmen
Thats awesome