Dinner

Mayak Eggs Recipe

Name: Mayak Eggs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 6 h 21 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 6 eggs; 2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoon white vinegar; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup water; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/4 cup); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 stalks scallions, minced; 1 Korean red pepper, sliced; 1 serrano pepper, sliced; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

ByMariam Harutyunyan December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

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Introduction

Mayak Eggs are a flavorful Korean snack featuring soft-boiled eggs soaked in a savory, slightly sweet marinade. These marinated eggs are perfect on their own or paired with rice for a delicious meal addition.

A white bowl filled with dark soy sauce broth scattered with white sesame seeds and small chopped green onions, ginger, and red chili slices floating on top. In the bowl there are three whole brown eggs submerged in the broth, with one egg cut in half revealing a soft, bright orange yolk at the center. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially under it, and two white bowls of white rice are placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 eggs
2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup water
1/3 cup honey

1/4 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/4 cup)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks scallions, minced

1 Korean red pepper, sliced
1 serrano pepper, sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Soft boil the eggs. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil with salt and vinegar. Using a spider strainer or slotted spoon, carefully lower the eggs into the water making sure they are fully submerged. Simmer on medium heat for 6 minutes if the eggs are room temperature, or 7 minutes if using cold eggs from the refrigerator.
Step 2: Chill the eggs. Remove the eggs from the hot water and place them in a cold water bath for 10 minutes or until fully cooled. Gently peel the eggs once cooled.
Step 3: Make the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, water, honey, diced onion, minced garlic, minced scallions, sliced Korean red pepper, sliced serrano pepper, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix well.

Step 4: Marinate overnight. Place the peeled eggs in an airtight container and pour the marinade over them until fully covered. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop.
Step 5: Serve. Enjoy the marinated eggs with freshly cooked rice, spoon some marinade on top, and add a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use room-temperature eggs for a more consistent soft boil and easier peeling.

Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer sliced peppers according to your taste.
Add a splash of sesame oil to the marinade for extra aromatic flavor.
Try substituting honey with brown sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store marinated Mayak Eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to one week. Reheat by serving at room temperature or briefly warm with rice; however, they are delicious served cold directly from the fridge.

How to Serve

A white scalloped bowl features a base layer of fluffy white rice topped with finely chopped green onions and red and green sliced chili peppers. On top are two halved soft-boiled eggs with shiny, bright orange yolks that look slightly runny and glossy. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a textured white cloth nearby, showing a cozy and fresh food setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use hard-boiled eggs instead of soft-boiled?

Yes, hard-boiled eggs can be used, but the traditional texture of Mayak Eggs comes from the soft-boiled yolk. Adjust boiling time to achieve your preferred doneness.