The Best Yumblink Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Hey there! If you’ve ever tried Mayak Gyeran, also known as Korean “drug eggs,” you know just how addictive these little beauties are. Seriously, they’re so flavorful and delicious that I could eat them every day with rice and seaweed. They’re called “drug eggs” for a reason once you start, you can’t stop! Let’s dive into this easy-to-make, delicious recipe that will make your taste buds sing!
Method
1. Boil the Eggs
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. To help with peeling later on, you can add a splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt to the water (though I didn’t notice a big difference with this step ). Once the water is boiling, carefully add your eggs to the pot. Let the eggs cook for about 6 to 6.5 minutes for a soft-boiled texture, but the exact time will depend on your stove and the intensity of the boil. If you prefer your eggs slightly firmer, you can cook them for up to 7 minutes, but for that creamy yolk, 6 to 6.5 minutes is just right. Once the eggs are done, remove them from the water using a slotted spoon.
2. Cool the Eggs
Now, it’s time to cool the eggs down quickly. Transfer the boiled eggs into an ice water bath. This step is crucial because it stops the cooking process and helps to prevent the eggs from overcooking. It also makes peeling them a lot easier. Let the eggs sit in the ice water for about 5 minutes, or until they’re completely cooled.
3. Peel the Eggs
Once the eggs have cooled down, it’s time to peel them. Gently tap each egg on the counter to crack the shell, then roll it between your hands to loosen the shell. Start peeling from the wider end, where there’s usually an air pocket, making it easier to get underneath the shell. The shells should come off relatively easily, but if you run into trouble, you can try rinsing the egg under cool water to help remove any stubborn bits.
4. Prepare the Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey (or sugar), and water. Next, add in the minced garlic, chopped red chilies, chopped spring onions, shallot, and sesame seeds. Stir everything together until the sauce is well combined. The sweetness from the honey, along with the salty soy sauce, creates the perfect balance of flavors. The garlic and chilies add an extra depth of savoriness and a subtle heat that makes these eggs irresistible.
5. Marinate the Eggs
Now it’s time to add the peeled eggs to the sauce. Gently place the eggs into the bowl with the sauce, making sure that they are fully submerged. If they’re floating on top, you can place a piece of plastic wrap or a damp paper towel over the eggs to keep them submerged in the marinade. This ensures the eggs absorb all of that flavorful goodness. Let the eggs marinate in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but if you want them to reach their full flavor potential, try letting them sit for 24 to 48 hours. The longer the eggs marinate, the more flavorful they become.
6. Serve and Enjoy
When the eggs are ready, take them out of the fridge and get ready to serve! For an added burst of flavor, drizzle a little sesame oil over the eggs. Then, top them with fried crispy onions, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a few sheets of seaweed. Serve the eggs over a bowl of freshly steamed rice for the ultimate meal, or enjoy them as a snack on their own. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Necessary Tools
- Pot for boiling eggs
- Ice bath (for cooling eggs)
- Medium-sized bowl
- Spoon for stirring
- Plastic wrap or paper towel (for submerging eggs in sauce)
Mayak Gyeran
Cuisine: KoreanDifficulty: EasyServings
6
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
10
minutesTotal time
20
minutesIngredients
6 room temperature eggs
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup light soy sauce
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp honey or sugar
2 spring onions, chopped
1/2 shallot or onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 red chilies, chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp sesame oil
Fried crispy onions (store-bought)
Cucumber salad
Seaweed (for serving)
Directions
- Cool the Eggs Once done, carefully transfer the eggs into an ice water bath to cool them down. This helps to stop the cooking process and makes peeling easier.
- Cool the Eggs Once done, carefully transfer the eggs into an ice water bath to cool them down. This helps to stop the cooking process and makes peeling easier.
- Peel the Eggs After the eggs have cooled, peel them carefully. The shells should come off easily.
- Prepare the Sauce In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey (or sugar), water, minced garlic, chopped red chilies, spring onions, shallot, and sesame seeds. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Marinate the Eggs Add the peeled eggs to the sauce mixture. Make sure the eggs are fully submerged. You can use plastic wrap or a paper towel to help keep the eggs in the sauce. Let them sit in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but for the best flavor, let them marinate for a full day or two!
- Serve and Enjoy When ready to serve, drizzle some sesame oil over the eggs, top with fried crispy onions, chili powder, and a sprinkle of seaweed. Serve these addictive eggs over rice for the ultimate dish.
Notes
- Eggs: Make sure your eggs are room temperature before boiling them. Cold eggs straight from the fridge may crack when placed in boiling water.
- Marinating Time: The longer the eggs marinate, the more flavorful they become. For the best taste, try to let them sit overnight, or even for up to 48 hours. Don’t rush it!
- Peeling the Eggs Sometimes peeling soft-boiled eggs can be tricky. If the shells are sticking, gently tap the eggs on the counter and roll them to loosen the shell before peeling.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Mayak Gyeran over a bowl of hot, steamed rice for a perfect combination of flavors.
- Pair with some cucumber salad on the side for extra crunch and freshness.
- Enjoy with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of chili powder for a little extra kick.
Fun Fact
Did you know that “Mayak” in Korean means “drug”? The name “drug eggs” comes from how addictive these eggs are. Once you take a bite, you might find yourself craving them again and again!
Conclusion
Mayak Gyeran is a must-try dish if you love bold, savory flavors. The combination of sweet, salty, and umami-rich eggs will have you hooked from the first bite. Plus, it’s a super easy recipe that can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick snack. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen! Enjoy!
