Name: Korean Soy Marinated Eggs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 6 h 17 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 6 large eggs; Cold water (for boiling and ice bath); Ice (for the ice bath); 1/2 cup soy sauce (regular or low-sodium); 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon honey (optional but adds depth); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small red chili or green chili (thinly sliced); 2 scallions (chopped); 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon sesame oil

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Introduction

Korean Soy Marinated Eggs are a flavorful and versatile snack or side dish, perfect for adding a savory punch to any meal. Soft-boiled eggs soak up a delicious soy-based marinade, resulting in a sweet, salty, and mildly spicy treat. They’re easy to make ahead and elevate everything from rice bowls to salads.

A white bowl with a brown rim holds six shiny yellow eggs covered in a dark glossy soy-based sauce. The eggs are topped with bright green sliced scallions, white sesame seeds, and small red chili pepper slices scattered around, adding pops of color. The sauce pools around the eggs creating a rich, dark layer at the bottom with a slightly oily texture on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 large eggs
Cold water
Ice (for the ice bath)
1/2 cup soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey (optional but adds depth)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small red chili (or green chili, thinly sliced)
2 scallions (chopped)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

Step 1: Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, gently lower the eggs into the water using a spoon. Boil for exactly 7 minutes to achieve a gooey, soft-centered yolk.
Step 2: Immediately transfer the eggs into a bowl of ice water. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.
Step 3: Tap the eggs gently on a hard surface and peel them under running cold water to minimize tearing. Take your time to keep the whites intact.
Step 4: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, sliced chili, chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
Step 5: Place peeled eggs into a jar or container and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the eggs are fully submerged; use parchment paper or plastic wrap on top if needed to keep them down.
Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. The longer the eggs marinate, the more flavorful they become.
Step 7: When ready, slice the eggs in half and serve cold or at room temperature. Drizzle with extra marinade and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness, especially if you plan to marinate longer than 24 hours.
Try adding a few slices of ginger to the marinade for an extra layer of warmth.
You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar if unavailable.
For milder heat, remove the chili seeds before slicing.
These eggs are fantastic on ramen, bibimbap, or simply as a protein-packed snack.

Storage

Store the marinated eggs in an airtight container with the marinade in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 4 days. Reheat gently by bringing to room temperature or enjoy cold. Avoid leaving them out for extended periods to maintain freshness and safety.

How to Serve

Six smooth, shiny brown eggs sit in a white bowl filled with dark, rich soy sauce. The eggs are topped with bright green sliced spring onions and small red chili pieces, adding splashes of color. The sauce is thick and glossy, covering the bottom of the bowl and surrounding the eggs. White sesame seeds are sprinkled over the eggs and sauce, giving a slight crunch texture. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, making the colors stand out. 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 marinated as well, but the yolk won’t have the creamy texture that makes this dish special.

How long can I marinate the eggs for best flavor?

At least 6 hours is recommended, but marinating overnight or up to 24 hours yields the best depth of flavor without becoming too salty.