Soy sauce eggs — also known as shoyu tamago or ramen eggs — are soft-boiled eggs that have been marinated in a savory soy sauce mixture. Through marination, the eggs absorb a sweet, salty, umami flavor.
These eggs are a popular addition to ramen, rice bowls, and other Asian-inspired meals. They’re also great as a snack, a side dish, or a topping to add a little extra flavor to your favorite dishes.
This article will give you a guide to making the perfect soy sauce eggs, covering tips for soft-boiling, peeling, and marinating. We’ll also share some serving ideas and variations to help you find the perfect soy egg recipes for you.
What are Soy Sauce Eggs?
Soy sauce eggs, also known as Shoyu Tamago or Ramen Eggs, are marinated eggs that are often used in Asian cuisine, most notably in ramen dishes.
They’re usually soft-boiled, peeled, and then left to soak in a soy sauce-based marinade.
The marinade gives the eggs a savory, sweet, and somewhat salty flavor, along with an umami taste that gives the dish a richness and depth.
Regional Variations
Soy sauce eggs are popular in both Japanese and Korean cooking, although the recipes vary slightly.
- Japanese Soy Sauce Eggs: In Japan, the marinade often includes mirin and sake, which gives the eggs a sweeter flavor. These are most often served with ramen.
- Korean Soy Sauce Eggs (Mayak Eggs): The Korean version of the recipe may include onions, scallions, and chili peppers in the marinade, which gives the eggs a spicier flavor. Hondashi is sometimes added to the marinade to give the dish an additional boost of flavor.
Achieving the Perfect Soft-Boiled Egg
Soft-boiled eggs are deceptively simple, but they can be tricky to get just right. Here’s how to nail it every time.
Key Factors for Success
- Egg Temperature: Always start with room-temperature eggs. This helps prevent cracking and ensures the eggs cook evenly. Take your eggs out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before boiling.
- Water Temperature: Bring the water to a rolling boil before you gently add the eggs. Once the eggs are in the pot, reduce the heat so the water is at a simmer rather than a full boil.
- Cooking Time: For a runny yolk, cook large eggs for 6 minutes and 30 seconds. If you prefer a jammy yolk, cook them for 7 to 8 minutes.
Step-by-Step Soft-Boiling Instructions
- Gently lower the room-temperature eggs into the simmering water.
- Swirl the water gently to keep the yolks centered in the egg.
- Set a timer for the cooking time you prefer.
- As soon as the timer goes off, immediately transfer the cooked eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Cracked Eggs: Be sure to use room-temperature eggs and avoid dropping them into the boiling water. You can also add a tablespoon of vinegar to the water, which can help prevent cracking.
- Overcooked or Undercooked Yolks: Adjust the cooking time based on your preference and the size of your eggs. It’s a good idea to test one egg to determine the optimal cooking time for your particular stovetop.
Easy Egg Peeling Techniques
If you’ve ever struggled to peel a hard-boiled egg, you’re not alone. Here’s the science behind why some eggs are so stubborn, along with some proven methods for easier peeling.
Why Eggs Are Hard to Peel
A couple of factors influence how easily an egg will peel:
- Freshness. Super-fresh eggs are notoriously difficult to peel because the egg white clings tightly to the shell’s inner membrane.
- pH levels. As an egg ages, the pH of the egg white changes, making it less likely to stick to the shell.
Proven Peeling Methods
Here are some techniques to try for easier egg peeling:
- Use older eggs. Eggs that are at least 4 or 5 days old tend to peel more easily.
- Give them an ice bath. As soon as the eggs are cooked, transfer them to a bowl of ice water. The cold water helps the egg white shrink and separate from the shell.
- Crack and roll. Gently crack the egg all over, then roll it on a hard surface to loosen the shell.
- Peel under running water. A gentle stream of cold water can lubricate the space between the egg white and the shell, making it easier to peel.
Crafting the Perfect Soy Sauce Marinade
The key to a good soy egg is a great marinade. Here’s how to make one that’ll knock your socks off.
Essential Ingredients
- Soy Sauce: This is the base of your marinade. I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce so you can control how salty the eggs turn out.
- Sweetener: Sugar, honey, or mirin will add a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Aromatics: Minced garlic, chopped scallions, and fresh ginger add depth and complexity to the marinade.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
- Optional Ingredients: Get creative with rice vinegar, Hondashi, chili peppers, or sliced onions.
Marinade Recipe
- Combine soy sauce, water, sugar, mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, and chopped scallions in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Let the marinade cool completely before adding the eggs.
Marinade Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Spicy: Add sliced chili peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Make sure all your ingredients are plant-based.
Marinating and storing soy sauce eggs
Once your marinade has cooled, gently slip the peeled, soft-boiled eggs into it. Make sure all the eggs are fully covered by the marinade.
Pop them into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or even better, marinate them overnight, turning them every so often so they color evenly and absorb all that delicious flavor.
To store your marinated soy sauce eggs, put them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’re best if you eat them within 48 hours.
You can reuse the marinade for up to a week. Just boil it before you use it again, and add about a quarter cup more soy sauce to freshen it up.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Uses
Soy sauce eggs are incredibly versatile. They can be the star of the show or a supporting player, adding a burst of umami and a touch of elegance to various dishes.
Classic Pairings
- Ramen: The most classic pairing. A perfectly marinated soy sauce egg elevates a bowl of ramen to another level.
- Rice Bowls: Serve sliced soy sauce eggs over steamed rice with your favorite vegetables and protein for a complete and satisfying meal. Think teriyaki chicken or spicy tofu!
- Noodles: Add to cold noodle salads for a flavorful protein boost, or toss into stir-fried noodles for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Innovative Applications
Don’t limit yourself to Asian cuisine! Soy sauce eggs can be used in unexpected and delicious ways.
- Toast: Slice and serve on toast with avocado, everything bagel seasoning, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a trendy and tasty breakfast.
- Sandwiches: Include in sandwiches or wraps for added flavor and a protein punch. They pair particularly well with pickled vegetables and creamy sauces.
- Salads: Use as a protein-rich addition to salads. They work especially well in Asian-inspired salads with sesame ginger dressing.
- Snacks: Enjoy as a quick and flavorful snack straight from the fridge. They’re perfect for satisfying mid-afternoon cravings.
Garnishing and Presentation
A little extra effort in presentation can make all the difference.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped scallions for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve with a side of seaweed or kimchi for a complete and authentic Asian-inspired experience.
- Arrange the eggs artfully on the plate or in the bowl to enhance visual appeal. A perfectly sliced soy sauce egg is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds!
Putting It All Together
To make perfect soy sauce eggs, you’ll need to soft-boil your eggs until they’re just set, peel them carefully to avoid damaging the delicate whites, and let them sit in a flavorful soy sauce marinade.
Soy sauce eggs are incredibly versatile and delicious. You can add them to a steaming bowl of ramen, arrange them artfully on a rice bowl, or just enjoy them as a quick and satisfying snack.
Don’t be afraid to play around with the marinade! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a splash of rice vinegar for tang, or a clove of minced garlic for extra savory flavor. You can also experiment with different serving suggestions to create your own culinary masterpiece. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process – and the delicious results!