Soy Sauce Eggs (also known as Shoyu Tamago in Japanese) are flavorful, savory eggs that are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. They have a rich umami flavor and are often used as a topping for ramen, served as a snack, or added to rice dishes. The eggs are usually soft-boiled, giving them a silky, runny yolk that contrasts perfectly with the salty, savory marinade.
Here’s a simple recipe to make Soy Sauce Eggs:
Soy Sauce Eggs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (light or regular, depending on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine) or honey (for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1-2 garlic cloves (optional, crushed)
- 1 small piece of ginger (optional, sliced thinly)
Instructions:
1. Boil the eggs:
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil.
- Gently lower the eggs into the water and cook them for 6-7 minutes for a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, or 8-9 minutes if you prefer a slightly firmer yolk.
- Once the eggs are done, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for about 5 minutes, then peel the shells carefully.
2. Prepare the marinade:
- In a small bowl or jar, mix together the soy sauce, mirin (or honey), rice vinegar, water, sesame oil (if using), and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Optionally, add crushed garlic and sliced ginger for extra flavor in the marinade.
3. Marinate the eggs:
- Once the eggs are peeled, place them in a resealable plastic bag, shallow dish, or jar.
- Pour the soy sauce marinade over the eggs, making sure they are fully submerged. If the eggs are not completely covered, you can flip them halfway through the marinating process.
- Let the eggs marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, marinate them for about 4-6 hours. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can marinate them overnight.
4. Serve:
- Once marinated, remove the eggs from the soy sauce mixture and serve. You can slice them in half to reveal the beautifully soft yolk.
- Soy sauce eggs can be served on top of ramen, added to rice bowls, or enjoyed as a snack.
Tips:
- Storage: You can store the marinated eggs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjusting the flavor: If you like a more intense soy flavor, let the eggs marinate longer. For a sweeter or milder flavor, adjust the amount of mirin or sugar.
- Alternative variations: You can add extra seasonings like a dash of chili oil or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Soy Sauce Eggs are a simple, delicious, and versatile addition to many dishes, with their rich umami flavor and perfectly cooked yolks. Enjoy!