Savory Soy-Braised Eggs (Ganjang Gyeran)
Savory Soy-Braised Eggs (Ganjang Gyeran)
Homemade Soy-Braised Eggs: The Ultimate Rice Topping
Experience a unique charm distinct from traditional braised dishes with these soft-boiled soy-braised eggs. Made with a rich, savory soy broth, they are a ‘rice thief’ that even children will love! Make a generous batch and enjoy this delicious treat.
Main Ingredients- 10 Eggs
- 1 Tbsp Coarse Salt (for boiling eggs)
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar (for boiling eggs)
- 1/2 Onion (thinly sliced)
- 30g Chives (chopped)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Flavorful Soy Sauce Mixture- 600ml Water
- 250ml Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 250g Sugar
- 1/3 Large Leek (cut into large pieces)
- 1 Onion (cut into large pieces)
- 1 Handful Dried Anchovies (for broth, guts removed)
- 3 Sheets Dried Kelp (Kombu, approx. 10x10cm)
- 3 Onion Roots (washed clean)
- 600ml Water
- 250ml Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 250g Sugar
- 1/3 Large Leek (cut into large pieces)
- 1 Onion (cut into large pieces)
- 1 Handful Dried Anchovies (for broth, guts removed)
- 3 Sheets Dried Kelp (Kombu, approx. 10x10cm)
- 3 Onion Roots (washed clean)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making the delicious soy sauce mixture. In a pot, combine 600ml water, 250ml soy sauce, and 250g sugar. Stirring to help the sugar dissolve is recommended.
Step 2
Now, add the aromatics that will enhance the flavor. Add the 1/3 large leek cut into large pieces, 1 onion cut into large pieces, 3 clean onion roots, 3 sheets of dried kelp, and a handful of dried anchovies with their guts removed. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step 3
Once the soy sauce mixture begins to boil vigorously, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to fully infuse. After 10 minutes, remove the kelp, as it can become too soft. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes. This process will create a deeply rich and savory soy sauce base.
Step 4
Strain the well-simmered soy sauce mixture through a sieve or fine-mesh strainer to remove all solid ingredients. Transfer the clear soy sauce to a wide dish and let it cool completely. It’s crucial to let it cool down thoroughly, as pouring hot sauce over the eggs will cook them.
Step 5
While the soy sauce mixture is cooling, let’s prepare the perfect soft-boiled eggs. Fill a large pot with plenty of water (about 600ml) and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add 1 Tbsp coarse salt and 2 Tbsp vinegar. Salt and vinegar help make the eggshells easier to peel later.
Step 6
Carefully place the 10 eggs into the boiling water with the salt and vinegar dissolved. Adding eggs to already boiling water helps prevent them from cracking. For large eggs (Daeran), boiling for exactly 6 minutes and 50 seconds will yield a perfect soft-boiled consistency. (Cooking time may vary slightly depending on egg size and heat intensity).
Step 7
Immediately transfer the boiled eggs to an ice bath or cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Once slightly cooled, gently roll the eggs on a flat surface to create fine cracks all over the shell, which will make peeling much easier. After removing some of the shell, submerge them in cold water for at least 10 minutes to cool completely and facilitate clean peeling.
Step 8
Now, carefully peel all the shells off the cooled eggs. Arrange the peeled eggs neatly in a container that you will use for marinating.
Step 9
Let’s prepare the complementary ingredients that pair wonderfully with the eggs. Thinly slice 1/2 onion and finely chop 30g of chives after washing them. Arrange the sliced onion and chopped chives attractively over the eggs in the container.
Step 10
Pour the completely cooled soy sauce mixture over the eggs and vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged. Gently press down on the eggs to help the marinade penetrate the spaces between them.
Step 11
Cover the container and refrigerate for one full day to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. After a day, your delicious soy-braised eggs will be ready to enjoy! They are perfect served over a bowl of warm rice, creating a truly satisfying meal.
