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If you’ve ever wanted to indulge in a comforting, silky, and savory dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then this Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s wonderfully simple but packed with delicate flavors—the perfect blend of fluffy, custard-like eggs infused with hints of soy and sesame that will brighten up any meal or even stand proud as a delicious snack. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a longtime fan searching for a quick, soothing dish, this recipe promises an effortless way to enjoy a traditional favorite that’s creamy, light, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make Korean steamed eggs is delightfully easy because the ingredient list focuses on fresh and straightforward flavors that come together to create that unmistakable soft texture and savory taste we all love. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the silky eggs to the subtle seasoning, all the way to the refreshing green onion garnish that adds a lovely pop of color.
- 4 large eggs: The star of the dish, providing the creamy, tender base we want.
- 1 cup water or broth (chicken or vegetable): Adds moisture and depth, with broth giving a richer flavor.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Brings subtle umami and gentle saltiness for balanced seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant finish that lends a toasty warmth and authentic Korean touch.
- 1 green onion, finely chopped: Adds freshness and a bright, mild onion crunch as a garnish.
- Salt to taste: Essential to tweak the seasoning just right.
- Optional add-ins: Diced vegetables like carrots or zucchini, seafood such as shrimp or crab, or even kimchi for a bit of spice and extra personality.
How to Make Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Eggs Thoroughly
Start by cracking the eggs into a bowl and beating them until the yolks and whites are fully combined and smooth. This ensures a uniform texture, giving you that signature custard-like softness once steamed.
Step 2: Whisk in Water or Broth
Slowly mix in the water or broth to the beaten eggs while whisking gently. This step is key to achieving the light, airy structure of the steamed eggs and creates the perfect balance between fluffiness and creaminess.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt to taste. These simple seasonings elevate the eggs by infusing savory notes and that beautifully nutty aroma we can’t resist. Stir gently but thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 4: Strain for Smoothness
For an ultra-silky consistency, pour the egg mixture through a fine mesh sieve into your steaming bowl. This step helps catch any lumps or chalaza strands, resulting in a perfectly smooth steamed egg custard.
Step 5: Prepare the Steaming Setup
Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer, then place a steamer rack or a heatproof bowl inside. The water should be hot but not boiling vigorously to prevent any bubbles from disrupting the delicate texture.
Step 6: Steam Until Just Set
Pour the strained egg mixture into a heatproof bowl or pan and cover with a lid or foil. Steam for about 15 to 20 minutes until the steamed eggs are set but still retain a jiggly, custardy center. This tenderness is what makes the dish so irresistibly smooth and comforting.
Step 7: Garnish and Finish
Once steamed, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top, and if you like, drizzle a little extra sesame oil or scatter some toasted sesame seeds. These final touches add bursts of flavor and texture that make every spoonful a delight.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Enjoy your Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe warm, ideally paired with steamed rice and an assortment of Korean banchan (side dishes) for a truly authentic and satisfying experience.
How to Serve Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions bring vibrant color and a mild crunch that brightens the creamy eggs perfectly. For an added layer of flavor, try sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or a light drizzle of sesame oil. These small touches transform a humble dish into something truly special.
Side Dishes
Korean steamed eggs shine beautifully alongside classic Korean sides like kimchi, pickled radishes, or stir-fried vegetables. Mildly flavored grilled fish or marinated tofu also pair well, creating a balanced, flavorful meal that highlights the gentle richness of the eggs.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the steamed eggs in pretty individual bowls or small clay pots to keep the warmth and add authenticity. You can also spoon some kimchi or diced seafood on top before steaming for colorful layers of texture and taste, making your Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe not only delicious but visually captivating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Korean steamed eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The texture softens a bit but remains delicious; just keep it chilled until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container. Note that freezing may change the texture slightly, making it less creamy once thawed.
Reheating
Reheat steamed eggs gently over low heat or in a microwave at medium power to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of water or broth before warming helps maintain moisture and that signature silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use broth instead of water in this Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe?
Absolutely! Using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water adds a richer, more complex flavor, enhancing the umami in the dish without overpowering its delicate texture.
How do I know when the steamed eggs are done?
The eggs are ready when the surface is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the steaming bowl. Overcooking will make it firm and less creamy, so keep a close eye during the last few minutes.
Can I add vegetables or seafood to this dish?
Definitely! Diced carrots, zucchini, shrimp, or crab can be stirred into the egg mixture before steaming to add bursts of flavor and texture, making the dish more substantial and exciting.
What if I don’t have a steamer rack?
No worries—you can place a heatproof bowl on top of a small object inside your pot (like a heatproof ring or inverted plate) to keep it above the simmering water. Just make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water directly.
Is this Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe suitable for a light breakfast?
Yes! Its comforting, protein-packed, and gentle flavors make it an excellent choice for a nourishing morning meal that won’t weigh you down but will keep you satisfied.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a cozy, little secret worth sharing with everyone you know. Its simplicity disguises how deeply flavorful and comforting it truly is, making it perfect for any time you need a quick, nourishing meal or snack. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover why it’s become a beloved comfort food—trust me, once you taste these tender, custardy eggs, you’ll want to make them again and again!
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Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (2-3 small portions)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Korean Steamed Eggs, known as Gyeranjjim, is a delicate and silky savory egg custard steamed to perfection. This comforting dish is flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, offering a light and fluffy texture that pairs wonderfully with rice and Korean side dishes. Quick to prepare and cook, it is a staple in Korean cuisine that showcases simple ingredients with a smooth, custard-like consistency.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
Optional Add-ins
- Diced vegetables (carrots, zucchini)
- Seafood (shrimp, crab)
- Kimchi
Instructions
- Beat the eggs: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs until smooth and fully combined, ensuring no lumps remain for a silky texture.
- Mix with liquid: Gradually whisk in the water or broth to achieve a consistent mixture that will steam into a fluffy custard.
- Add seasonings: Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt to enhance the flavor of the eggs.
- Strain the mixture: For the smoothest results, pass the egg mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove chalazae and any clumps.
- Prepare the steamer: Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer and place a steamer rack or heatproof bowl inside to create steam.
- Steam the eggs: Pour the strained egg mixture into the bowl, cover it, and steam for 15–20 minutes until the eggs have set but remain slightly jiggly in the center for ideal softness.
- Garnish and finish: Top with finely chopped green onions and optionally drizzle with extra sesame oil or sprinkle sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve warm: Enjoy the Korean steamed eggs hot along with rice and various Korean side dishes for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- Use low heat while steaming to avoid bubbles and ensure a smooth texture.
- Straining the egg mixture is essential for a silky custard—don’t skip this step if a smooth finish is desired.
- Customize by adding diced vegetables, seafood, or kimchi to add texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture as the custard may continue cooking in residual heat.
