If you have ever wanted to experience a silky, savory, and comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on the inside, you are going to love this Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe. This traditional Korean side dish, called Gyeranjjim, transforms simple eggs into a cloud-like delight with a delicate texture that melts in your mouth. Perfectly seasoned and gently steamed, this recipe showcases the magic that happens when minimal ingredients come together to create something truly special and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re new to Korean cooking or looking for a quick and nourishing addition to your meal, this Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making this dish because each item plays a crucial role in crafting the soft, flavorful, and visually inviting Korean Steamed Eggs. The simplicity of these staples lets their natural flavors shine through while creating a comforting texture that’s hard to beat.
- 4 large eggs: The star ingredient providing rich creaminess and structure.
- 1 cup water or broth (chicken or vegetable): Adds moisture and depth—broth will deepen the umami for a more savory dish.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Introduces a subtle salty note that enhances overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a fragrant nuttiness and silky finish.
- 1 green onion, finely chopped: Offers freshness, color, and a mild oniony bite for contrast.
- Salt to taste: Balances and heightens the natural flavors.
- Optional add-ins: Diced vegetables like carrots or zucchini, seafood such as shrimp or crab, or a bit of kimchi for a spicy kick and extra texture.
How to Make Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Eggs Smoothly
Start by cracking the eggs into a mixing bowl and beating them until you have a uniform, smooth mixture. This step is crucial because well-beaten eggs ensure an even texture without any clumps or streaks, setting the stage for that signature creamy finish.
Step 2: Whisk in Water or Broth
Next, gradually whisk in your choice of water or broth. This addition thins the eggs and helps create the soft, custard-like texture that makes Korean steamed eggs so irresistible. Using broth adds extra flavor, so feel free to choose chicken or vegetable to suit your taste.
Step 3: Season the Egg Mixture
Mix in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt to taste. This simple seasoning blend introduces a delicate umami base that enhances the eggs without overpowering their natural flavor. Sesame oil especially amps up the fragrance for a lovely aromatic touch.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
For the ultimate silky smoothness, strain the egg mixture through a fine mesh sieve into another bowl. This extra step removes any small egg bits or bubbles, which can interrupt the creamy texture that makes Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe so comforting and luxurious.
Step 5: Prepare for Steaming
Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer and place a steamer rack or a heatproof bowl inside. This method uses gentle, even heat to cook the eggs slowly, preserving their delicate texture and preventing tough edges or dryness.
Step 6: Steam the Eggs
Pour the strained egg mixture into a heatproof bowl and cover it to trap the steam. Let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the eggs are set but still jiggle slightly in the center—this is the sweet spot where the custard is perfectly cooked but remains tender and luscious.
Step 7: Garnish with Fresh Green Onions
Once done, sprinkle the finely chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch and burst of color. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a little more sesame oil or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds to elevate both taste and presentation.
Step 8: Serve Warm
This dish is best enjoyed warm, paired with steamed rice and other Korean side dishes to make a harmonious, soul-satisfying meal. The gentle, silky eggs complement spicy, salty, and pungent flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches elevate this humble dish to something special. Besides green onions, you might try thinly sliced red chili for heat, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch, or a light drizzle of sesame oil to boost aroma. These little details brighten each bite and add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Korean Steamed Eggs pair wonderfully with a variety of traditional Korean sides such as kimchi, spicy cucumber salad, or bulgogi beef. The smooth, mild eggs offer a perfect balance to bold, fermented, and richly flavored sharers on the table, making every meal exciting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present the steamed eggs in individual ramekins or a pretty ceramic bowl for an intimate dining experience. You could also customize by stirring in small streaks of sautéed vegetables or seafood for unique textures and flavors, making each serving a little masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The custardy nature of Korean Steamed Eggs makes them delicate, so consume within 1-2 days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Due to the soft and moist texture, freezing this dish is not recommended as it can drastically affect the smooth consistency and leave the eggs rubbery or watery after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently by placing the container in a steamer or microwaving with a lid on at a low power setting to avoid overheating. Adding a splash of water before reheating helps maintain the creamy texture without drying out the eggs.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of water or broth?
Milk is not traditionally used in Korean Steamed Eggs because it can alter the texture, making it less silky and more curdled. Sticking to water or broth ensures that the eggs remain smooth and delicate.
How do I know when the steamed eggs are perfectly cooked?
You want the eggs to be set around the edges but still softly jiggly in the middle. This means they are cooked through but remain creamy and tender, which is the signature texture of this dish.
Can I add meat or seafood to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding small pieces of cooked shrimp, crab, or diced vegetables like zucchini and carrots can give extra flavor and a nice contrast in texture, making the dish even more satisfying.
Is it necessary to strain the egg mixture?
Straining is optional but highly recommended because it removes any bubbles or small clumps, resulting in an ultra-smooth custard-like texture that feels luxurious with every bite.
What is the best way to eat Korean Steamed Eggs?
Enjoy it hot and fresh, often with a bowl of steamed rice and a variety of Korean side dishes. It’s typically eaten by scooping a spoonful of the custard into your rice or having it as a mild, soothing side to more intensely flavored dishes.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels comforting and elegant all at once. Its simplicity is deceptive—the flavors and textures work in perfect harmony to create a meal piece that you’ll want to make again and again. If you’ve been looking for an easy way to elevate your egg game and bring a touch of Korean home cooking into your kitchen, this recipe is your new best friend. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Korean Steamed Eggs Recipe
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Korean Steamed Eggs is a delicate and silky steamed egg custard dish, featuring a smooth texture achieved by steaming a well-seasoned egg mixture. Perfectly savory with hints of soy sauce and sesame oil, it’s a comforting side dish commonly served with rice and Korean meals.
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 they are smooth and fully combined to ensure a uniform texture.
- Whisk in liquid: Gradually add water or broth to the eggs while whisking continuously to create a consistent mixture.
- Season the mixture: Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt to taste, balancing the flavors to your preference.
- Strain the mixture: For the smoothest texture, pass the egg mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bubbles.
- Prepare steaming setup: Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer and place a steamer rack or a heatproof bowl inside to hold the egg mixture during steaming.
- Steam the eggs: Pour the strained egg mixture into the bowl, cover it, and steam for 15 to 20 minutes until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, ensuring a soft and silky consistency.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top. Optionally, drizzle additional sesame oil or sprinkle sesame seeds for enhanced flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Serve the steamed eggs warm alongside rice and traditional Korean side dishes for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Using broth instead of water adds depth of flavor to the steamed eggs.
- Straining the egg mixture is key to achieving the smoothest, custard-like texture.
- Covering the bowl while steaming prevents water droplets from dripping onto the eggs and ensures even cooking.
- You can customize the dish with optional add-ins like diced vegetables, seafood, or kimchi to add variety.
- Adjust salt and soy sauce quantities according to personal taste and dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Korean
