Why You’ll Love Soy Sauce Eggs (Ramen Eggs) Recipe
These soy sauce eggs are deliciously savory and packed with umami — just like the ones you get at your favorite ramen shop. The recipe is simple to follow with minimal ingredients, and the result is incredibly versatile: use them in noodle bowls, salads, rice bowls, or enjoy them on their own. With a jammy yolk and deeply flavored exterior from the marinade, these eggs elevate any meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
6 eggs
½ cup water
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
For boiling the eggs:
boiling water
ice for ice water bath
Directions
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully lower the eggs in one at a time and cook for 6 minutes for a jammy yolk. If you like the yolk slightly firmer, cook for about 7 minutes.
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Once cooked, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice water bath to cool for a few minutes.
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When fully cooled, gently peel the eggs.
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In a bowl or resealable bag, mix the water, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar to create the marinade.
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Submerge the peeled eggs fully in the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for 12–24 hours, or up to 3 days for a stronger flavor. Rotate the container occasionally to ensure even marination.
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When ready, slice the eggs in half and serve on their own or as a topping on ramen or rice bowls.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 soy sauce eggs. The hands‑on prep time is about 15 minutes, and then the eggs should marinate for at least 12 hours to build deep flavor.
Variations
Add a spoonful of miso to the marinade for a richer, more savory depth.
Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of wasabi paste to add heat.
Stir in a little toasted sesame oil or garnish with sesame seeds for nutty flavor.
Substitute honey for sugar to introduce a mild sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Store the marinated eggs in an airtight container with the marinade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer milder eggs, you can remove them from the marinade after marinating and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days total. These are best served cold or at room temperature — reheating isn’t necessary.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the eggs?
For the best flavor, marinate the eggs in the soy sauce mixture for at least 12 hours. You can go up to 3 days for a more intense taste.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of dark soy sauce?
Yes; if you don’t have dark soy sauce, you can use more regular soy sauce or add a splash of teriyaki or hoisin sauce to mimic the flavor.
How do I get a perfect jammy yolk?
Boil the eggs for about 6 minutes, then transfer them immediately to an ice bath to stop the cooking and keep the yolk soft.
Can I hard‑boil the eggs instead?
Absolutely. If you prefer a firmer yolk, cook the eggs for an extra minute or two before chilling.
Do I need to peel the eggs before marinating?
Yes — peeling the eggs before marinating helps the flavor penetrate and gives you the classic tan exterior.
Can I reuse the marinade?
It’s not recommended to reuse the marinade for new eggs, but you can freeze leftover marinade for use in dressings or stir‑fries.
How should I store leftover eggs?
Keep leftover soy sauce eggs in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3 days for best quality.
What dishes go well with soy sauce eggs?
They’re great on top of ramen, rice bowls, salads, noodles, or served as a snack on their own.
Are these gluten‑free?
If you use gluten‑free soy sauce or tamari, these eggs can be gluten‑free.
Can I make these without dark soy sauce?
Yes — just substitute with extra regular soy sauce or a blend of alternatives listed above.
Conclusion
Soy Sauce Eggs (Ramen Eggs) are a simple yet deeply flavorful addition to many meals. With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of patience for marinating, you can create savory, umami‑rich eggs that elevate everything from ramen to rice bowls. Try variations to suit your taste and enjoy these versatile eggs as a snack or meal topper.
Soy Sauce Eggs (Ramen Eggs)
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- Author: Mia
- Total Time: 4 hours 17 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 eggs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soy sauce eggs, also known as ramen eggs or ajitsuke tamago, are soft-boiled eggs marinated in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. These umami-packed eggs are perfect as a ramen topping, snack, or side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 slice of ginger
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully add the eggs and simmer for exactly 6-7 minutes for soft-boiled yolks.
- Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Gently peel the eggs.
- In a container, mix soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Add the peeled eggs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Remove from marinade and serve, halved or whole.
Notes
- Use a spoon to gently crack the eggs before peeling to avoid tearing the whites.
- The eggs can be stored in the marinade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- These eggs are great as a topping for ramen or eaten on their own as a snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
