Soy sauce eggs, also known as shoyu tamago in Japanese or lu dan in Chinese cuisine, are a classic Asian delicacy that has taken the culinary world by storm. These marinated eggs are savory, slightly sweet, and deeply infused with umami flavors, making them the perfect companion for ramen bowls, rice dishes, or even as a healthy snack.
The beauty of soy sauce eggs lies in their simplicity—just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, and you’ll have eggs that rival those served in the best ramen shops. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, protein-packed, and meal-prep friendly.
Why Soy Sauce Eggs Are So Popula
The appeal of soy sauce eggs isn’t just in their taste—it’s the texture, versatility, and aesthetic appeal that make them a social media favorite. When sliced open, the golden jammy yolk contrasts beautifully with the dark, flavorful exterior. They’re trending on TikTok and Instagram food hacks, proving that these eggs are more than just a side dish—they’re a food obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Soy Sauce Eggs
To make this authentic soy sauce eggs recipe, gather these simple ingredients:
For the Eggs
- 6 large eggs
- Water (for boiling)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional, for easy peeling)
For the Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- 3 tablespoons mirin (or substitute with sugar and water)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 small piece ginger, sliced
- 1 stalk green onion, chopped
- Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes, 1 star anise, or a splash of sesame oil for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Soy Sauce Eggs
Step 1: Perfectly Boil the Eggs
- Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Gently add the eggs and cook for:
- 6 minutes for a soft, jammy yolk
- 8 minutes for a firmer but creamy yolk
- Immediately transfer eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes. This stops cooking and makes peeling easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, mirin, sugar, garlic, ginger, and green onion.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Cool completely before using it as a marinade.
Step 3: Marinate the Eggs
- Peel the eggs carefully to keep them intact.
- Place eggs in a resealable bag or airtight container.
- Pour the cooled marinade over the eggs until fully submerged.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight for the best taste and color.
Expert Tips for Succes
- Control the flavor: The longer the eggs marinate, the saltier they get. For a milder taste, reduce marinating time to 4 hours.
- For a glossy finish: Brush a little sesame oil on eggs before serving.
- Meal prep: Make a big batch for the week—these eggs are perfect for bento lunches and snacks.
How to Serve Soy Sauce Eggs
- Ramen bowls: Add half an egg to each bowl for an authentic Japanese touch.
- Rice dishes: Pair with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, and grilled meat for a simple meal.
- Protein snacks: Grab one as a quick, high-protein snack.
- Salads and sandwiches: Slice and add for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Egg)
- Calories: ~70 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Carbs: 1 g
Storage and Shelf Life
- Store in the marinade in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Do not freeze, as the texture changes.
- Reuse the marinade within 3 days (after boiling it again).
Variations of Soy Sauce Eggs
- Spicy soy eggs: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Sweet soy eggs: Increase sugar or add a touch of honey.
- Herb-infused eggs: Add star anise or cinnamon for a warm flavor profile.
Health Benefits of Soy Sauce Eggs
- High in protein: Great for muscle building and energy.
- Rich in essential nutrients: Eggs provide vitamins A, D, and B12.
- Low-carb option: Perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed making soy sauce eggs, you might also like these trending recipes:
- 30 Easy Japanese Recipes – Discover more authentic Japanese dishes to pair with soy sauce eggs.
- Sweet Potato Tempura Roll – A perfect sushi roll to enjoy with your soy eggs.
- Crispy Japanese Katsu Bowls – Add these delicious katsu bowls to your meal rotation for a complete Japanese feast.
FAQs About Soy Sauce Eggs
1. What are soy sauce eggs made of?
They’re made from boiled eggs marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, water, mirin (or sugar), garlic, and ginger.
2. Can I make soy sauce eggs without mirin?
Yes, just replace mirin with sugar and a little extra water for sweetness.
3. How long should they marinate?
At least 4 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor.
Advanced Tips
How to make soy sauce eggs in 3 steps?
- Boil eggs for 6–8 minutes and cool in ice water.
- Prepare marinade with soy sauce, water, sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Marinate peeled eggs for 4–12 hours in the fridge.
Best marinating time for soy sauce eggs:
4–12 hours for balanced flavor.
Final Thoughts
Soy sauce eggs are a simple yet flavor-packed addition to any meal. With this recipe, you’ll master the art of making perfectly seasoned eggs at home—whether for ramen, rice bowls, or healthy snacking.
