Japanese Ramen Eggs

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 1/4 cup sake
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Fill a pot with enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, carefully lower 4 large eggs into the water using a slotted spoon.
3. Set a timer for 6 minutes for a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, perfect for ramen.
4. While the eggs boil, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and water.
5. After 6 minutes, transfer the eggs to the ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
6. In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 1/4 cup sake, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 cup water.
7. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the marinade cool to room temperature.
9. Once the eggs are cool, gently peel off the shells, taking care not to break the delicate whites.
10. Place the peeled eggs in a container or zip-top bag.
11. Pour the cooled marinade over the eggs, ensuring they are fully submerged.
12. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for a deeper flavor.
13. Remove the eggs from the marinade and slice them in half lengthwise.
14. Place the egg halves atop your ramen bowl, yolk side up for visual appeal.
15. Garnish with thinly sliced green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Additional notes

• Store your ramen eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days. For the best flavor, let the eggs marinate for at least 4 hours before consuming, but they will develop even richer flavors if you can wait 24 hours.
• Feel free to customize the marinade to suit your taste. You can adjust the sweetness by altering the amount of sugar or try adding different flavors like garlic, ginger, chili, or even a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect ramen egg.
• Ramen eggs are versatile and can enhance many dishes beyond just ramen. Slice them and add to salads, use them as a topping for rice bowls, or even enjoy them as a snack on their own. The rich, savory flavor of the eggs pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals.
• If your eggs crack while boiling, try using room temperature eggs and gently lowering them into the water with a spoon. If the yolks are not soft enough, reduce the boiling time by 30 seconds to a minute. For overly salty eggs, dilute the marinade with more water or reduce the soy sauce in your next batch.