Ramen Eggs (Ajitama, Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs, 味付け煮卵)

Looking to level up your ramen, rice bowls, or just want a delicious snack? These Ramen Eggs (味付け煮卵) are packed with umami and have that perfect jammy yolk. The best part? They’re super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal effort, maximum flavor – Just marinate and wait!
  • Versatile – Perfect for ramen, rice bowls, or even as a snack.
  • Customizable – Adjust the marinade time for your preferred flavor intensity.
  • Protein-packed – A great source of protein and healthy fats.

Health Benefits

  • High in Protein: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
  • Rich in Vitamins & Minerals: They contain vitamin B12, riboflavin, selenium, and choline, which support brain function, metabolism, and overall health.
  • Good for Eye Health: Eggs are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that promote eye health and reduce the risk of age-related vision problems.
  • Boosts Energy: With a balance of protein and healthy fats, ajitama provides long-lasting energy.

Key Ingredients

  • Soy Sauce (醤油) – Adds umami depth and saltiness.
  • Mirin (みりん) – A slightly sweet rice wine that enhances flavor.
  • Sugar (砂糖) – Balances out the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
  • Eggs – The star of the show, soft-boiled to perfection!

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh eggs for the best taste and texture.
  • Peeling hack: Roll the egg gently on a hard surface before peeling to avoid cracks.
  • Re-use the marinade for another batch of eggs or even as a dipping sauce!

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Pour into a ziplock bag or airtight container.
Step 2. Poke a small hole with a needle or thumbtack in the rounded bottom end of the eggs.
Note: Be careful not to insert it too deeply—you don’t want to pierce the yolk.
Step 3. Fill a pot with plenty of water and add a splash of vinegar (this helps make peeling easier). Bring the water to a boil, then gently add the eggs straight from the refrigerator.
Soft-boiled: 6 minutes 30 seconds – 7 minutes
Medium-boiled: 8 – 9 minutes
Hard-boiled: 10 minutes or more
Once done, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool, then peel them carefully.
Step 4. Peel the cooled eggs and place them in the marinade. Seal the bag or put them into a jar and let it sit in the refrigerator for half a day to 24 hours.
For a mild flavor, 6–12 hours is enough.
For a stronger taste, leave them for a full day.
Tip: Roll the eggs occasionally to ensure even marination.
Step 5. Once marinated, your eggs are ready! Slice them open and enjoy that beautiful golden yolk. Best for ramen & rice bowls – A full day of marination gives the most flavor.
As a snack – 12–20 hours works best for a milder taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I marinate for longer than 24 hours? It’s possible, but the eggs will become very salty. If marinating longer, dilute the soy sauce with water.

Can I make these without mirin? Yes! Substitute mirin with a mix of sugar and water.

How long do they last in the fridge? About 3–4 days, but they’re so delicious, they won’t last that long!

Ramen Eggs (Ajitama,Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs,味玉)

Ingredients (For 6 Eggs)

  • 6 large eggs
  • 60cc (1/4 cup) soy sauce
  • 60cc (1/4 cup) mirin
  • 6g sugar
  • Vinegar (for boiling)

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Laddle
  • Ziploc or jar

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Pour into a ziplock bag or airtight container.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

Poke a small hole with a needle or thumbtack in the rounded bottom end of the eggs.

Note: Be careful not to insert it too deeply—you don’t want to pierce the yolk.

Step3: Boil the Eggs

Fill a pot with plenty of water and add a splash of vinegar (this helps make peeling easier). Bring the water to a boil, then gently add the eggs straight from the refrigerator.

  • Soft-boiled: 6 minutes 30 seconds – 7 minutes
  • Medium-boiled: 8 – 9 minutes
  • Hard-boiled: 10 minutes or more

Once done, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool, then peel them carefully.

Step 3: Marinate the Eggs

Peel the cooled eggs and place them in the marinade. Seal the bag or put them into a jar and let it sit in the refrigerator for half a day to 24 hours.

  • For a mild flavor, 6–12 hours is enough.
  • For a stronger taste, leave them for a full day.

Tip: Roll the eggs occasionally to ensure even marination.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Once marinated, your eggs are ready! Slice them open and enjoy that beautiful golden yolk.

  • Best for ramen & rice bowls – A full day of marination gives the most flavor.
  • As a snack – 12–20 hours works best for a milder taste.

Note

  • Use fresh eggs for the best taste and texture.
  • Peeling hack: Roll the egg gently on a hard surface before peeling to avoid cracks.
  • Cooling the eggs quickly after boiling makes peeling easier.
  • For a stronger flavor, marinate the eggs longer.
  • Re-use the marinade as a dipping sauce!

These Japanese Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs are an easy way to bring authentic flavors to your meals. Try them in ramen, over rice, or just enjoy them on their own. Let me know if you give this recipe a try! 🍳✨