Creating ‘Gamdongran’ – Life-Changing Soft-Boiled Eggs
How to Make Moist and Tender Soft-Boiled Eggs at Home That Are Tastier Than Convenience Store Eggs
Enjoy ‘Gamdongran’, a perfect snack for before your workout or even as a delicious side dish for meals! Making them at home results in a softness and deep flavor that surpasses store-bought eggs. This guide will walk you through the secrets of perfectly boiling eggs to a soft-boiled consistency and preparing a flavorful brine. Let’s get started step-by-step!
Perfect Soft-Boiled Eggs- 3 fresh eggs
- Water (enough to cover eggs)
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
Gamdongran Brine- Water (enough to submerge eggs by 2/3 in a container)
- 8 Tbsp coarse salt
- Water (enough to submerge eggs by 2/3 in a container)
- 8 Tbsp coarse salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Fill a pot with enough water to completely cover the eggs. Add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. The salt and vinegar help make the eggshells easier to peel and prevent the contents from leaking out if the shell cracks. Carefully place the 3 prepared eggs into the water.
Step 2
Now for the crucial step: boiling the soft-boiled eggs. Start with cold water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water begins to boil vigorously, reduce the heat to medium and continue boiling for a total of 10 minutes. This timing is the golden ratio that determines the perfect moist yolk and tender white, so be sure to follow it closely.
Step 3
Once the eggs are done boiling, immediately remove them from the hot water and place them in a bowl of ice-cold water to cool thoroughly. This sudden temperature change helps prevent the residual heat from continuing to cook the inside of the egg, ensuring they remain perfectly soft-boiled.
Step 4
It’s time to prepare the brine that gives ‘Gamdongran’ its signature flavor. In an airtight container (like a Lock & Lock box), pour enough clean water so that the boiled eggs will be submerged by at least two-thirds of their height. Make sure to use drinking water for this step.
Step 5
Add 8 tablespoons of coarse salt to the prepared water. Stir continuously with chopsticks or a ladle until the salt is completely dissolved. Creating a sufficiently concentrated saltwater solution is key for the eggs to absorb the flavor and develop a rich taste.
Step 6
Once the saltwater is fully dissolved, carefully place the cooled boiled eggs into the brine. Close the lid tightly and refrigerate for one day (approximately 24 hours) to let them cure. As time passes, the salt will penetrate the egg whites through osmosis, infusing them with delicious flavor, while the yolks become even more moist and tender.
Step 7
The next day, after a full day of curing in the refrigerator, take out the eggs and peel them. You’ll be amazed at the transformation! The shells should peel off very easily, revealing a glossy and appetizing soft-boiled egg inside.
Step 8
Voila! Your incredibly delicious ‘Gamdongran’ is ready, boasting a wonderfully soft texture and a deep, savory flavor. They are delicious eaten on their own, or can be a fantastic addition to salads and sandwiches.
