Korean Stone-Baked Eggs (Maekbanseok Gyeran)
Perfectly Chewy Stone-Baked Eggs Made in an Electric Rice Cooker: A Healthy Late-Night Snack!
Experience the signature chewy and savory texture of ‘maekbanseok gyeran,’ a beloved snack from Korean jjimjilbangs (saunas), right in your own home! This recipe uses a simple electric rice cooker method to achieve that delightful texture. Enjoy a healthy and satisfying treat with no artificial additives.
Ingredients- 8 large eggs
- 500ml water
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (approx. 1/3 standard Korean cup)
- A little extra coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by gently washing the eggs under cool running water. Carefully place the washed eggs into your electric rice cooker pot, ensuring they don’t bump or crack against each other.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt into 500ml of water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved. This briny water will help fortify the eggshells and impart a subtle, delicious flavor.
Step 3
Gently pour the salted water over the eggs in the rice cooker pot. The water should mostly cover the eggs. If some eggs float significantly above the water line, you can adjust the water volume slightly or sprinkle a bit more coarse salt directly onto the exposed part of the eggshells for an even better crust.
Step 4
Close the lid of your rice cooker and select the ‘Multi-cook’ or ‘Steam’ function. Set the cooking time for 1 hour and 20 minutes. If your cooker doesn’t have a specific steam function, you can try using the ‘Quick Cook’ white rice setting and adjust the steaming duration accordingly.
Step 5
Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully drain the hot water from the rice cooker – be cautious of the steam! Remove the eggs and immediately place them in a bowl of cold water for about 5 minutes. This chilling step helps to stop the cooking process and makes the shells easier to peel, resulting in a wonderfully firm and springy texture.
Step 6
Your delicious, chewy Korean stone-baked eggs are ready! Enjoy them as they are, or with a pinch of extra salt or a drizzle of soy sauce to your liking. They make a fantastic, healthy snack or light meal for the whole family!
