Japanese Marinated Eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago)
Discover the secret to making the best japanese marinated eggs! It's a simple recipe that adds savory flavors to your ramen dishes. Give it a try!

look into into Deliciousness: Japanese Marinated Eggs
Oh my gosh, if you're a fan of ramen, you have to try japanese marinated eggs. these little gems are typically found floating in your favorite ramen bowl, and trust me, they add an incredible jammy yolk to every bite.
The sweet and savory soy sauce marinade just takes them to another level! seriously, who knew eggs could be so fancy?
A Little Background
So, what’s the deal with these marinated beauties? known as ajitsuke tamago , they’re not just an afterthought in your meal.
Historically, they were a clever method to preserve eggs, but nowadays, they're a staple in japanese cuisine and one of the good japanese food recipes you’ll want to add to your rotation! making these is a breeze—they're easy and only take about 1 hour to whip up, including some chill time in the fridge.
Plus, this recipe yields four marinated eggs, which is perfect for sharing with friends—or keeping all to yourself. no judgment!
Why You'll Love Them
First off, the nutritional highlight : these bad boys pack in about 7 grams of protein per egg. boom! need a simple dish for a gathering? serve these up and watch everyone swoon.
They're a fantastic addition to cozy ramen nights or just as a snack on their own. what makes them special? it’s that luscious, soft-boiled center.
You know, the kind that perfectly balances just enough firmness with that dreamy, oozy yolk. it’s honestly hard not to fall in love with them!
In no time, you'll figure out how to make soft boiled eggs for ramen that will have everyone asking, “Wait, how did you do that?”
Ready to Get Cooking?
Before we dive into the ingredients, let me tell you: the first time i made these japanese marinated eggs, i felt like a culinary rockstar! and yes, i totally took a bunch of pictures—because who wouldn’t want to showcase their ramen boiled egg game? just remember, the key is timing—get that boiling spot on, and you’ll be golden.
Keep reading, because you’re about to level up your egg game and learn just how to make a ramen egg that’ll steal the show at dinner!
Japanese Marinated Eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago) Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
🥄 Instructions:
- Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a boil.
- Gently add eggs and boil for 6-8 minutes for a jammy yolk. For best results, cook for 7 minutes.
- While the eggs are boiling, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water.
- Once cooked, transfer the eggs to the ice bath and let them cool for at least 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and water until the sugar dissolves.
- Gently tap the cooled eggs on a hard surface and peel them under running water.
- Place peeled eggs in an airtight container and pour the marinade over the top.
- Ensure the eggs are fully submerged and seal the container.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Ingredients & Equipment for Japanese Marinated Eggs
Oh my gosh, if you're diving into the world of japanese marinated eggs (or ajitsuke tamago, which sounds super fancy, right?), you need to gather some simple ingredients and equipment first.
Let's break this down to make it easy-peasy!
Main Ingredients
To whip up these clay-perfect Ramen Soft Boiled Eggs, you’ll need:
- 4 large eggs (about 240g ) – Look for eggs that are fresh; check the sell-by date and go for those with clean shells.
- For the marinade:
- ¼ cup soy sauce ( 60ml ) – Use a good quality brand; it makes a difference!
- 2 tablespoons mirin ( 30ml ) – Sweet and sticky! If you can’t find this, a mix of rice vinegar and sugar will do the trick.
- 1 tablespoon sugar ( 12g ) – Just your regular granulated sugar works here.
- 1 tablespoon water ( 15ml ) – This just helps balance the flavors.
These simple ingredients are the backbone of your desired Ramen Boiled Egg experience.
Seasoning Notes
Now, the magic lies in how you choose to season it!
Essential spice combinations: while for this recipe you might not need tons of spices, you can kick it up a notch with a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you're feeling adventurous.
Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: You might consider adding ginger or garlic to the marinade for a bit more pep. But be careful, as a little goes a long way!
Quick Substitution Options: If you're out of soy sauce, tamari works perfectly for a gluten-free swap. And if you're missing mirin, don’t sweat it—just use that rice vinegar & sugar combo.
Equipment Needed
Let’s not forget the tools you need to make all this magic happen! You will want to gather:
- A medium saucepan for boiling your eggs.
- A bowl for ice water to stop the cooking process. Super important, trust me!
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements.
- An airtight container to soak those bad boys in the marinade.
So, i've gotta say, this moment of prepping? it's like a cooking warm-up! these japanese marinated eggs will take your ramen to places it’s never been.
Seriously, once you taste them, you’ll be asking, “how to make soft boiled eggs for ramen?” every week!
From my own kitchen experiences, the first time I tried making Ramen Eggs, I accidentally overcooked 'em—so not fun. But hey, that's how you learn, right? Anyway, gather your gear, and let’s get cookin’!

Mastering Japanese Marinated Eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago)
Oh my gosh, if you've never had japanese marinated eggs , you're in for a real treat! these little beauties, often found as toppings in ramen bowls, are like a flavor explosion in your mouth.
Seriously, that jammy yolk mixed with a sweet-soy marinade? total game changer! let’s dive into this easy-peasy recipe so you can whip up your own and elevate your ramen game.
Prep Steps: Get Ready to Cook
First things first— mise en place is your new best friend. Gather up 4 large eggs, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and water. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not fumbling around!
Now, let’s talk organization. set up a bowl of ice water for after your eggs boil. trust me, this little prep move saves time and keeps your eggs from overcooking.
Safety reminder: when boiling the eggs, gently drop them in to avoid cracks. no one wants egg soup, you know?
Step-by-Step Process: Let’s Cook!
Boil the eggs: fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a boil . once it’s bubbling, gently toss in those eggs and let them cook for 6- 8 minutes .
For that perfect jammy yolk, aim for 7 minutes .
Ice bath time: while the eggs are boiling, get your ice bath ready. when time's up, carefully transfer the eggs into the ice water for at least 5 minutes .
This stops the cooking process and makes peeling easier!
Whip up the marinade: in a bowl, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce , 2 tablespoons mirin , 1 tablespoon sugar , and 1 tablespoon water .
Mix it until the sugar dissolves.
Peel the Eggs: Tap each egg gently on a hard surface and peel them under running water. It’s a trick I learned that makes this part way easier!
Marinate the Eggs: Place the peeled eggs in an airtight container and pour that delicious marinade over them. Make sure they’re drenched—add extra water if needed.
Chill Out: Seal it up and let those babies sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . If you can wait until the next day, you'll be rewarded with even deeper flavor!
Pro Tips: Cook Like a Pro!
Want to know a few shortcuts? For a less salty bite, dilute that soy sauce with a tad more water or go low-sodium! And if you’re feeling bold, toss in some sriracha to spice things up!
Now, don’t make the rookie mistake of boiling too long. if you want the yolks a bit softer, shave off a minute.
Plus, consider making extra—you can throw them on salads or rice bowls throughout the week. just think about how amazing that will be!
So there you have it! making ajitsuke tamago , or ramen boiled eggs , is not just easy—it's downright fun.
Next time you're slurping up some ramen, you can say, "i can totally do this!" give it a shot; your taste buds will thank you!
Recipe Notes for Japanese Marinated Eggs
Serving Suggestions to Impress
Alright, let’s talk plating and presentation! those japanese marinated eggs deserve a moment in the spotlight. after marinating, cut them in half to showcase that beautiful, jammy yolk.
Place them on a bowl of steaming ramen like they were born to fit right in. you could even add a sprinkle of green onions or some sesame seeds for that extra oomph.
And if you're thinking about sides, how about a fresh cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar? it’s like a refreshing hug for your taste buds after slurping your ramen.
Also, don't forget a slosh of light soy sauce or maybe even a chilled glass of sake—because, why not?
Smart Storage Tips
Now, if you’re not devouring these beauties right away, here are some quick storage tips. these eggs can hang out in the fridge for up to a week in that tasty marinade.
Just keep them sealed tight in an airtight container.
If you want to prep ahead, you could freeze these bad boys—though i usually recommend sticking to the fridge for maximum flavor.
If you go the freezing route, make sure they’re fully submerged in the marinade. when you’re ready to devour them again, just thaw in the fridge overnight and they’ll be good to go.
For reheating, i say stick them in warm water for a minute, just to get everything cozy again.
Fun Variations
Feeling adventurous? let’s spice things up a bit! for a twist on these ramen soft-boiled eggs , try adding a splash of sriracha to your marinade for a kick.
Or if you love fresh herbs, toss in some cilantro or basil for a fragrant, leafy vibe.
If you’re keeping it seasonal, summer is a perfect time to swap in some fresh tomatoes from the garden. Slice them up and toss them in the marinade as well!
Nutrition Basics Without the Jargon
Now, let’s keep it simple. each ramen boiled egg has about 90 calories with 7 grams of protein. they’re a solid little pick-me-up, plus the soy sauce gives you a punch of flavor without a ton of calories.
The health benefits ? they’re packed with nutrients and protein.
They help you feel full and satisfied, plus that yolk? It’s got healthy fats and vitamins. So, when you pop one of these on your next ramen bowl, you’re not just adding flavor; you’re boosting your meal!
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it, friends! from how to make soft boiled eggs for ramen to some quick and easy storage tips, you’re all set to dive into the delicious world of ajitsuke tamago .
This dish is not only about the taste but the joy of sharing something uniquely japanese with a twist of your own.
Get in your kitchen, whip up your marinade, and enjoy every delectable bite. you got this! happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions
What are Japanese marinated eggs and how do you make them?
Japanese marinated eggs, or Ajitsuke Tamago, are soft-boiled eggs soaked in a flavorful soy sauce marinade. To make them, simply boil eggs for 6-8 minutes, cool them in ice water, peel, and marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and water for at least 30 minutes—though longer marinating enhances the flavor!
How long should I marinate the eggs for the best taste?
For a nice flavour, marinate the Japanese marinated eggs for at least 30 minutes. However, if time allows, letting them sit in the marinade for 2-4 hours or even overnight will result in a deeper, richer flavour profile. It's a bit like a good cuppa—you just want to give it time to steep!
Can I store the marinated eggs, and if so, how?
Yes, you can store your Japanese marinated eggs in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for around 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep. Just ensure they're fully submerged in the marinade to keep them fresh!
What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
There are lots of fun twists you can add to your Japanese marinated eggs! Try making spicy Ajitsuke Tamago by adding sriracha to the marinade or infusing it with herbs like cilantro. If you're feeling adventurous, a dash of sesame oil adds a lovely nutty flavour!
Are Japanese marinated eggs healthy?
Absolutely! Japanese marinated eggs are a great source of protein, with about 7g per egg. They do have a bit of sodium from the soy sauce, so if you're watching your salt intake, consider using low-sodium soy sauce or diluting it with water. Plus, they’re low in carbs, making them a great addition to a balanced diet!
What should I serve with my Japanese marinated eggs?
Japanese marinated eggs are a fantastic topping for ramen, adding a creamy texture and umami flavour. They also pair wonderfully with steamed rice, cucumber salad, or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack. Think of them as the cheeky cherry on top of your Japanese culinary adventure!
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