Gyeranjjim (Korean Steamed Egg)

Gyeranjjim (Korean Steamed Egg)

Korean steamed egg — beaten egg blended with stock and gently steamed in an earthenware pot until soft and puffed. Served bubbling at the table, it's a universally loved everyday side.

Ingredients

2servings
  • Eggs4
  • Water or stock · about 1.5x the eggs; anchovy stock is better1 cup
  • Green onion · finely sliced0.3 stalk
  • Carrot · finely diced, optional1 tbsp
  • Salted shrimp · or salt1 tsp
  • Sesame oil · to finish0.5 tsp
  • Sesame seeds · garnish

Steps

  1. Beat the eggs smooth, mix with the water (or anchovy stock), and pass through a sieve. Season with salted shrimp.

    ⏲ 2 min
  2. Pour into an earthenware pot (ttukbaegi) over medium-low heat. Stir for the first 1-2 minutes so the bottom doesn't stick.

    ⏲ 2 min
  3. When the edges start to set into soft curds, add the diced carrot and green onion and cover with a lid.

    ⏲ 1 min
  4. Cook on low 5-7 minutes until the center sets soft and it puffs up. Keep the heat low throughout.

    ⏲ 7 min
  5. Turn off the heat, drizzle with sesame oil, sprinkle sesame seeds, and serve in the pot while still bubbling.

Tips & Variations

Variations

  • Pot/microwave: In a bowl, steam it or microwave (stirring partway) for an easy version.
  • Myeongnan: Add pollock roe for a savory, salty kick.
  • Cheese: Melt cheese on top at the end.
  • Japanese chawanmushi: Use more stock for a smooth, pudding-like custard.

Tips

  • 1.5x water (stock) to eggs is the golden ratio — too little is dense, too much won't set.
  • Sieving the egg makes it smooth and silky.
  • Low heat plus a lid is the secret to a puffy, moist result; high heat makes holes.
  • Season with salted shrimp for the best umami.
  • The earthenware holds a lot of carryover heat, so you can cut the heat while it's slightly underset.

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