Breakfast
How to Make a Classic Korean Egg Drop Sandwich Recipe
The Korean egg drop sandwich is a delicious and unique spin on a classic egg sandwich. This flavorful sandwich originates from Korean street food carts and has become popular around the world for its light, fluffy egg texture contrasted with crunchy vegetables. The egg mixture is gently scrambled on a griddle or pan to create pillowy curds that perfectly fill a sandwich. Unlike other heavier egg sandwiches, the Korean style focuses on airy eggs rather than dense slices or fried eggs. This sandwich is commonly enjoyed for breakfast or lunch, and can be customized with various toppings and condiments. Let’s learn how to make this beloved Korean street food at home!
Table content
- What Makes the Korean Egg Drop Sandwich Special
- Origins of the Iconic Sandwich
- Enjoying This Sandwich Korean Style
- Essential Ingredients for Korean Egg Drop Sandwich
- How to Make Korean Egg Drop Sandwich Recipe
- Assembling the Perfect Sandwich
- Best Practices for Serving and Eating
- Conclusion: Korean Egg Drop Sandwich Recipe
- Korean Egg Drop Sandwich Recipe
What Makes the Korean Egg Drop Sandwich Special
The Korean egg drop sandwich stands out for its:
- Fluffy, custard-like scrambled egg filling
- Sweet and tangy flavors from ingredients like mirin, sesame oil, and gochujang
- Satisfying contrast of airy eggs and crispy vegetables
- Customizable toppings and condiments
- Portable size perfect for breakfast or lunch
The gentle scrambling method produces light curds rather than rubbery scrambled eggs. The sweet and spicy Korean flavors also differentiate this sandwich from plainer American breakfast sandwiches. While you can enjoy a Korean egg drop sandwich anytime, it’s especially beloved as an easy weekday breakfast or midday bite.
Origins of the Iconic Sandwich
The Korean egg drop sandwich traces back to street food carts and food stalls throughout Korea. Vendors would grill up freshly scrambled eggs and tuck them into soft bread along with crunchy cabbage kimchi and spicy gochujang sauce. The sandwiches quickly became a popular everyday food for locals looking for a quick, satisfying bite.
As Korean pop culture and cuisine spread internationally, so did the beloved egg drop sandwich. The simple but flavorful sandwich is now commonly served as street food and in cafes far beyond Korea. It’s a staple example of fun and tasty Korean street eats.
Enjoying This Sandwich Korean Style
There are many ways to enjoy a Korean style egg drop sandwich:
- As a handheld breakfast sandwich
- With a side of kimchi for contrast
- Dipped in or drizzled with gochujang sauce
- Topped with sesame seeds and green onions
- Nestled in a soft milk bread bun
- Paired with coffee or tea
- Made into a sandwich wrap
- Garnished with cucumbers and carrots
As you’ll see, the basic ingredients are endlessly adaptable to create your perfect Korean egg drop sandwich experience. Now let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients for Korean Egg Drop Sandwich
Making an authentic Korean egg drop sandwich at home is easy with just a few key ingredients:
For the Egg Mixture
- Eggs: The base of the fluffy egg mixture.
- Mirin: Sweet Japanese rice wine that adds glossiness and flavor.
- Sesame oil: Nutty, aromatic oil that boosts the egg flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Seasons the egg mixture.
For Serving
- Bread: Soft white bread or milk bread are typical.
- Lettuce: Crisp lettuce adds crunch.
- Kimchi: Traditional sour and spicy cabbage kimchi.
- Gochujang: Sweet, smoky Korean red chili paste.
Optional Toppings
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Cabbage
- Bacon
You likely have most of the core ingredients on hand. Customize with your favorite toppings!
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t have an exact ingredient on hand? Try these substitutions:
- No mirin? Use 1 tsp sugar and 1 tsp rice vinegar per 1 tbsp mirin.
- No sesame oil? Substitute olive, vegetable, or avocado oil.
- No gochujang? Mix sriracha, honey, and sesame oil.
- No kimchi? Swap for coleslaw or sautéed cabbage.
How to Make Korean Egg Drop Sandwich Recipe
The egg mixture technique is key for making Korean egg drop sandwiches. Follow these tips:
1. Beat the Eggs
- Crack 3-4 eggs into a bowl
- Add 1 tbsp mirin and 1 tsp sesame oil
- Beat well until evenly combined into a light yellow liquid
2. Cook the Eggs
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat
- Pour the egg mixture into the pan
- Use a spatula to gently push, lift, and fold the eggs as they cook
- Cook until large, soft curds form but the eggs are still moist
3. Remove From Heat
- Take off heat once eggs look airy but slightly undercooked
- The eggs will continue cooking from residual heat
- You want to preserve the soft, pillowy texture
Perfectly scrambled eggs for this sandwich should be soft, fluffy, and moist. Be gentle when folding them in the pan to achieve the right consistency.
Assembling the Perfect Sandwich
Building a tasty Korean egg drop sandwich is easy with good technique:
- Toast your bread to start with a nice crunch
- Spread a thin layer of gochujang on one slice
- Top the gochujang side with kimchi and egg mixture
- Add any other desired toppings like lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers
- Finish with the other slice of toasted bread
- Cut in half and secure with toothpicks if needed
Tips
- Don’t skimp on the egg mixture – it’s the star!
- Add toppings in layers for best results
- Spread gochujang and mayo thinly to avoid a soggy sandwich
- Press gently so fillings stick together neatly
Feel free to customize your sandwich with more veggies, cheese, meat or sauce. Now let’s eat!
Best Practices for Serving and Eating
Here are some tips for enjoying your freshly made Korean egg drop sandwiches:
- Serve warm – the contrasts of temperatures and textures is delicious
- Pair with kimchi or quick vegetable pickles
- Dip or drizzle with more gochujang or mayo
- Have napkins ready – these tend to be messy, fun handheld bites!
- Enjoy with green tea, coffee, or juice
- Add a side salad or fruit for a filling meal
- Pack in lunchboxes or wrap in foil for easy portability
Customize your meal by:
- Topping with sesame seeds and green onion
- Serving on sesame bread for nutty flavor
- Adding spicy kimchi or bacon
- Spreading with garlic mayo instead of gochujang
- Pairing with tater tots or potato salad
However you choose to enjoy them, Korean egg drop sandwiches make a craveworthy breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner!
Conclusion: Korean Egg Drop Sandwich Recipe
The beloved Korean egg drop sandwich is a quick, tasty meal that’s perfect any time of day. The sweet and spicy Korean flavors combined with a fluffy egg filling make this street food sandwich hard to resist. This approachable recipe can easily be customized to your tastes. Best of all, you can now make this dish at home to enjoy anytime. Crispy, crunchy, sweet, spicy, and savory – the Korean egg drop sandwich truly has it all. What are you waiting for? Get scrambling and make this pan-fried delight to treat yourself today.
Ingredients
- Bread: Thick, soft white bread like brioche or Texas toast is preferred (typically 2 slices).
- Eggs: Use high-quality eggs for the best flavor (typically 2-3 eggs).
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but low-fat or non-dairy milk can be used (typically 1-2 tablespoons).
- Butter: Salted butter is recommended for extra flavor, but unsalted butter can work too (typically 1 tablespoon).
- Cheese: Sliced cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but other cheeses like mozzarella or swiss can be used (typically 1-2 slices).
- Optional Ingredients:
- Ham or Bacon: Sliced ham or bacon adds protein and savory flavor (optional, 1-2 slices).
- Honey Garlic Butter: A spread made with butter, honey, and garlic powder adds a touch of sweetness and savory garlicky flavor (optional).
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and tang (optional, 1-2 tablespoons).
- Sriracha Mayo: A mixture of mayonnaise and sriracha hot sauce adds a spicy kick (optional, 1-2 tablespoons).
- Vegetables: Thinly sliced vegetables like lettuce, tomato, or onion can be added for freshness and crunch (optional).
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Toast the bread in a pan over medium heat until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, toast the bread in a toaster.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper (optional).
- Cook the Eggs (Optional - Ham/Bacon):
- If using ham or bacon (optional), heat a separate pan over medium heat. Add the ham or bacon and cook until crispy. Set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan used for toasting the bread (or a clean pan), melt a knob of butter over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and gently stir with a spatula to form soft scrambled eggs. Don't overcook the eggs, they should be slightly wet.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place a slice of cheese on one toasted bread slice. Top with the scrambled eggs. Add any optional ingredients like cooked ham/bacon, vegetables, or a drizzle of honey garlic butter. Spread sriracha mayo or mayonnaise on the other toasted bread slice (if using). Top the sandwich with the dressed bread slice.
- Optional Chill (for a Finer Texture): For a neater presentation and a firmer egg texture, you can wrap the assembled sandwich in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Bread Options: While thick, soft white bread is traditional, you can experiment with other breads like challah or potato rolls.
- Egg Doneness: The goal is for the eggs to be cooked through but still slightly wet for a richer flavor and texture.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sriracha mayo to your preferred spice level.
- Honey Garlic Butter: To make honey garlic butter, simply cream together softened butter with honey and garlic powder.
- Variations: Get creative with your fillings! You can add kimchi, avocado slices, or a fried egg for a different flavor profile.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the sandwich in half diagonally and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Korean Egg Drop Sandwich Recipe
Serves: 1-2 servings
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 sandwich
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 450-700 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 25-40g | 38.5% | |
| Saturated Fat 10-20g | 50% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 250-350mg | 83.3% | |
| Sodium 500-800mg | 20.8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 40-60g | 13.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2-4g | 8% | |
| Sugars 5-10g | ||
| Protein 20-30g | ||
| Vitamin A 400-600 IU | Vitamin C Trace | |
| Calcium 200-400mg | Iron 4-6mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Vietnamese food recipe
Hello! I’m Christine Ha – a food nerd in love with eating, cooking, photography, science, and culture.
Vietnamese food was always on the table when I was a kid, but I didn’t really care for it until my late teens (what a waste!). I was a super picky eater and mostly just wanted fast food. Somewhere down the line I flipped a switch, and now home-cooked food is something I appreciate so much more. ⮕About me