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Steamed Egg (Gyeran Jjim) cooked with Microwave

These steamed eggs are a perfect quick side dish, ready in minutes with just a microwave. They’re light, savoury, and incredibly comforting.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: korean
Calories: 140
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup 120ml water or broth (chicken or anchovy broth works great for more flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • Pinch of black pepper optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil optional, for flavor
  • Chopped green onions or chives for garnish, optional

Method
 

  1. Whisk the eggs: In a microwave-safe bowl (about 2-3 cups in size), whisk the eggs until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy.
  2. Add liquids and seasonings: Gradually pour in the water or broth, whisking continuously. Add the salt, pepper.
  3. Strain (optional, but recommended for a smoother texture): For an extra smooth custard, pass the egg mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another microwave-safe bowl. This removes any unmixed egg whites or air bubbles.
  4. Microwave: Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid, leaving a small vent. Microwave on medium power (500–600W) for about 2–3 minutes.
  5. Check and continue: If it's still very liquidly, continue microwaving on 50% power in 30-second to 1-minute intervals until the edges are set and the centre is mostly firm but still slightly jiggly. The total cooking time will vary depending on your microwave's wattage and the size of your bowl, usually ranging from 3-5 minutes.
  6. Rest and serve: Once cooked, let the steamed egg rest in the microwave for 1 minute to finish setting. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives and drizzle a few drops of sesame oil before serving warm.

Notes

  • Low and Slow: Cooking at 50% power prevents the eggs from becoming rubbery or erupting.
  • Don't Overcook: Overcooked eggs can become tough. It's better to undercook slightly and let it finish setting with residual heat.
  • Customize: Feel free to add a tiny bit of chopped carrots, mushrooms, or other finely diced vegetables for extra flavour and texture. Just make sure they are very small pieces so they cook through quickly.