Table of Contents

- Korean Rolled Omelette: “Gyeran Mari” – A Flavorful Twist with Myeongran and Cheese

- Recipe - Ryu Soo-young’s “Gyeran Mari” (계란말이, Korean Rolled Omelet)

Cooking Video

Main Ingredients

Seasoning

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Nutritional Benefits of “Gyeran Mari”

- The Origins of “Gyeran Mari”

- Final Thought

[Appendix] Translated Video Script

Gyeran-Mari-Bright-Yellow-Rolled-Omelette-Close-Up-on-a-White-Plate-with-Ketchup-Photo-Credit-Flickr-Wany-Bae
Gyeran Mari [Photo Credit] Flickr, Wany Bae
 

Korean Rolled Omelette: “Gyeran Mari” – A Flavorful Twist with Myeongran and Cheese

Korean cuisine contains comforting, home-cooked dishes that highlight simple ingredients with deep flavors. One of the most beloved side dishes, 계란말이 (Gyeran Mari), or Korean rolled omelette, is a classic banchan (side dish) found in home-cooked meals, lunch boxes, and even Korean restaurants. This soft and savory egg roll is delicious and visually appealing with its neatly folded layers. Today, we’re taking it to the next level with myeongran (salted pollock roe) and cheese, adding a rich, umami-filled depth to this traditional dish.

 

Recipe - Ryu Soo-young’s “Giant Gyeran Mari” (대왕계란말이, Giant Rolled Omelette)

📺 Video - Ryu Soo-young’s “Giant Gyeran Mari”, New Release, Pyeon Restaurant

[Source] YouTube, KBS Entertain


🛒 Main Ingredients

- 15 eggs

- 2 pieces of myeongran (salted pollock roe)

- 2 slices of cheddar cheese

- Green onions or scallions

- Cooking oil

 

⚖️ Seasoning

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- A pinch of black pepper

- A moderate amount of sesame seeds

- A little sesame oil

- A moderate amount of fine red pepper powder

 

📖 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

① Finely chop the green onions or scallions and set them aside.

② Whisk together 15 eggs, one tablespoon of sugar, a pinch of black pepper, and some sesame seeds in a mixing bowl. (Video reference: 1:40 mark)

③ Heat a pan over low heat and lightly grease it with cooking oil.

④ Pour half of the egg mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.

⑤ Place the myeongran and cheddar cheese on top, then carefully roll it up.

⑥ Pour the remaining egg mixture into the pan and continue rolling the omelette. (Video reference: 3:40 mark)

⑦ Cook all four sides evenly until the golden brown omelet is fully set.

⑧ Once done, cut the rolled omelette into bite-sized pieces.

⑨ Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and fine red pepper powder. (Video reference: 5:15 mark)

 

🍽️ Enjoying the Dish

This recipe elevates the classic gyeran mari by adding myeongran and cheese, giving it a more prosperous, savory flavor. It's perfect as a side dish for rice or a drink snack.

For the best experience, place a piece of the rolled omelette on a spoonful of warm rice and enjoy the harmony of flavors!

 

📌 Cooking Tips

It is important to cook the egg mixture slowly over low heat with patience while shaping it.

 

🐾 You can purchase all the ingredients and seasonings at a Korean market.

 

- If you need, please read and refer to the following post introducing Korean ingredients and seasonings.

 

🔖 The Ultimate Guide to Korean Seasonings and Sauces for Home Cooks

 

Nutritional Benefits of “Gyeran Mari”

Gyeran Mari is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Let’s break down its main ingredients and their nutritional benefits:

 

Main Ingredients & Their Benefits

- Eggs (계란, 15 pieces): A great source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. Eggs support muscle growth and provide long-lasting energy.

- Myeongran (백명란, two pieces): This salted pollock roe is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and brain function. It also adds a naturally salty and umami-packed flavor.

- Cheese (체다 슬라이스, two pieces): A good source of calcium and protein, cheese adds creaminess and balances the savory taste of myeongran.

- Green onions (대파/쪽파): Packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins, green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and help with digestion.

 

Seasoning & Their Benefits

- Sugar (설탕, 1 tbsp): A small amount of sugar balances the flavors, enhancing the overall taste.

- Pepper (후춧가루): Provides a mild spice while boosting metabolism.

- Sesame seeds (통깨): Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, sesame seeds enhance flavor and nutrition.

- Sesame oil (참기름): Adds a deep, nutty aroma while providing heart-healthy fats.

- Fine red pepper powder (고운 고춧가루): Adds a touch of spice while promoting better circulation and digestion.

This dish is a nutrient powerhouse, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or a healthy side dish!

 

The Origins of “Gyeran Mari”

Korean rolled omelette, Gyeran Mari, has long been a staple in Korean cuisine, particularly in dosirak (Korean lunchboxes). While simple egg-based dishes have existed for centuries, modern-style Gyeran Mari became more common during the 20th century when the Japanese Tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette) influenced Korean home cooking. However, unlike Tamagoyaki, which is often sweet and made with dashi (Japanese broth), Gyeran Mari uses fillings like ham, vegetables, seaweed, and spicy ingredients to enhance its flavor.

This recipe’s twist—myeongran and cheese—is a modern adaptation inspired by Korea’s love for rich, umami-packed ingredients. Myeongran (salted pollock roe) is widely used in Korean cuisine, often paired with butter, rice, and pasta. Combined with eggs and cheese, it creates an incredible depth of flavor, making this version of Gyeran Mari a must-try for traditionalists and adventurous food lovers!

 

Final Thoughts

Gyeran Mari is a comforting and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a quick breakfast, a flavorful side dish, or even a creative snack, this rolled omelette with myeongran and cheese offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and umami flavors.

If you’ve never tried myeongran before, this is a great introduction! The slightly salty yet rich taste blends beautifully with eggs and cheese, making it an irresistible treat.

Why not give it a try today? Pair it with warm rice or enjoy a beer as a delightful snack. No matter how you eat it, this dish will surely bring a little piece of Korea to your table!



[Appendix] Translated Video Script

I have translated only Ryu Soo-young's dialogue from the cooking session. Please refer to it.

 

🗣️ Transcript Video

🕛 0:00

계란말이 해볼까?

Shall we try making gyeran mari?

계란말이는 손이 많이 가요.

Gyeran mari takes quite a bit of effort.

사실은 맛은 계란찜이나 (계란)말이나 상관이 없는데

Honestly, the taste isn’t much different from steamed eggs or a regular omelette,

빨리 익혀서 계속 뒤집다 보니까 분리되는 경우도 있고 또 마음이 급해서 옆구리가 터지는 경우도 있고

Because you must cook it quickly and keep flipping it, sometimes it falls apart, or if you rush, the sides might split open.

천천히, 아 이렇게 하면 안 익는데 답답해할 정도로 익히면은 시간은 좀 더 들여도 절대 실패하지 않아요.

If you cook it so slowly that you might feel frustrated thinking it's not cooking, it will take a bit longer, but you’ll never fail.

계란을 여기다 풀면 돼요.

You can beat the eggs in here.

이건 바쁘게 막 딴 걸 하고 있어야 돼. (쇼타임)

You have to be busy doing something else while this is cooking. (Showtime!)

바쁘게 뭐 딴 걸 하고 있어야 돼.

You should be multitasking while cooking.

껍질 들어가잖아. 이거 봐. 이러면 껍질 들어가.

Look, the shell goes in. This is what happens when you’re not careful.

아 이러지 마세요. 하지 마세요. (한 손으로 멋부리면서 계란을 까지 마세요)

Oh, don’t do this. Please, don’t. (Don’t try to crack eggs stylishly with one hand!)

잘난 체하시면 안돼요. 껍질 들어가요.

Don’t try to show off—otherwise, you’ll get eggshells in it.

두 손으로 겸손하게

Use both hands humbly.

10개 갖고는 택도 없어요. (10개 가지고는 많이 부족해요.)

Ten eggs aren’t even close to enough. (Ten eggs are far from sufficient.)

, , 여섯, 여덟, , 열 다섯 개, 계란이 열 다섯 개.

Two, four, six, eight, ten, fifteen eggs. That’s fifteen eggs.

호프 집이나 되게 맛집 포차에 가면 나오는 그 거대한 대왕 계란말이를 만들거라서요.

Because we’re making that giant gyeran mari you’d find at a pub or a famous street food stall.

자 여기가 뭘 넣느냐, 일단 여기다가 늘 설탕을 조금 넣어요.

Now, what do we add? First, always add a bit of sugar.

설탕 넣어야 돼요. 요만큼만 넣어요. (1스푼)

You must add sugar. Just this much. (1 spoonful)

설탕을 반드시 넣으세요.

You have to add sugar.

그럼 카스테라 맛이 나요.

That’s what gives it a slightly castella cake-like flavor.

그리고 후추 조금만 돌려주고,

Then, grind a little bit of pepper.

, 오도독, 오도독 씹힐 때마다 맛있다는 생각이 들게 만들어줘요. 깨가

Sesame seeds—every time you bite into them, that crunch makes you think, "Oh, this is delicious."

이렇게 하면 맛있을 거예요. …

This will make it tasty...

음식은 성의(정성)로부터 시작되는 거예요.

Cooking starts with sincerity.

먹을 사람이 어떻게 하면 더 맛있을까? (먹을 사람을 생각하면서 정성을 다해 준비하는 것이 음식이다.)

How can I make this taste even better for the person who will eat it?

자 불이 이렇게 약해요. 처음엔

The heat is this low in the beginning.

이연복 중식대가: 계란 프라이팬이 없네?

Master Chef Lee Yeon-bok: You don’t have a dedicated egg pan?

없어요.

No, I don’t.

계란 프라이만 하려고 따로 사는 게 좀 그래서 아직은 구입 안 했어요.

I haven’t bought one to make eggs—it feels unnecessary now.

이걸 스크램블 하다가 하시는 분들도 있어요.

Some people start by scrambling it.

처음에 이렇게 휘저어서, 이렇게 하면 빨라.

If you stir it up at first like this, it’s faster.

나와라. 여기 있다.

Come out. Here it is.

샀어. 이번에 내가 백명란을 샀지.

I bought it. This time, I got some myeongran (salted pollock roe).

명란젓은 직접 산지에서 주문해 주시면 좋아요.

It’s best to order myeongran directly from the region where it's produced.

주문해 드시면 훨씬 싸고 좋은 게 와요.

If you order it that way, it’s much cheaper and of better quality.

요즘에는 냉장포장 잘돼서 오니까.

These days, they package it nicely with refrigeration, so it arrives fresh.

저도 속초(동해안의 해안가 도시)에서 주문했는데

I ordered mine from Sokcho, a coastal city on Korea’s east coast.

명란젓은 꼭 산지에서 직접 주문하세요. 훨씬 싸요.

Order myeongran directly from the source—it’s much cheaper.

마트보다 한 서너 배 싸요.

It’s three to four times cheaper than at the supermarket.

냄새도 비린 내 하나도 안 나.

It doesn’t smell fishy at all.

치즈 넣어야죠.

Now, we need to add cheese.

이연복 중식대가: 야 이거 이거 잘사는 집 계란말이다. (명란이 비싼 식재료라서 이런 말을 합니다.)

Master Chef Lee Yeon-bok: This is the kind of gyeran mari in a wealthy household. (Since myeongran is considered a premium ingredient)

처음엔 (모양이) 중요치 않아요. 처음엔 (모양이) 깨져도 돼요.

At first, the shape doesn’t matter. It’s okay if it breaks at the beginning.

나중에만 안 깨지면 돼요.

As long as it holds together at the end, that’s all that matters.

처음엔 모양 신경 쓰지 마세요.

Don’t worry about the shape at first.

이제부터 모양을 살짝 잡아가면서

Now, start shaping it a little.

빨리 익혀서 자주 뒤집다 보니까 분리되는 경우도 있고, 또 마음이 급해서 옆구리가 터지는 경우도 있고.

It might separate if you cook it too fast and flip it too often. If you rush, the sides could burst open.

(불을) 세게 하면 안돼요.

You shouldn’t use high heat.

그렇지요.

That’s right.

요렇게 요 색깔이 나와야 돼요.

This is the color you want.

요 색깔일 때 뒤집어야 돼요.

Flip it when it reaches this color.

인내심만 있으면, 누구든지 만들 수가 있어요.

With patience, anyone can make this.

요걸 잘 돌려야지 성공인데.

The key to success is rolling it well.

마지막 바퀴가 제일 중요해요.

The final roll is the most important.

목침! (카메라맨이 목침 같다고 얘기함)

A wooden pillow! (The cameraman jokes that it looks like a wooden pillow)

목침!

A wooden pillow!

파를 좀 뿌려야지.

We need to sprinkle some green onions.

참기름이 사실 어마어마한 거 거든요.

Sesame oil is actually incredible.

자 그리고 깨를 좀 이렇게 (뿌려 주세요.)

Now, sprinkle some sesame seeds like this.

그리고 한국 사람들이 좋아하는 게 빨간 게 (고춧가루) 조금 들어가야 되잖아.

And since Koreans love a bit of red, we should add some fine red pepper powder.

저걸 뿌리면 맛있어 보이잖아요.

Sprinkling that makes it look delicious.

이거 2만원 더 받아야 돼.

This dish should cost 20,000 won more! (Joking about how much effort went into making it)

계란말이 완성!

Gyeran mari is complete!

🕛 5:42