This viral Korean egg drop breakfast sandwich is made with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and cheese on toasted milk bread, drizzled with a delectable spicy sweet mayo. It is a wildly popular snack in Korea that has now also received love from global fans and tummies all over the world! Make your breakfast time extra special by making this a stacked breakfast sandwich with an elevated twist.
Why you’ll love this recipe
I don’t know about you but the aroma of eggs and bacon cooking in the kitchen in the morning always hits differently! I’m a firm believer that butter always makes everything better, so I always make sure to use top-quality butter with a high butterfat percentage like Plugra unsalted butter to make this extra comforting and indulgent.
To top all that off, I added a generous dollop of ’ikura’ or raw salmon roe to mine, and that easily turned my Korean egg sandwich into a premium gourmet egg sandwich. I went all out and paired mine with a homemade matcha latte and fresh fruits on the side for a truly scrumptious breakfast.
Korean Egg Drop Breakfast Sandwich Ingredients and Substitutions
Eggs: eggs are one of the main proteins of this breakfast sandwich so I recommend using fresh high-quality eggs.
Salt: To season the scrambled eggs
Whole milk: This is what gives the scrambled eggs a creamy, silky mouthfeel. You can substitute this with heavy cream, half-and-half, or plant-based milk.
Unsalted butter: Adds another layer of creaminess to the scrambled eggs. It is also incorporated in the honey butter that is spread on the bread before toasting. The ingredients dictate the quality of this sandwich, and I recommend using a premium butter brand like Plugra.
Milk bread: In my opinion, this sandwich is best with fluffy milk bread which is a lot softer than regular bread loaf. It also has a richer flavor! You can substitute it with brioche or white bread.
Cheese slices: I like to use melty cheese like mozzarella, American sliced cheese, or Swiss. But you can substitute this with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or a customized combination of cheeses you enjoy!
Bacon: bacon is a classic ingredient in a breakfast sandwich and this one is no exception! It also adds a smoky flavor and heartiness to the sando. Bacon can be substituted with crumbled sausage, smoked ham, or even shredded chicken.
Ikura: Ikura or raw salmon roe is what makes this sandwich really over the top. These orange jewel-like beads not only elevate the presentation but also add an umami briny taste and a unique texture. Its popping texture contrasts to the creamy eggs, fluffy bread, and slightly crisp bacon.
Garlic Honey Butter Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted butter: Same with the one used for scrambled eggs. It adds flavor and color to the bread and helps it toast nicely.
Kewpie mayo: Adds an instant umami boost to the sandwich! Kewpie mayo contains a significant amount of MSG (monosodium glutamate). It’s made with egg yolks, not whole eggs, making it extra richer than other kinds of mayonnaise. It’s also slightly tangy and subtly sweet.
Garlic cloves: They add a subtle garlicky flavor that’s not overpowering but just enough to enhance the overall taste. You can substitute this with garlic powder, just use a quarter of the amount needed for fresh garlic as garlic powder is more packed with flavor.
Honey: For added sweetness. It also helps in the caramelization of the toast, giving it that beautiful brown color.
Parsley flakes: For some freshness and color. This can be substituted with fresh parsley.
Sweet Spicy Mayo Sauce Ingredients & Substitutions
Kewpie mayo: This can be substituted with regular mayo, but the flavor won’t be the same.
Sriracha: Added for umami and spice; It can be substituted with sambal, tabasco, or your choice of chili paste.
Sweetened condensed milk: For a slight creamy sweetness that goes well with the savory flavor of the egg drop. Don’t worry, it won’t turn out too sweet.
How to Prepare Korean Egg Drop Breakfast Sandwich
Step 1: Whisk the eggs
In a small mixing bowl, crack the eggs. Add salt and milk, then whisk together until well combined.
Step 2: Make scrambled eggs
Heat a pan over medium heat. Melt the unsalted butter then pour in the egg mixture. Using a chopstick, make small circular motions to create a scrambled and fluffy aesthetic. Cook to your liking then remove and set aside.
Step 3: Toast the bacon
In a clean cold pan, add bacon. Cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove then set aside.
Step 4: Make garlic honey butter
For the garlic honey butter, combine softened unsalted butter, Kewpie mayo, minced garlic cloves, honey, and parsley flakes in a small bowl. Mix to combine well.
Step 5: Toast the bread
Evenly spread the garlic honey butter on both sides of the bread. Toast the bread in a pan over medium-low heat until golden brown on both sides. Be careful not to burn the bread.
Step 6: Assemble and garnish
To assemble, fold the bread in half then place it on a serving tray or plate. Add a layer of the sweet and spicy mayo sauce, cheese, bacon, and scrambled eggs. Drizzle some more sweet and spicy mayo sauce on top and garnish with ikura (salmon roe).
Step 7: Serve
Serve and enjoy your homemade version of the famous Korean Egg Drop Sandwich made even more special with ikura!
Sweet & Spicy Mayo Sauce
In a small bowl, combine Kewpie mayo, Sriracha, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix well and serve in a small bowl or squeeze bottle.
Preparation tips for Korean Egg Drop Sandwich
I gathered some expert tips for you on how to make the best egg drop sandwiches. Here they are:
- Since the main ingredients of this egg drop sandwich are quite simple, I recommend getting the best of each. I like to use good milk bread, which can be usually found at your local Asian market or bakery.
- For the eggs, get the freshest ones you can find. If you have access to a local farm, that would be ideal, however, if you’re like me and live in the city, you’ll want to get your hands on the freshest you can find.
- When making scrambled eggs, I make sure to keep an eye on the pot and stir the mixture often as it could turn from creamy to overcooked in just a matter of a few seconds. Also, I like to undercook it a little and let the residual heat from the pan finish off the cooking.
- There are a number of ways to prepare bacon. You can cook them in a pan on the stove like I did, or toast them in the oven or air fryer; whichever is easier for you.
- These egg drop sandwiches are best enjoyed warm, so I recommend serving them right away! If you’re making a big batch for a party, you can prepare an egg drop bar instead by placing the fillings in platters and the sauces in squeeze bottles. Then let your guests build their own sandwiches!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a Korean egg drop sandwich?
The Korean egg drop sandwich is named after the South Korean restaurant that made it popular, Egg Drop. It has nothing to do with the cooking technique.
How do you assemble an egg drop sandwich?
The egg drop sandwich starts with milk bread brushed with honey garlic butter. It is toasted, and then filled with creamy and fluffy scrambled eggs and bacon. It is then topped with a sweet spicy mayo and some parsley. Other variations may contain other types of protein like ham.
How to make the perfect scrambled eggs?
The perfect scrambled eggs are creamy and tasty! To make the perfect scrambled eggs, start with good quality fresh eggs. It’s also best to use a non-stick pan and a silicone spatula. The key is to slowly cook the eggs with a constant stirring motion for them to get that creamy texture. I like to undercook the eggs for a couple of minutes as the residual heat in the pan will continue the cooking process even after turning off the stove.
Can I add vegetables to an egg drop sandwich?
Yes! What’s great about cooking at home is that you can customize what you make to your liking, and this sandwich is no exception. I think chopped and sauteed bell peppers, spinach, and even avocado would work well, as well as grilled onions, tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers for added freshness. Feel free to add anything you like!
How to store leftover Korean egg sandwiches?
I do not recommend making this sandwich in advance as it tastes best when it’s hot and fresh! However, if there are leftovers, I would store them in a sealed airtight container and keep them in the fridge. Leftovers stay good for up to 2 days. To reheat, blitz them in the microwave for 2 minutes on high or in the oven toaster for 3 to 4 minutes or until fully heated through.
Where to get sandwich boxes for egg drop?
You can easily get sandwich boxes from Amazon, which are the ones that I used. Keep in mind that these boxes were much taller than necessary. I cut the boxes about ⅓ of the way down and it ended up being perfect. As an alternative, you can also use tissue boxes or milk cartons!
Looking for more easy and delicious sandwich recipes?
Kimchi Grillled Cheese Sandwich — The classic American grilled cheese sandwich is given a Korean-inspired makeover with the addition of kimchi. The result is an explosion of East and West fusion flavors that are surprisingly addicting!
Healthy Tuna Sandwich — Simple, healthy, fresh, and tasty— this is what this tuna salad sandwich is all about. It’s loaded with fresh veggies and the tuna salad is amped up with gochugaru and fresh lemon juice for a bright punch.
Gilgeori Toast (Korean Street Toast) — Another sandwich loaded with veggies. It also has sausage links and eggs. But what sets this apart is sugar, which gives it the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Hong Kong French Toast — A take on the classic French Toast, HK French Toast is filled with peanut butter and flaked sea salt, fried to crispy perfection, and topped with butter and condensed milk.
Menbosha (Crispy Shrimp Toast) — If you are a shrimp lover, you’ll love this crispy shrimp toast. Seasoned minced shrimp is sandwiched in between two slices of milk bread slices and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Perfect with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce!
Fancy Korean Egg Drop Breakfast Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 slices milk bread substitute with brioche or white bread
- 2 slices cheese
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 oz ikura raw salmon roe
Garlic Honey Butter
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 2 tbsp Kewpie mayo
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp parsley flakes substitute with fresh parsley
Sweet Spicy Mayo Sauce
- 2 tbsp Kewpie mayo substitute with regular mayo
- 1 tbsp Sriracha substitute with sambal or your choice of chili paste
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, crack the eggs. Add salt and milk, then whisk together until well combined.
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Melt the unsalted butter then pour in the egg mixture. Using a chopstick, make small circular motions to create a scrambled and fluffy aesthetic. Cook to your liking then remove and set aside.
- In a clean cold pan, add bacon. Cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove then set aside.
- For the garlic honey butter, combine softened unsalted butter, Kewpie mayo, minced garlic cloves, honey, and parsley flakes in a small bowl. Mix to combine well.
- Evenly spread the garlic honey butter on both sides of the bread. Toast the bread in a pan over medium-low heat until golden brown on both sides. Be careful not to burn the bread.
- To assemble, fold the bread in half then place it on a serving tray or plate. Add a layer of the sweet and spicy mayo sauce, cheese, bacon, and scrambled eggs. Drizzle some more sweet and spicy mayo sauce on top and garnish with ikura (salmon roe)
- Serve and enjoy!
Sweet & Spicy Mayo Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine Kewpie mayo, Sriracha, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix well and serve.