Ajitsuke Tamago

Step 1

Combine water, sake, soy, mirin, and sugar in a medium bowl and whisk until sugar is dissolved. Set aside

Step 2

Bring 2 quarts of water and vinegar to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Lower to medium heat once it comes to a boil. Pierce a tiny hole in the bottom of each egg carefully with a thumbtack. This prevents the egg from cracking. Place eggs into boiling water along with egg timer. Cook until egg timer reaches a soft boiled stage.

Step 3

Remove eggs and run under cold water. Gently place cracks into egg. Remove a little bit of shell from one end. Using small sharp spoon, use to get between egg white and egg shell and remove rest of shell with spoon. You should be able to get most of the shell off in one maneuver.

Step 4

Put eggs into bowl with marinade. Use spoons or other devices to weight down each egg to keep entire eggs submerged under. Refrigerate and marinate at least four hours and up to Discard marinade after 12 hours. Store eggs in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Serve with ramen.