Mayak Avocado - Korean Spicy Garlic Avocado

Andrea Riddle
22 Feb, 2023
Marinated Mayak Avocado with soy sauce, sesame seeds, and chili
Mayak Avocado is a delectable Korean dish known for its irresistibly flavorful marinade and creamy avocado texture. This version incorporates additional vegetables and a balanced, tangy marinade, making it a versatile and nutritious dish that you can enjoy as a side, topping, or snack.

About Mayak Avocado

Mayak Avocado, Marinated Avocado Recipe! The name "Mayak" means "drug" in Korean, suggesting that this dish is so tasty it can become addictive. This recipe features firm but ripe avocado chunks marinated in a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy soy-based sauce. 

The marinade is made with soy sauce, garlic, red Thai chili or Fresno pepper, green onions, freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, agave nectar, and a pinch of black pepper. Sesame seeds and optional vegetables like cucumber or cherry tomatoes add texture and freshness. 
The avocados absorb the rich marinade, resulting in a harmonious blend of creamy, spicy, savory, and tangy flavors. This versatile dish can be served as a side, over rice, or as a refreshing snack, offering a nutritious and flavorful addition to any meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe?

Korean-style spicy garlic avocado served on a wooden board
Mayak Avocado is a quick and easy dish that delivers a punch of flavor in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days. The creamy texture of ripe avocados absorbs the rich, savory, and slightly sweet marinade beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of umami and heat. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins, this dish is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it as a side dish, over rice, or as a refreshing snack, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Key Ingredients

Avocado: The creamy, firm texture of avocados absorbs the flavorful marinade beautifully.
Garlic and Green Onions: These aromatics provide a robust base flavor.
Soy Sauce and Agave Nectar: These add a savory depth and a touch of sweetness to the marinade.
Red Thai Chili or Fresno Pepper: Brings the heat, balanced by the sweetness and acidity of lemon juice.
Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty, crunchy finish.

How To Serve Mayak Avocado:

Close-up of Mayak Avocado side dish with green onions and sesame

As a side dish: Serve in a small bowl or plate alongside Korean main dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, or grilled meats. It complements savory flavors well.

With rice: Mayak Avocado pairs wonderfully with warm steamed rice. Spoon the marinated avocado over rice for a simple, flavorful meal.
On toast: Spread some mashed or sliced Mayak Avocado on toasted bread for a Korean-inspired avocado toast. Drizzle extra marinade on top for added flavor.
In salads: Add the marinated avocado to a fresh salad for a bold, savory twist. The soy-sesame marinade works as a light dressing.
With noodles: Toss Mayak Avocado with cold soba or somen noodles. Add a bit of sesame oil and chili flakes for extra flavor.
In wraps or tacos: Use Mayak Avocado as a filling for lettuce wraps, tortillas, or tacos. It adds creaminess and umami to wraps with grilled proteins or vegetables.

Mayak Avocado - Korean Spicy Garlic Avocado

Delicious Mayak Avocado paired with steamed rice in a bowl

Mayak Avocado is a popular Korean dish known for its bold flavors and simplicity. "Mayak" means "addictive" in Korean, and the name refers to how irresistible the dish is. It typically features fresh avocado chunks marinated in a savory soy-based sauce with garlic, green onions, sesame seeds, and chili peppers. The dish is often enjoyed as a side or topping for rice and is similar to the famous Mayak Eggs.
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INGREDIENTS
 

  • 8 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 to 8 red Thai chilies, 1 red Fresno chili, or 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 6 to 8 green onions, finely sliced
  • Juice from 1 fresh lemon (approximately 4 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup of soy sauce
  • 1 cup of water
  • 4 tablespoons of agave syrup or your preferred sweetener
  • A pinch of ground black pepper
  • 4 teaspoons of toasted sesame seeds
  • 8 firm yet ripe avocados, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 4 to 6 ounces of diced cucumber or halved cherry tomatoes

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped garlic, red Thai chilies (or Fresno chili or bell pepper), and green onions.
  2. Add the lemon juice, soy sauce, water, and agave syrup (or your preferred sweetener) to the bowl. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Season with a pinch of ground black pepper.
  4. Peel the avocados and cut them into large chunks. Be sure they are firm yet ripe for the best texture.
  5. Gently fold the avocado chunks into the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
  6. Add the diced cucumber or halved cherry tomatoes (if using) to the bowl and mix gently to combine.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the avocado to absorb the marinade.
  8. Before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the marinated avocado mixture.
  9. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional sliced green onions or cilantro if desired. ENJOY
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
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