You may have seen a small ceramic pot with a lid in a Korean kitchen without knowing what it was called.
This type of container is best described in English as a Korean microwave steamed egg cooker or microwave gyeran-jjim cooker. It is used to make gyeran-jjim, a soft Korean steamed egg dish, in a microwave.
The cooker shown in this article is a ceramic container that was sold through Daiso Korea. It has a lid, two side handles, and a small steam hole. It looks a little like a traditional Korean pot, but it is designed for microwave use rather than direct heat.
Quick Answer
A Korean microwave steamed egg cooker is a small microwave-safe container used to prepare gyeran-jjim more conveniently.
It is not the same as a traditional black ttukbaegi, which may be used over direct heat depending on the product. The bottom of this specific cooker states that it is microwave- and dishwasher-safe and should not be used over direct flame.
The exact manufacturer and model number have not yet been confirmed, so this product is classified as a Likely Match rather than a Confirmed Match.
What Is It Called?
The Korean product name is 전자레인지용 계란찜기.
A natural English translation is microwave steamed egg cooker.
- Korean microwave egg cooker
- Microwave gyeran-jjim cooker
- Ceramic microwave egg steamer
- Korean steamed egg bowl with lid
- Ceramic microwave bowl for steamed eggs
The Korean word gyeran-jjim means steamed eggs. The word jjim-gi can refer to a cooker or container used to prepare a steamed dish.
There is no single standard English name for this type of product, so American shoppers may search by its appearance or purpose instead of its Korean name.
What Does It Look Like?
This cooker has several practical features:
- A ceramic body
- A matching lid
- Two side handles
- A small steam hole in the lid
- A ribbed exterior
- A compact size for microwave cooking
Its shape makes it look like a miniature casserole dish or a small Korean earthenware pot.
However, appearance alone does not tell you whether a ceramic container is safe for a microwave, dishwasher, oven, or direct heat. The markings on the bottom should always be checked.
How It Is Used
The main purpose of this cooker is to prepare gyeran-jjim in a microwave.
Eggs are mixed with seasonings and optional ingredients, poured into the container, covered, and cooked in the microwave. The exact amount of egg, added liquid, cooking time, and microwave setting will depend on the recipe and the appliance.
I have used my own cooker about five times so far.
My usual version includes a small amount of:
- Minced garlic
- Milk
- Salt
- Black pepper
I have been happy with the results so far.
This is my personal method, not a standard recipe followed by every Korean household.
Why Koreans Eat Gyeran-Jjim
Gyeran-jjim is a familiar Korean egg dish with a soft texture. It may be served as a side dish, as part of a home meal, or as a simple dish on its own.
Traditional versions may be cooked in a ttukbaegi or another pot over heat. In modern homes, people may also use a microwave-safe bowl or a dedicated microwave cooker when they want a faster and simpler option.
This product represents a practical side of everyday life in Korea: a familiar dish prepared with a small, convenient kitchen tool.
It is not an ancient or ceremonial object. It is a modern household item connected to a traditional-style Korean dish.
Is It a Ttukbaegi?
Not exactly.
A ttukbaegi is a Korean earthenware pot often used for soups, stews, and steamed eggs. Many ttukbaegi products are designed to hold heat well, and some can be used over direct heat.
This microwave egg cooker may resemble a small ttukbaegi, but the bottom marking specifically says:
- Microwave & Dishwasher Safe
- Do Not Use Over Direct Flame
- Ceramic Tableware
- Made in China
For that reason, it should not be placed on a gas burner or used over an open flame.
A ceramic microwave cooker used to make Korean steamed eggs.
Is It Made in Korea?
No.
The bottom marking on this specific cooker says Made in China.
It was sold and used in Korea, but it was not manufactured in Korea.
That distinction is important. This site does not only cover products manufactured in Korea. It also explains products that are actually sold, used, or recognized in Korean daily life.
Is It Microwave-Safe?
The marking on this specific product says that it is microwave-safe.
It also says that it is dishwasher-safe.
However, these statements apply to this exact cooker. Similar-looking products may have different materials or safety instructions.
Always check the bottom label or manufacturer information before using another ceramic container in a microwave or dishwasher.
Can It Be Used Over Direct Heat?
No.
The bottom marking clearly states: Do Not Use Over Direct Flame.
- A gas burner
- An open flame
- A stovetop heating element
Oven use has not been confirmed and should not be assumed.
Do You Need a Special Cooker for Gyeran-Jjim?
No.
You do not need a dedicated cooker to make gyeran-jjim. A suitable microwave-safe bowl may also work.
A dedicated cooker may simply make the process more convenient because it has:
- A lid
- Handles
- A compact size
- A shape designed for individual portions
- A steam hole
The result will still depend on the recipe, cooking time, microwave wattage, and container size.
A special cooker cannot guarantee the same texture in every microwave.
Product Match Status
- Match Type
- Likely Match
- Classification
- Korean microwave gyeran-jjim cooker
- Confidence
- Moderate
Evidence
- The product is physically owned and directly used
- Its appearance and function match the photographed Daiso Korea item
- The bottom marking confirms microwave and dishwasher use
- The bottom marking confirms that it should not be used over direct flame
- The product is marked as ceramic tableware
- The product is marked Made in China
What Remains Unconfirmed
- Exact manufacturer
- Exact product number
- Exact model name
- Current Daiso Korea availability
- Current store price
- Exact production batch
- Exact matching product in the United States
What to Look for in a Similar Product
Microwave Safety
The listing or product label should clearly say that the container is microwave-safe.
Do not assume that every ceramic bowl can be used in a microwave.
Lid Design
Check whether the lid has a steam hole or instructions explaining how steam should escape.
A tightly sealed lid may not be appropriate for microwave cooking.
Material
Confirm whether the product is made from ceramic, stoneware, glass, or another microwave-safe material.
Capacity
The container should have enough space for the egg mixture to expand during cooking.
Handles
Handles may make the container easier to move, but they can still become hot.
Dishwasher Safety
Microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe are separate features. Check both.
Direct Heat Warning
Do not use a microwave cooker on a stovetop unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.
Where This Fits in Korean Daily Life
This is a small kitchen tool, but it reflects the practical side of Korean home cooking.
It takes a familiar Korean dish and adapts it to a microwave-friendly format. Products like this are the kind of everyday items you may notice in Korean homes or variety stores without knowing their English name.
It is not uniquely Korean in its manufacturing or basic function. What makes it relevant is how it connects to gyeran-jjim and modern Korean household life.
Final Takeaway
The small ceramic pot used to make Korean steamed eggs in a microwave is best described as a Korean microwave steamed egg cooker or microwave gyeran-jjim cooker.
It is not the same as a traditional direct-heat ttukbaegi.
The specific cooker shown here is marked as:
- Microwave-safe
- Dishwasher-safe
- Not safe for direct flame
- Ceramic tableware
- Made in China
The exact manufacturer and model have not yet been confirmed, so the product remains classified as a Likely Match.
This article will be updated if a verified identical product or a suitable U.S. alternative is confirmed.