Japanese Potato Salad

Step 1

Gather all the ingredients.

Step 2

Peel potato skins and cut into 1 ½ inch (3.8 cm) pieces. They should be roughly about the same size so that they’ll be done cooking around be the same. Put potatoes in a large pot and add water until it covers all the potatoes. We start cooking potatoes in cold water so that it allows them to slowly heat up so they will cook through evenly.

Step 3

Boil potatoes over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower heat to medium and cook until a skewer goes through the potato smoothly, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the water from the pot.

Step 4

Put the potatoes back on the stove and let them evaporate moisture completely over medium heat, shaking the pot constantly. When you see there no liquid in the pot, remove it from the heat.

Step 5

Mash the potatoes but leave some small chunks for texture. Sprinkle salt and transfer it into a big bowl and let it cool on the kitchen counter.

Step 6

Meanwhile prepare a boiled egg. Remove the shell and mash the egg with a fork in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 7

Cut carrots into quarter (or half, depending on the diameter) and then slice it thinly. Put them in a microwave-safe container and cover them with water. Microwave for a few minutes until a skewer goes smoothly through the carrot (don’t overcook). Drain water and cool down.

Step 8

Peel the cucumber (leave some skin on to create a stripe pattern) and cut it into half or quarter, based on the size of the cucumber. Cut the cucumber into thin slices and sprinkle some salt. Let them stand until moisture comes out. Squeeze the moisture out and set aside.

Step 9

Dice the sliced hams into small size.

Step 10

Add all the ingredients into the mashed potatoes in the bowl and combine well.

Step 11

Add mayonnaise and mix until incorporated. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 12

Add boiled eggs and mix a bit but don’t overdo it. Let it cool and then refrigerate for 30-60 minutes before serving.

Step 13

You can keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.