Korean Potato Salad
User Reviews
5
Korean Potato Salad
Description
Korean Potato Salad features russet or Yukon gold potatoes boiled until tender, then mashed to a smooth but slightly chunky texture. Boiled eggs add richness and protein, while thinly sliced, salted cucumbers and carrots contribute a crisp contrast. The salad is dressed with mayonnaise, seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional sugar, and brightened by lemon juice or vinegar. Additional ingredients like raisins, apple slices, or finely chopped onions can add subtle sweetness and crunch. The mixture is thoroughly combined for a creamy, balanced salad often served chilled.
The dish's flavor profile is mild with a gentle tang and a hint of sweetness if optional ingredients are used. The combination of creamy mayo and tender potatoes makes it a suitable side dish that complements grilled dishes or sandwiches. Texture comes from soft potatoes offset by crunchy vegetables.
This salad is suitable as a simple side dish for everyday meals or picnics. Adjusting mayonnaise and seasoning to taste allows customization. Optional ingredients can be included or omitted based on preference, lending versatility.
To prepare, be careful to squeeze excess moisture from cucumbers to avoid watery salad. Boiled eggs should be peeled and diced finely. Starting with less mayonnaise and salt allows better control of final flavor. The dish can be chilled before serving for enhanced texture and melded flavors.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound potato Russet or Yukon gold
- 1 egg boiled; or 2 eggs
- 2 ounces cucumber
- 2 ounces carrot
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise start with 5 TB and use more to taste (see note, use your favorite
- salt start with 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- black pepper start with 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
- 1 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice or 1 tablespoon vinegar - rice, white, apple cider, etc.
Other optional ingredients (see note)
- 1 tablespoon raisin or dried cranberries
- 1/4 apple small, sweet variety, cut into thin, small slices
- 2 tablespoons onion finely chopped
Instructions
- Peel and cut the potatoes into similar size chunks (1 to 1.5-inch pieces).
- Place the potatoes in a medium size pot, and cover with cold water. Bring it to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and continue to boil the potatoes until easily pierced with a fork or a chopstick.
- Drain and mash the potatoes in a mixing bowl with a fork until smooth. Leave some small chunks if you like. Set it aside.
- Place the egg(s) in a small sauce pot with cold water covering the egg(s). Bring it to a boil. Turn the heat off, cover, and let the eggs cook in hot water for 12 - 13 minutes. Remove the eggs and place them in cold water for about 10 minutes before peeling.
- Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and thinly slice. Lightly sprinkle with salt. Set it aside while preparing the other ingredients, and then tightly squeeze to remove moisture.
- Cut the carrot in half lengthwise and thinly slice. No salt is necessary as the carrot doesn’t contain as much moisture as the cucumber.
- Roughly chop the egg(s), leaving the yolk if using it for optional garnish. See optional garnish below.
- Add the cucumber, carrot, mayonnaise (start with 5 tablespoons), salt (start with 1 teaspoon), optional sugar, and lemon juice (or vinegar) to the bowl with the mashed potatoes. Mix everything well. Taste and add more mayonnaise, salt, and/or sugar to taste.
- Throw in the chopped egg and toss gently to evenly distribute the egg pieces.
Optional egg yolk garnish
- Press the reserved egg yolk through a strainer over the top of the salad or into a bowl if using later.
Notes
- Remove excess moisture from cucumbers after salting to avoid watery salad.
- Use boiled eggs finely chopped for even texture throughout the salad.
- Start with 5 tablespoons of mayonnaise and adjust to taste for preferred creaminess.
- Optional ingredients such as raisins, apple slices, or onion add sweetness and texture but can be omitted.
- Salt and pepper quantities should be adjusted gradually to balance flavors well.