Easy Korean Potato Salad (Gamja Salad) (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb (2 medium) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½ inch pieces
02 -
2 large eggs
03 -
1/4 (40g) carrot, finely chopped
04 -
1 (70g) Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
05 -
1/4 onion, finely chopped
06 -
2 slices (50g) ham, imitation crab, salmon, or tuna
→ Dressing
07 -
1/2 cup mayonnaise
08 -
1 tsp sugar
09 -
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
10 -
1/8 tsp black pepper
11 -
Additional 1/4 tsp salt (for salting cucumber)
# Instructions:
01 -
Slice the cucumber as thinly as possible. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of salt over the cucumbers, toss to coat, and set aside for 10 minutes. Using your hands, squeeze out as much water as possible from the cucumbers, and set aside.
02 -
Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat and add a teaspoon of salt. Add the cubed potatoes, reduce the heat to low, and boil for about 10-12 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
03 -
While the potatoes are cooking, bring another pot of water to a boil, add a generous amount of vinegar and carefully add the eggs. Boil for 10 minutes before cooling them in an ice bath. Once cooled, peel and set aside.
04 -
Mash the potatoes in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, drained cucumber, and diced ham. Roughly chop the boiled eggs and add them to the bowl, then mash everything together until the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
05 -
Add salt, pepper, sugar, and mayonnaise to the potato mixture and stir well to combine until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
06 -
Serve at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to serve cold. Use an ice cream scoop or a large spoon to serve on its own as a side dish, or add it between slices of bread or milk buns to make a sandwich.
# Notes:
01 -
For an authentic garnish, boil an extra egg and grate just the yolk over the finished salad using a fine sieve or grater.
02 -
This salad is very adaptable - try adding diced apple, corn, raisins, peas, bell pepper, or green onion for variations.
03 -
Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise gives this salad the most authentic flavor, but any good quality mayonnaise will work.