(With cucumbers, carrots and red onion)

We had this in Nagoya, Japan at a cute little fried chicken place. They only served fried chicken, potato salad, sesame cucumbers and high ball drinks in a variety of flavors. It was delicious and so memorable that when we got home we searched the internet to find the recipes for the potato salad and the cucumbers. This is as close as we could come to theirs.

It is not as heavy as American potato salad and it has a freshness to it. It goes great with fried chicken.

Japanese versions of Western dishes, known as yōshoku cuisine, may look like the originals that inspired them, but the flavor is unmistakably Japanese. Take this semi-mashed potato salad, which derives its unique flavor from Japanese mayo, rice vinegar, and hot mustard.

Why It Works

• Starting the potatoes in cold water allows them to heat up along with the water, resulting in a more even doneness throughout.
• Seasoning the cooking water allows the potatoes to be better flavored all the way to the core.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, about 3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
• Kosher salt
• 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced crosswise
• 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar 
• 6 tablespoons homemade or store-bought Japanese mayonnaise, such as Kewpie
• 1/2 teaspoon Japanese hot mustard
• 1 small carrot, quartered and thinly sliced crosswise
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 scallion, white and light green parts only, chopped

Directions

1. Place potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Season generously with salt, set over high heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain potatoes and transfer to a large bowl. Let cool.
2. Meanwhile, place cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well, then let stand for 10 minutes. Drain any accumulated water, then gently squeeze cucumbers with paper towels to blot up any excess liquid. 
3. In a small bowl, stir together rice vinegar, mayonnaise, and hot mustard until well mixed.
4. Mash potatoes with a masher or a large fork, allowing some small lumps to remain. Add cucumbers, carrots, onions, eggs, scallions, and mayonnaise mixture. Mix well and season with salt. Serve right away. The salad can be refrigerated up to 1 day.