I’ve always made the classic Japanese potato salad over the stovetop, but when I discovered the method of steaming the potatoes with an electric pressure cooker, I was quick to test it out. True enough, the potatoes turned out ultra-smooth and tender in such a short time – 5 minutes to be exact – it’s almost unbelievable! Ready to give this Instant Pot Japanese Potato Salad a try?
Japanese potato salad (ポテトサラダ) is considered as a yōshoku, a western-influenced Japanese dish (which is why we write in katakana). It’s a popular party item and also a favorite side dish for bento lunch. While there are many variations of western potato salads, potato salad in Japan is pretty standard. The classic style is made of mashed potato (with some chunky texture), sliced cucumbers, carrots, eggs, and sometimes hams. It’s always seasoned with Japanese mayonnaise and sometimes rice vinegar.
Why Instant Pot Potato Salad is Better?
My family has a soft spot for potato dishes, but the long cooking time sometimes discouraged me from making them on a regular basis. Much to my kids’ despair!
Ever since I got my Instant Pot, I found myself making potato salad more often whenever my kids request it. The Instant Pot cooks the potatoes in a closed vessel with steam pressure, and in 5 minutes, you’ll get a smooth and flavorful result each time. Plus, I don’t need to stay close to the stove and watch the cooking. This frees me up to do other prepping or chores. If you asked me, I’d say this is a game-changer! To ensure the potatoes cook evenly at the same time, be sure to cut them roughly into the same time.
Stainless Steel Steamer Basket
If you don’t have a pressure cooker basket, I recommend investing in this stainless steel steamer basket that inserts in the pressure cooker. You can steam vegetables, eggs, and even fish! I especially like it because it’s dishwasher friendly and collapsible for easy storage. You can see how I used the stainless steel steamer basket in the pressure cooker potato salad recipe video. If you don’t own a pressure cooker, don’t worry, you can still enjoy the classic Japanese Potato Salad recipe.
3 Great Ideas with Leftover Potato Salad!
1. Potato Salad Pork Rolls
When I make Potato Salad, I always make extra so I turn the leftovers into a main dish like this Potato Salad Pork Rolls. The potato salad is wrapped with thinly sliced pork cooked in a teriyaki glaze. It’s seriously good.
2. Potato Salad Sandwich
Yes, you heard it right. Potato Salad Sandwich exists and it’s very popular in Japan. Because the potatoes are mashed and it is “pliable”, it works great as a sandwich filling! My favorite bread to use for the sandwich is french baguette or brioche or Japanese butter roll (dinner roll). Lightly toast it, spread some butter, and make a sandwich with leftover potato salad. Yum!
3. Potato Salad Korokke
Swap the Korokke filling with potato salad! All you need is to make patties with the leftover potato salad and coated with flour/egg/panko and deep fry. I hope you enjoy the pressure cooking method for making Japanese-style Potato Salad. It makes a great staple for many occasions!
Watch How To Make Instant Pot Potato Salad
This Instant Pot Japanese Potato Salad recipe is a keeper! Using the electric pressure cooker, the potatoes cook up tender and smooth, but in a fraction of time. A worthy side to enjoy with BBQ, bento, or picnic lunch. Japanese Ingredient Substitution: If you want to look for substitutes for Japanese condiments and ingredients, click here. Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking? Sign up for our free newsletter to receive cooking tips & recipe updates! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram. Editor’s Note: This post was published on November 13, 2016. It’s been edited and republished in September 2020.
