Hiyayakko is an immensely popular dish in Japan, especially during the hot months, and one of the quickest Japanese dishes to prepare. Simply enjoy the delicate flavor of tofu; it is incredibly delicious.
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What is Hiyayakko?
Hiyayakko is a dish consisting of chilled tofu simply topped with soy sauce and condiments. The term "Hiyayakko" specifically refers to chilled tofu, typically in a square shape. It can be prepared in less than 3 minutes, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavor of tofu.
This dish is as simple as adding condiments to tofu, yet this alone can greatly enhance its taste. It is perfect for staying cool on hot days, making it a summer staple in Japan.
Nutritional benefits of tofu
This chilled tofu dish allows you to enjoy the nutritional benefits of tofu as it is.
Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the curds into a solid block. It is rich in nutrients such as protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin B6. It is low in calories and almost free of fat and cholesterol, making it known in Japan as an ideal ingredient for those on a diet.
Hiyayakko is a dish that can be enjoyed daily without getting tired of tofu. Incorporate it into your menu on hot days to stay healthy in a delicious way.
Choosing the suitable tofu
While there are various types of tofu, the best choice for this dish is silken tofu. Silken tofu contains a high amount of moisture, making it ideal for raw consumption, which allows you to enjoy the creamy texture of tofu more directly.
You can still prepare this dish with firmer tofu, but the texture may not be as appealing. Firmer tofu retains its shape well even when cooked, making it suitable for methods like simmering, grilling, or stir-frying.
Various toppings
You can enjoy this dish with a variety of condiments. The most typical ones are green onions, ginger, and shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi). It is also common to enjoy it with shiso leaves (perilla), myoga (Japanese ginger), and umeboshi (salt-pickled plums). Additionally, popular combinations in Japan include the following:
- Tomatoes and shiso leaves
- Okra and shaved bonito flakes
- Umeboshi and shiso leaves
- Umeboshi and Japanese cucumber
- Tenkasu (tempura bits) and green onions
It can also be interesting to give it an Italian twist with basil and olive oil, or create a Korean-inspired version by adding kimchi on top. Try various condiments and find your favorite combinations.
📋Step-by-step recipe
Ingredients
- 10.6 oz silken tofu
- 2 tsp soy sauce
Condiments:
- 1 green onion / scallion
- 0.17 oz ginger
- 1 tsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Instructions
🕒 Total: 3 mins
Step 1
Cut tofu into squares, each about 3.5-5.3 ounces (100-150 g). Thinly slice green onion. Peel and grate ginger.
Step 2
Place the tofu in bowls and drizzle with soy sauce. Garnish with the green onions, shaved bonito flakes, and grated ginger.
To Store
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips on how to make
- Soy sauce should be added just before eating. Once tofu is removed from the package, it gradually loses moisture, so adding soy sauce in advance can make it taste bland.
- Condiments (green onions, shaved bonito flakes, and grated ginger) should also be added just before eating. This allows you to enjoy the flavors more fully.
Recipe card
Hiyayakko (Japanese Chilled Tofu)
Ingredients
- 10.6 oz silken tofu
- 2 tsp soy sauce
Condiments:
- 1 green onion / scallion
- 0.17 oz ginger
- 1 tsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Instructions
- Cut tofu into squares, each about 3.5-5.3 ounces (100-150 g). Thinly slice green onion. Peel and grate ginger.
- Place the tofu in bowls and drizzle with soy sauce. Garnish with the green onions, shaved bonito flakes, and grated ginger.
Notes
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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