Hiyayakko is a popular dish, especially during the hot months, and one of the quickest Japanese cuisines to prepare. Just enjoy the simple flavor of tofu; it is incredibly delicious.
Jump to:
What is Hiyayakko?
Hiyayakko is a dish consisting of chilled tofu topped with soy sauce and condiments, such as grated ginger, green onions (scallions), and shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi). The term "Hiyayakko" specifically refers to the chilled, square-shaped tofu. It takes less than 3 minutes to prepare.
You can also enjoy it with various flavors by changing the toppings, such as shiso leaves (perilla leaves), myoga (Japanese ginger), or umeboshi (salt-pickled plums). It can be interesting to give it an Italian twist with basil and olive oil or create a Korean-inspired version by adding kimchi on top.
Choosing the suitable tofu
While there are various types of tofu, the best choice for hiyayakko 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 make 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
Hiyayakko is commonly topped with green onions (scallions), grated ginger, and shaved bonito flakes. Additionally, the following condiments are popular in Japan:
- Tomatoes and shiso leaves (perilla leaves).
- Okra and shaved bonito flakes.
- Umeboshi (salt-pickled plums) and shiso leaves.
- Umeboshi and Japanese cucumber.
- Tempura bits and green onions.
Feel free to experiment with various toppings to discover your favorite combination.
Ingredients
- 10.6 oz. (300g) silken tofu
- 2 tsp soy sauce
As condiments:
- 1 green onion / scallion
- 0.17 oz. (5g) ginger
- 1 tsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Step-by-step instructions
🕒 Total 3 mins
Step 1
Cut the tofu into squares of about 3.5-5.3 oz. (100-150 g). Thinly slice the green onion. Peel and grate the ginger.
Step 2
Place the tofu in each bowl 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. Tofu that is taken out of the pack gradually loses moisture over time, so adding soy sauce in advance may make it taste bland.
- The condiments (green onions, shaved bonito flakes, and grated ginger) are also added right before eating. This allows you to enjoy the flavors more fully.
Recipe Card
Hiyayakko (Japanese Chilled Tofu)
Ingredients
- 10.6 oz. (300g) silken tofu
- 2 tsp soy sauce
As condiments:
- 1 green onion / scallion
- 0.17 oz. (5g) ginger
- 1 tsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Instructions
- Cut the tofu into squares of about 3.5-5.3 oz. (100-150 g). Thinly slice the green onion. Peel and grate the ginger.
- Place the tofu in each bowl 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.
Leave a Reply