Hiyayakko (Cold Tofu Recipe)

Hiyayakko is a Japanese cold tofu dish that you can enjoy in many different ways. I'll show you eight ways to make this healthy and delicious side dish!

If you want something quick and light, there's nothing like a refreshing Hiyayakko to help make your day better.

It takes cold tofu and topping of your choice and only 5 minutes for this healthy dish!

I will share the eight delicious topping ideas in this recipe.

This recipe is for you if:
• You love tofu and Japanese recipe.
• You wonder how to eat tofu.
• You are looking for an easy tofu side dish.
• You want to make chilled tofu (cold tofu) for dinner.

Let me show you how to make it. If you want to check the recipe right away, please jump to the recipe card. Let's get cooking!

Jump to:

• About this recipe
• What is Hiyayakko?
• 📋 8 Delicious Ideas
• 🔪Ingredients and instructions
• More Variations
• Thanks for stopping by
• More Tofu Recipes You Might Like
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

About this recipe

• Japanese cold tofu recipe
• How to make hiyayakko
• Eight ways to enjoy
• Ready in 5 minutes
• Easy and healthy tofu dish

What is Hiyayakko?

Hiyayakko is a simple dish. All you need is a cold block of tofu, some toppings, and soy sauce.

It's a popular dish, especially for a hot summer day.

When you go to a Japanese restaurant and order the meal set, this dish is most likely what will come with it, alongside steamed rice, miso soup, and your main dish.

You can find two types of tofu: Momen (firm tofu) and Kinugoshi (silky tofu).

Kinugoshi is smooth and silky, while momen has a firm texture, and both are great for hiyayakko.

📋 8 Delicious Ideas

Now, let me introduce my favorite Hiyayakko recipes. Each way requires only two ingredients and is super easy to prepare by cutting and mixing.

(From left to right)

1. Green onions and Ginger
2. Tomato and Shiso leave: Shiso is a Japanese herb. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with other herbs such as parsley or basil.
3. Okra and Katsuobushi: Katsuobushi is dried bonito flakes.
4. Cucumber and Umeboshi: Umeboshi is pickled plum and sour.
5. Edamame and cheese
6. Avocado and Shio kombu: Shio kombu is seasoned kelp that is salty and sweet.　
7. Natto and Green onions: Natto is Japanese fermented soybeans. Slimy and sticky. You can find more details in this recipe: "How to eat natto."
8. Kimchi and Shredded nori: Kimchi is a Korean fermented vegetable. Nori is a type of seaweed.

🔪Ingredients and instructions

Let me explain how to make each hiyayakko in this section.

First of all

If you like your tofu to be more firm, wrap tofu with a paper towel and remove the excess water.

#1 Green onions and Ginger

This one is a classic topping for hiyayakko.

Finely chop the green onions, grate the ginger, place it on top of the tofu block and then pour a little bit of soy sauce.

You can also pour some mentsuyu (noodle soup) instead of or in addition to soy sauce if you'd like!

#2 Tomatoes and Shiso

Summer vegetables, tomatoes, and shiso leaves (a Japanese herb)!

Cut the tomatoes and shiso leaves into small, even pieces. Mix them in a small bowl, put them on your tofu block, and pour some soy sauce over them. The sweet-and-sour tomatoes and the aromatic shiso leaves are the perfect pairings for plain tofu.

#3 Okura and Katsuobushi (Bonito flakes)

The summer vegetable okra is a great topping as well.

Boil the okra quickly, chop it into small pieces and mix with katsuobushi. Put this mixture on tofu and sprinkle soy sauce over it. This one is my go-to recipe whenever I find fresh okra. It's simple and delicious!

#4 Cucumber and Umeboshi (pickled plum)

If you are looking for a refreshing taste, this cucumber and umeboshi are the best.

Shred the cucumber, add it to your tofu, and place umeboshi paste on top. Finish with a drizzle of soy sauce for added flavor. With just the right amount of acidity from umeboshi, you can eat this even if you don't have an appetite.

#5 Edamame and Cheese

A mix of edamame and cheese makes the perfect appetizer.

Cut the edamame and cheese into small sizes, put them on tofu, and add some soy sauce. This one is a cold side dish that fills your stomach.

#6 Avocado and Shiokombu

If you love avocado, give this a try!

Mash an avocado, and put it on tofu with shio kombu. Shio kombu is seasoned kelp that tastes a bit strong so drizzle a little soy sauce to add umami flavor. This one makes our children's mouths water!

#7 Natto and Green onions

If you're a fan of natto, this is the best!

Add the sauce that comes with natto and mix. Then put it on tofu and add plenty of chopped green onions for extra flavor.

I recommend adding okra (option) to make it even stickier if you like sticky food!

#8 Kimchi and Nori

For those who like a little spice, why not top with kimchi!??

Cut the kimchi into bite-size pieces and put them on top of the tofu and shredded nori seaweed. This one is best enjoyed with soy sauce to bring out all its flavors (and maybe even add a dash of sesame oil).

More Variations

In addition to these ideas, there are still more toppings for tofu that make it even better!

• Grated daikon
• Nagaimo (mountain yum)
• Takana (pickled mustard leaf)
• Mozuku seaweed
• Shirasu (small sardine)
• Tenkasu (crunchy bits of deep-fried flour batter)
• Half-boiled egg
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped spring onions
• Minced garlic

Also, if you want more variety for seasoning, here is a list of options!

• Mentsuyu (noodle soup)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Chili Oil
• Sesame oil
• Doubanjiang
• Mayonnaise
• Miso
• Wasabi soy sauce
• Rice vinegar

Thanks for stopping by

Did you get excited about a delicious and straightforward tofu dish? I hope you enjoy this recipe.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog♡ If you've tried this recipe (or any other recipe on the blog), please give it a star rating below!

Also, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!

More Tofu Recipes You Might Like

• Vegan tofu nuggets
• Vegetarian tofu hambagu
• Teriyaki tofu and mushrooms
• Teriyaki atsuage recipe
• Japanse Tofu and Seaweed Salad

📖 Recipe