Hiyayakko (Japanese Chilled Tofu)

If you are wondering what to do with tofu try this recipe! I will show you 8 ways to enjoy Hiyayakko, a simple cold tofu dish.

When I want to make something quick, I always turn to tofu in my pantry. This hiyayakko is a quick and easy dish to make on busy weekdays.

It's also called chilled tofu, or cold tofu salad because it uses simple toppings to enhance the flavor of the plain and cool white blocks of tofu.

In this recipe, I will show you 8 appetizing and delicious ways to enjoy hiyayakko for your next dinner.

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

Sounds like it's you? Then 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?
• 📋 How to eat hiyayakko: 8 ways
• 🔪Ingredients and instructions
• More Variations
• Thanks for stopping by
• More Tofu Recipes You Might Like
• 📖 Recipe

About this recipe

• How to eat hiyayakko (Chilled tofu)
• 8 variations
• Cooking time is under 5 minutes
• Easy and healthy tofu dish

What is Hiyayakko?

Hiyayakko is a simple, Japanese cold dish that consists only of raw tofu and toppings with soy sauce. It can be prepared in no time.

If you go to a Japanese restaurant and order a meal set, hiyayakko is served as one of the side dishes along with steamed rice, miso soup, and your main dish. It's an extremely popular side dish in Japan.

By the way, you can find 2 types of tofu: Momen (firm) and Kuniyoshi (silky).

Kinugoshi is smooth and silky while momen has a firm texture. Both are great for hiyayakko. The choice between the two depends entirely on personal preference.

📋 How to eat hiyayakko: 8 ways

Now, let me introduce my favorite Hiyayakko recipes. Each topping requires only two ingredients and is finished just by cutting and mixing them together so they're super easy to make!

(From left to right)

• Scallion and Ginger
• Tomato and Shiso: Shiso is Japanese herb. If you can find it, you can subsitute it with other herb such as percely or basil.
• Okra and Katsuobushi: Katsuobushi is dried bonito flakes.
• Cucumber and Umeboshi: Umeboshi is pickled plum and really sour.
• Edamame and cheese
• Avocado and Shio kombu: Shio kombu is seasoned kelp which is salty and a bit sweet.　
• Natto and Scallions: Natto is Japanese fermented soy beans. Slimy and sticky. You can find more details in this recipe: "How to eat natto" .
• Kimchi and Shredded nori: Kimchi is korean fermeted vegetables. Nori is a type of seaweed.

🔪Ingredients and instructions

Let me explain how to make each hiyayakko in this section. I hope you can find the one that you want to try out first!

#1 Scallions and Ginger

A classic combination of scallions and ginger.

Finely chop the scallion, grate the ginger, place it on top of tofu block and then pour a little bit soy sauce. You can also use mentsuyu (noodle soup) instead of or in addition to soy sauce if you'd like!

#2 Tomatoes and Shiso

Summer vegetables, tomatoes and shiso (Japanese herb)!

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

#3 Okura and Katsuobushi (Bonito flakes)

This is also the summer vegetable okra, and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes).

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 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 dish, this cucumber and umeboshi is 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 flavour. 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 into small pieces, cut the cheese into pieces of equal size, put them on tofu, and add some soy sauce. This is a cold side dish that fills your stomach.

#6 Avocado and Shiokombu

If you love avocado, try this!

Just get an avocado, mash it up, and put it on tofu with shio kombu. Shio kombu is seasoned kelp that tastes a bit strong so drizzle a little soy sauce for adding umami flavor. This combination makes our children's mouths water!

#7 Natto and Scallions

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

Add the sauce that comes with natto and mix together. Then add it on some tofu along with plenty of chopped scallions for extra flavor. If you like sticky food I recommend adding okra (option) to make things even stickier—it's delicious either way though!

#8 Kimchi and Nori

For those who like a little spice, I recommend this hiyayakko!

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

More Variations

In addition to the above, there are still more toppings for tofu that make it even better. These should also be considered!

• Grated daikon
• Nagaimo (mountain yum)
• Takana (pickled mustard leaf)
• Mozuku seaweed
• Shirasu (small sardine)
• Tenkasu (crunchy bits of deep fried flour-batter)
• Half-boild egg

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

Thanks for stopping by

Did you get excited about a simple and delicious 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

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📖 Recipe