8 Ways To Enjoy Hiyayakko (Japanese Cold Tofu Recipe)

Savor the refreshing and quick delight of Hiyayakko, a Japanese chilled tofu dish! Customize it with your favorite toppings and prepare it in just 5 minutes!

If you're a fan of tofu and looking for a light and healthy dish, you'll love this authentic Hiyayakko recipe! It offers the delicate flavor and creamy texture of the tofu and is so easy to make!

Plus, I've covered you with eight tasty topping ideas that will take your Hiyayakko to the next level. Give it a try right away!

This recipe is for you if:
• You love tofu and Japanese recipes.
• You wonder how to eat raw tofu.
• You are looking for an easy hiyayakko recipe.
li>You are looking for a cold tofu recipe.

If you want to check the recipe immediately, please visit the link below. Let's get started!

Jump to:

• About This Recipe
• What is Hiyayakko?
• 🔪Ingredients
• Where to Buy Japanese Ingredients
• 📋 Delicious Hiyayakko Toppings
• 1. Scallion and Fresh Ginger
• 2. Tomato and Shiso Leaf
• 3. Okra and Katsuobushi
• 4. Cucumber and Umeboshi
• 5. Edamame and Cheese
• 6. Avocado and Shio Kombu
• 7. Natto and Scallion
• 8. Kimchi and Nori Seaweed
• More Variations
• Thanks For Stopping By!
• More Tofu Recipes You Might Like
• 📖 Recipe
• 8 Ways To Enjoy Hiyayakko (Japanese Cold Tofu Recipe)
• 💬 Comments

About This Recipe

• Japanese popular dish with fresh tofu
• Delicious tofu dish ready in 5 minutes
• 8 different toppings to try
• Refreshing side dish for summer months

What is Hiyayakko?

Hiyayakko is one of the simplest dishes in Japanese cuisine, perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day. This delightful small dish features uncooked tofu seasoned with plain soy sauce and can be customized with various toppings to suit your taste preferences.

When dining at a Japanese restaurant and ordering a meal set, Hiyayakko is often included as a complementary dish, served alongside steamed rice, miso soup, and the main course of your choice.

🔪Ingredients

Here are the ingredients (amounts are in the recipe card below)

• Tofu: See below
• Soy Sauce
• Toppings of your choice: find more in the following section.

Which Types of Tofu to Choose

When making Hiyayakko, the type of tofu you use can affect the texture and experience. Here are some tofu variations:

1. Silken Tofu: Also known as "Kinugoshi tofu," this type offers a delicate and silky-smooth texture.
2. Firm Tofu: Commonly referred to as "Momen tofu," firm tofu provides a more substantial bite compared to silken tofu. It offers a firmer texture while still maintaining a delicate balance.
3. Extra Firm Tofu: This tofu has the firmest texture, providing a satisfying bite and maintaining its shape well.

The choice of tofu depends on personal preference. Experiment with different varieties to find the one that suits your taste!

Pressing Tofu for a Firmer Texture

If you prefer a firmer texture in your tofu, try the simple technique of pressing it to remove excess water. Wrap the tofu block with a paper towel, place a weight on top, and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes.

The complete instructions for this method can be found in the following recipe.

Where to Buy Japanese Ingredients

If you live in the US, you can find Japanese ingredients in the list below.

• Japanese market: Mitsuwa Marketplace, Marukai
• Asian market
• Whole Foods Market
• Health food stores
• Online stores: Instacart, Walmart, Amazon

📋 Delicious Hiyayakko Toppings

Let me share my favorite toppings for Hiyayakko recipes, each requiring just two ingredients and incredibly easy to prepare through simple cutting and mixing techniques. Let's explore each delightful combination!

1. Scallion and Fresh Ginger

This one is a classic topping for hiyayakko. Finely chop the scallions (or spring onions or green onions), grate the fresh 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. Tomato and Shiso Leaf

Enhance your hiyayakko with the vibrant flavors of summer vegetables! The sweet-and-sour tomatoes and the aromatic shiso leaves (a Japanese herb) are the perfect pairings for plain tofu.

Cut the tomatoes and shiso leaves into small, even pieces and mix them together in a bowl. Place the mixture on top of the tofu block and drizzle soy sauce over it.

3. Okra and Katsuobushi

Incorporating summer vegetable okra as a topping adds a delightful element to hiyayakko. The addition of katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) brings a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

Boil the okra briefly, chop it into small pieces, and mix it with katsuobushi. Spread the mixture on top of the tofu and finish it off by sprinkling some soy sauce. This one is my go-to whenever I come across fresh okra!

4. Cucumber and Umeboshi

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

Shred the cucumber, make ume paste by chopping sour umeboshi, and place them 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 Shio Kombu

For a delicious twist on hiyayakko, spread mashed avocado on top of the tofu and sprinkle it with shio kombu, a seasoned kelp rich in umami flavor. Drizzle a bit of soy sauce for added umami taste. This variation is visually appealing and a mouthwatering treat that children will love.

7. Natto and Scallion

Natto, the Japanese fermented soybeans and superfood, makes for an exceptional topping choice. If you're a fan of natto, this combination is perfect for you!

Mix the natto sauce with natto, and generously spread it on the tofu. Add plenty of chopped scallions and drizzle a bit of soy sauce for an extra flavor.

8. Kimchi and Nori Seaweed

For those seeking a touch of spice, kimchi serves as an excellent addition to hiyayakko!

Cut the kimchi into bite-size pieces and place them atop the tofu along with 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, more toppings for tofu still make it even better!

• Grated daikon radish
• 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
• Minced garlic

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

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

Thanks For Stopping By!

Did you get excited about a delicious and straightforward tofu dish? I hope you will enjoy these hiyayakko recipes!

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
• Japanese Tofu and Seaweed Salad

📖 Recipe