Hiyayakko (Japanese Chilled Tofu Dish)

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Vegan hiyayakko served with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds

What is Hiyayakko?

Hiyayakko is a traditional Japanese dish that is served chilled, directly from the refrigerator. It’s made with silken tofu (known for its soft and smooth texture) along with various toppings.  It is often served in Japanese restaurants as a simple and refreshing appetizer particularly enjoyed during the hot summer months.

Why Silken Tofu?

Silken, sometimes referred to as soft, tofu is very smooth and delicate and therefore very appropriate for cold applications. It is the surprising ingredient in my very popular chocolate mousse recipe.

As much as I love pressing tofu, silken tofu does not benefit from this activity. If we attempted to press silken tofu, we’d end up with a mushy custard like mess.  I DO, however, recommend pressing firm tofu to enhance it’s texture for cooking dishes such as this Crispy Tofu.

Storage Tip for Silken Tofu

Store silken tofu in the refrigerator and use it by the date on the package. Silken tofu is also available in shelf-stable aseptic packaging.  Similarly refer to the use-by-date on the package if using a shelf-stable silken tofu.

Any unused portion of the tofu from an opened package can be stored for later. According to Cook’s Illustrated, “store leftover pieces in water in a container and refrigerate; change the water every day for up to five days.”

How to Prepare Vegan Hiyayakko

Plant-based Hiyayakko garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions

Hiyayakko is often served as a light entree, side dish or appetizer. It is very simple to prepare and highly flavorful and satiating.

Start by combining soy sauce, ginger, agave and miso in a bowl.  This sauce is rich in umami flavors and highly aromatic and slightly sweet. The ginger also adds a bit of spiciness. If you’d like a bit less punch, reduce the ginger quantity.

Simply remove the tofu from it’s packaging. Divide it into four portions on a plate (with a rim) or a bowl. Pour the sauce on top and then garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onion.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Hiyayakko (Classic Japanese Chilled Tofu Dish)

This is a savory and highly flavorful dish made with silken tofu

Course Appetizer, Main Dish

Cuisine Asian, Japanese

  • ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons peeled and grated fresh ginger or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon agave syrup
  • ½ teaspoon miso paste
  • 16 ounce silken tofu
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • thinly sliced radish or cucumber additional toppings, if desired

  • In a small bowl, stir to combine the soy sauce, ginger, agave, and miso.

  • Remove the tofu from its packaging, and slice into two equally-sized pieces. Place each piece in a small serving bowl or on a small plate with a rim.

  • Distribute the soy sauce mixture, green onions and sesame seeds evenly over the four portions of tofu.

  • Enjoy cold or at room temperature.



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