Hiyayakko (冷奴) is Japanese cold tofu that is served as an appetizer or side dish. The smooth silky and creamy texture of the tofu helps to cool the body and makes a delightful respite on a sweltering day. It’s a popular dish to serve in the summertime along with Edamame. I remember my grandpa always started his summer meal with a glass of cold beer next to these two dishes.
How to Enjoy Hiyayakko
To make Hiyayakko, we use silken tofu which has a creamier and velvety texture compared to regular tofu. Silken tofu also contains a lot more liquid, so you need to drain the tofu for 10-15 minutes prior to serving. Before you bring it to the table, have a quick check at the dish. If you see any water being released from the tofu, gently tilt the serving plate and discard the water. We usually top the chilled tofu with katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), green onions, and grated ginger. For a vegan or vegetarian version, you can definitely skip katsuobushi and top with tomatoes or other vegetables. Right before you eat, you would drizzle a little bit of soy sauce, Ponzu, or Mentsuyu (noodle soup base) over the tofu.
Have Fun With Various Toppings!
Hiyayakko is very versatile and you can be creative with the toppings and seasonings. As the chilled tofu is mild in taste, it complements an amazing range of flavors and textures. A touch of sweet, salty, tangy or spiciness can add so much zing to a simple dish. I also like putting Kimchi on my Hiyayakko too. It’s simple and quick – another delicious tofu recipe to add to your arsenal!
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