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  • 2 days ago
Hiyayakko is a Japanese cold tofu recipe that turns soft chilled tofu into a refreshing side dish with easy toppings and light savory flavor. This version focuses on seven topping ideas that can make each serving taste different, using ingredients such as green onion, grated ginger, bonito flakes, soy sauce, sesame seeds, shiso, myoga, nori, kimchi, ponzu, chili oil, or crispy garlic. The tofu stays cool, smooth, and delicate while the toppings add aroma, saltiness, crunch, heat, or freshness. Because it does not need much cooking, hiyayakko is perfect for hot days, quick lunches, izakaya-style appetizers, or simple Japanese dinners. The final dish is light but satisfying, easy to customize, and pairs well with rice, miso soup, grilled fish, noodles, or other small plates.
Transcript
00:00Ready to transform a humble block of tofu into something so delicious you want to eat every day?
00:05Hiyako is one of my go-to tofu dishes and in this video, I'm going to show you my 7
00:10favourite toppings that turn plain old tofu into your new favourite side dish.
00:15I'm going to start by placing some kitchen paper over a plate and then we're going to take a 150g
00:21block of tofu and place it in the centre.
00:24The kind of tofu you use depends on your preference but I tend to go for silken tofu due to
00:29its soft and satisfying texture.
00:31Now wrap that up and leave it for 5-10 minutes just to absorb some of the excess moisture.
00:37When you unwrap it, you might find that the kitchen paper leaves a wrinkly pattern on the surface but if
00:43you want to prevent that, you can simply place it on top of the kitchen paper rather than wrapping it
00:48completely.
00:49Next, we're starting with a first topping combo and one I like to call the Classic Trio.
00:55For this one, you'll need 1 tbsp of beneath flakes, 1 tbsp of chopped green onion and 1 tsp of
01:03freshly grated ginger.
01:04Finish it off with a generous dash of soy sauce and it's as simple as that.
01:09This is like the textbook version of Hiyako so if you're trying this dish for the first time, I really
01:15recommend it.
01:16The ginger and soy sauce combo is so refreshing and the beneath flakes add the smoky umami that takes it
01:23to another level.
01:24Next, for number 2, we're moving on to a version of Hiyako I liked called Tanuki Crunch.
01:30So again, we're going to flip our rested silken tofu onto a plate, then top it with 1 tbsp of
01:36tempura flakes we call Tenkasu,
01:381 tbsp of chopped green onion, 1 tsp of beneath flakes and this time, I'm drizzling it with 2 sauce,
01:45which is usually used with noodles.
01:48This one is perfect if you like me and enjoy the contrasting crunch with the soft tofu.
01:54For topping number 3, we're making a spicy Chinese-inspired Hiyako so this time, while my tofu is resting,
02:01I'm going to mix up the sauce.
02:03Start with 1 tbsp of chili bean sauce called Tobanjan,
02:07½ tbsp of toasted sesame oil,
02:101 tsp of soy sauce,
02:121 tsp of toasted white sesame seeds,
02:15and ½ tsp of honey.
02:17This is the amount I use for one portion but it could probably stretch to two portions.
02:22You could even store leftovers in the fridge, it will keep for a few days.
02:26Pour that mix sauce over your tofu topped with about 1 tbsp of chopped green onions,
02:32some shredded kizami nori,
02:34and if you want to decorate it further, a few chili threads.
02:38This one is perfect for those who love spicy and nutty flavours, it's so good.
02:43At number 4, we have one that you're going to either love or hate, it's natto.
02:49While your tofu is resting, mix your natto vigorously at least 50 times, ideally 150 times.
02:56This basically whisks air into the film that colds the beans, making it fluffy and light.
03:02It also helps release umami so the more you mix, the better the taste and mouthfeel.
03:08Once they're good and sticky are the packaged sauces.
03:11This is often Karashi mustard, sweet dashi soy sauce, or something like that.
03:16Once it's all mixed in, spoon the natto over the tofu and top it with chopped green onions.
03:22This one is really filling, packed with protein and good for your gut health.
03:27So if you're looking for something more substantial than the other toppings, this one is really great.
03:33For number 5, I made a crispy onion version.
03:36This one was inspired by the tanuki crunch for people that might not be able to get tempura flakes.
03:42So grab your rested tofu, top it with soy sauce or tsuyo sauce to taste.
03:46Then add 1-2 tablespoons of those store-bought crispy fried onions and top it with some chopped green onions.
03:54The contrast between the crispy onion bits and the fresh green onion is seriously good.
03:58This one is great for onion fans and crunch lovers.
04:02Next, at number 6, we're making a super easy but flavor-packed Korean-inspired hyayakko.
04:08All you need is about 3 tablespoons of your favorite kimchi and 1 tablespoon of Korean seaweed.
04:15That's it.
04:16This one is perfect for people who love kimchi or Korean food,
04:19and it's such a great no-fuss option for when you're feeling snacky.
04:24And finally, at number 7, we have creamy and nose-tingling avocado wasabi.
04:29For each tofu block, you will need half an avocado.
04:33So scrape that into a bowl and mash it with fork.
04:39Once it's more or less smooth, add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and between quarter and half a teaspoon
04:45of wasabi paste depending on how much you want the wasabi to come through.
04:49Mix it until it's all incorporated, then spoon it over the tofu.
04:53I like to add a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds and some shredded nori for a finishing touch.
04:59But they're optional.
05:00This one is a bit of a modern twist, but it is such a great combo and really good for
05:05breakfast.
05:07And that concludes my round-up of 7 delicious hyayakko toppings that transform a boring block of tofu
05:13into something you will really crave.
05:16Which one was your favorite?
05:18Want even more delicious recipes?
05:20Grab my free cookbook from the link in the description.
05:24Okay, let's go over the ingredients one more time.
05:27And if you're ready to cook, grab the written instructions by clicking the full recipe box
05:31with a picture that's about to pop up on your screen.
05:34Here we go!
05:35The link to the full recipe plus 8 more toppings is on the screen for you now.
05:40And if you want to watch more similar videos,
05:42don't miss my quick and easy playlist popping up on your screen as well.
05:45Thank you so much for watching and I hope to see you in the next one. Bye!
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