Silken Tofu with Soy, Ginger and Spring Onion
The Beauty of Simplicity
This dish is inspired by Hiyayakko (冷奴), Japan’s beloved chilled tofu — simple, cool, and restorative. Traditionally topped with soy, ginger, spring onion, and bonito flakes, it’s a summer staple that celebrates stillness and restraint.
This modern vegan adaptation keeps the quiet spirit but adds a touch more aroma and warmth through toasted sesame oil and extra ginger. The result is familiar yet new — bolder, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Serves 2
1 block silken tofu (kinugoshi dōfu), 300–350 g, chilled
1 ½ tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
1 spring onion, finely sliced
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Assembly
Prepare the tofu:
Slice around the pack and gently invert the tofu onto a shallow plate. Let any excess liquid drain naturally — do not press.Mix the dressing:
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce and sesame oil.Dress and garnish:
Spoon the dressing evenly over the tofu. Top with grated ginger, sliced spring onion, and sesame seeds.Serve chilled:
Eat immediately — cool, aromatic, and balanced.
Tofu Tip: Handle with Care
Silken tofu is fragile — think of it as a soft custard, not a curd.
Always use a spoon, not chopsticks.
Serve it cold for the smoothest texture.
Don’t slice too finely — let the tofu hold its soft, natural form.
Cultural Note
Traditional Hiyayakko is one of Japan’s simplest and most elegant dishes — often topped with bonito flakes (katsuobushi) for umami depth. This vegan reinterpretation replaces the fish element with toasted sesame for warmth and texture, while allowing the tofu’s clean flavour to remain the centrepiece.
The additional ginger and sesame oil bring modern vibrancy — slightly more assertive than traditional versions but true to the same spirit of harmony and calm simplicity that defines washoku, the Japanese philosophy of balanced taste.
Final Takeaway
This modern vegan Hiyayakko honours tradition while speaking today’s language — quick, plant-based, and beautifully balanced.
Just silken tofu, soy, ginger, and sesame: proof that evolution can still whisper. 🌿
