This Japanese tofu salad is either the quickest side you can make or the laziest one when you don’t feel like cooking.  Either way, you should have it in your recipe repertoire.

Hiyakko Tofu

Hiyakko tofu is a Japanese cold dish consisting of silken tofu topped with a few simple garnishes.  The beauty of this dish is found in its simplicity that echoes the culture and cuisine of Japan.

Incredibly cooling on a hot, summer day, it feels like a smooth, creamy popsicle on the palate.  Highlight the clean flavors by using the highest quality ingredients possible such as an organic tofu and premium soy sauce.

It can be eaten as a salad on its own or shared as an appetizer.

Special Soy Sauce

The regular and reliable Kikkoman soy sauce works for many dishes, but this salad may be worth investing in a premium soy sauce.  Much like you would use the finest extra virgin olive oil to drizzle on salad so would you use this soy sauce to enjoy with sashimi or to season a raw salad such as this Japanese tofu salad.

Shoyu is the Japanese version of soy sauce.  This organic yugeta shoyu is brewed in Saitama, Japan from organic soybeans and wheat.  Aged in cedar vats, it has a noticeably bright, clean, and richer flavor than most regular soy sauces.

Try out this or another special soy sauce to season your tofu and add some complexity to an otherwise simple salad.

Other Items to Garnish your Japanese Tofu Salad

1. Grated ginger
2. Edamame beans
3. Wakame seaweed
4. Thin sliced cucumber
5. Pickled ginger
6. Nori strips
7. Shiso leaves
8. Cherry tomatoes
9. Corn kernels
10. Bacon bits?  It’s not so traditional, but it certainly doesn’t sound like a bad idea.

Helpful Tips:

1. The silken, also called soft, tofu will continue to leech water as it sits.  Cut and plate the tofu just prior to serving.
2. Slice the green onions as thinly as possible.  It will look nicer and match the delicacy of the tofu.

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Quickest, Coolest Japanese Tofu Salad

Incredibly cooling and quick to make, this salad feels like a smooth, creamy popsicle on the palate. 

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Japanese

Keyword cold tofu recipes, healthy salads, summer salad

Servings 2

Calories 171kcal

Author Asian Test Kitchen

Ingredients

• 1 block soft or silken tofu preferably organic
• 2 Tb soy sauce the best one you have
• 1 Tb sesame oil
• 1/4 c bonito flakes
• 1 Tb sliced green onion

Instructions

• Carefully remove the block of soft tofu from packaging without breaking. Cut into bite sized cubes and transfer to serving plate. 
  
• Dress with soy sauce and sesame oil. Garnish with bonito flakes and green onion.  
  
• Serve immediately. 

Notes

1. The silken, also called soft, tofu will continue to leech water as it sits.  Cut and plate the tofu just prior to serving.
2. Slice the green onions as thinly as possible.  It will look nicer and match the delicacy of the tofu.

Nutrition

Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 1084mg | Potassium: 294mg | Iron: 2.4%

Tried this recipe?Mention @asiantestkitchn or tag #asiantestkitchen!

Do you love cool salads?  Please spread the Asian ♥ and share!