Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of silken tofu
- 1 medium-sized carrot, peeled and grated
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds
Special equipment needed: None
Step-by-step instructions:
a. Drain the tofu and cut it into bite-sized cubes.
b. Arrange the tofu cubes on a serving plate.
c. Sprinkle the grated carrot on top of the tofu.
d. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined.
e. Drizzle the sauce over the tofu and carrot.
f. Sprinkle the chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds on top.
g. Serve immediately.
10 minutes
5. Temperature: Room temperature
Serving size: 2-3 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of silken tofu, you can use firm tofu or even cooked chicken breast.
- Instead of grated carrot, you can use grated daikon radish or cucumber.
- Instead of soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Instead of rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Instead of sesame oil, you can use olive oil or avocado oil.
- Instead of sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup.
Variations:
- Add sliced avocado or cucumber for extra freshness.
- Top with sliced jalapeño or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use ponzu sauce instead of soy sauce for a citrusy flavor.
- Add sliced shiitake mushrooms for an earthy taste.
Tips and tricks:
- Use the freshest tofu you can find for the best texture.
- Make sure to drain the tofu well before using it.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more or less soy sauce, vinegar, or sugar.
Storage instructions:
- Hiyayakko is best served fresh and should not be stored for more than a few hours.
Reheating instructions:
- Hiyayakko should not be reheated as the tofu will become tough and lose its delicate texture.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the tofu cubes in a circular pattern and sprinkle the grated carrot in the center.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro or parsley.
Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced jalapeño or chili flakes
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
Pairings:
- Serve with a bowl of steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with a cold beer or sake for a refreshing drink.
Suggested side dishes:
- Edamame
- Miso soup
- Pickled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tofu is too soft, try using firm tofu instead.
- If the sauce is too salty, add a little more sugar or vinegar to balance the flavors.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean hands and utensils when handling the tofu and other ingredients.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within a day.
Food history:
- Hiyayakko is a traditional Japanese dish that is often served as a light appetizer or snack.
Flavor profiles:
- The dish is light and refreshing, with a delicate texture and a savory-sweet flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the dish on a small plate or in a shallow bowl for easy eating.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
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Occassion: N/A
Region: Japanese
Taste: Refreshing, Tangy, Savory, Nutty