This Japanese-inspired tofu and tomato salad is a refreshing twist on classic caprese, infused with the bold flavors of Edo Spice. A unique technique—soaking the tofu in warm salted coconut milk—enhances its creamy texture while deepening its umami. Juicy ripe tomatoes, rice vinegar, and fresh basil or shiso bring bright, aromatic contrast, making this vegan, protein-rich salad perfect for summer dining or a vibrant side dish any time of year.
This vegan, Japanese-inflected salad sparkles with Edo Spice and is a lively play on a classic tomato caprese. It may seem odd but we give the tofu a brief soak in salted, warm coconut milk, which seasons the tofu and gives it a creamy texture.
While summer tomatoes are ideal, the salad is delicious made with grocery store cherry or Compari tomates — Edo Spice and fresh herbs enhance the tomatoes’ flavor, no matter the season.
Ingredients
For the tofu
1 block firm tofu, water drained
¼ cup light coconut milk
2 tablespoons sea salt
For the salad
Ripe tomatoes
Rice vinegar
Neutral, buttery oil, such as sunflower or avocado
Cut the tofu in ¼-inch-thick slices (as if slicing a loaf of bread), then into pieces at a size that will look nice with slices or chunks of the tomatoes. Put 3 cups very hot water into a large bowl and add the coconut milk and salt; stir to combine. Add the tofu slices to the hot-water mixture and let it soak for 20 minutes. Drain the water-mixture from the bowl.
Set a cooling rack over the sink and lay a clean tea towel on it. Arrange the tofu slices in a single layer on half of the tea towel. Cover the tofu with the other half of the tea towel and press gently on each piece of tofu (with your hand flat).
Slice the tomatoes, arrange on a plate, layered with tofu slices/pieces. Drizzle with a splash of vinegar and oil; sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Garnish liberally with Edo Spice and shreds of basil or shiso.
Recipe Note
Note: After soaking, the tofu may seem too salty but it will be ‘just right’ after it’s dried with the tea towel.
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