Miso-Infused Vegan Caprese with Herbed Tofu
Elevate your salad game with this Miso-Infused Vegan Caprese. This delectable dish features firm tofu marinated in a savory rice miso and zesty lemon dressing, which revitalizes the blandness often associated with tofu. Layered with succulent, thick slices of ripe tomatoes and fragrant shiso or basil leaves, this salad is drizzled with extra virgin olive oil for a rich finish. Ideal for a refreshing appetizer or light meal, this vegan twist on the classic Caprese salad is both nutritious and tantalizingly flavorful.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Firm tofu
12 ounces (Drained and sliced)
Rice miso
4 tablespoons (Mixed with lemon juice)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Shiso or basil leaves
8-10 leaves (Fresh, whole leaves)
Tomatoes
2 medium (Thickly sliced)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (For drizzling)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the tofu to eliminate excess water. Wrap the firm tofu block in a clean paper towel and microwave on high for 3 minutes. This will help to firm up the tofu texture.
2
In a small bowl, combine the rice miso and lemon juice, mixing well until the miso is fully integrated into a creamy paste.
3
Spread the miso mixture evenly all over the surface of the warm tofu, ensuring every side is well coated for maximizing flavor absorption.
4
Wrap the marinated tofu tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge and let it marinate for a minimum of 12 hours or up to 3 days for a deeper flavor profile.
5
Once marinated, remove the tofu from the refrigerator. Using a spoon, carefully scrape away the miso paste before slicing the tofu into thick slabs.
6
On a serving platter, alternate layers of the miso-infused tofu, thick tomato slices, and shiso or basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.
7
Finish by drizzling the extra virgin olive oil generously over the arranged salad. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Enjoy immediately!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Miso-Infused Vegan Caprese?
It is a plant-based version of the classic Italian Caprese salad, using tofu marinated in savory rice miso and lemon instead of mozzarella cheese.
What type of tofu is best for this recipe?
Firm tofu is recommended because it holds its shape during the marinating, slicing, and layering process.
How long should I marinate the tofu?
The tofu should marinate for a minimum of 12 hours, but it can be left in the fridge for up to 3 days for a deeper flavor profile.
Can I use basil instead of shiso?
Yes, if shiso leaves are unavailable, fresh basil leaves are an excellent and traditional substitute for this Caprese-style salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the rice miso used is certified gluten-free, the entire recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Why do I need to microwave the tofu for 3 minutes?
Microwaving the tofu helps to quickly expel excess water and firm up the texture, making it more like the consistency of cheese.
Can I skip the microwaving step?
If you prefer not to microwave, you should press the tofu with heavy weights for at least 30 to 60 minutes to remove moisture.
What is rice miso?
Rice miso, or Kome Miso, is a fermented soybean paste made with rice koji, offering a balanced and slightly sweet umami flavor.
Can I use red miso instead of rice miso?
You can, but red miso is much stronger and saltier, so you may want to reduce the marinating time or the amount used.
Do I leave the miso paste on the tofu when serving?
No, you should use a spoon to carefully scrape away the miso paste before slicing the tofu to ensure the saltiness is not overpowering.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Ripe, succulent, medium-sized tomatoes like vine-ripened or Roma tomatoes are best for creating thick, juicy slices.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and contains no animal products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe typically serves 2 to 4 people as an appetizer or light meal depending on the size of the slices.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The tofu must be prepared ahead of time to marinate, but it is best to assemble the salad right before serving to keep the tomatoes and herbs fresh.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining marinated tofu or assembled salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the salad stay fresh?
Once assembled, the salad is best enjoyed immediately. The marinated tofu can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the marinated tofu?
Freezing is not recommended as it changes the cell structure of the tofu, resulting in a more porous and spongy texture.
What can I serve with this Miso-Infused Caprese?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a light pasta, or as part of a larger vegan mezze platter.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is high in plant-based protein, low in saturated fat, and contains healthy fats from the extra virgin olive oil.
What does shiso taste like?
Shiso has a bright, herbaceous flavor that is a cross between citrus, mint, basil, and a hint of anise.
Can I use silken tofu for this recipe?
No, silken tofu is too fragile and will not hold its shape when marinated or sliced for a Caprese salad.
Why is lemon juice added to the miso?
The lemon juice acts as an acid to balance the saltiness of the miso and creates a spreadable paste for the marinade.
Can I add balsamic glaze?
While not in the original recipe, a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a sweet acidity that complements the miso and tomatoes.
How thick should I slice the tofu and tomatoes?
Aim for thick, even slabs about 1/2 inch thick to provide a satisfying texture in every bite.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can be used as a substitute, though it will give the marinade a slightly different citrus profile.
Is the tofu cooked in this recipe?
The tofu is microwaved to firm it up, but it is not traditionally 'cooked' further, as the marinade and fresh components define the dish.
What should I do if my miso paste is too dry?
If the miso paste is too thick to spread, add a tiny bit more lemon juice or a teaspoon of water until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Does the tofu taste like cheese?
While it doesn't taste exactly like mozzarella, the miso provides a deep, salty umami flavor that mimics the satisfying richness of cheese.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are highly recommended for this salad to achieve the correct fragrance and texture associated with Caprese.
Is this a low-cholesterol dish?
Yes, since it is a vegan dish made without animal fats, it is naturally cholesterol-free.