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Tofu Caprese with Shio Koji (Salt Koji)

A no-cook tofu caprese recipe using shio koji instead of salt, revealing depth through Japanese fermentation.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Japanese
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g (11 oz) Soft tofu (cotton-style and Japanese preferred) about 1 pack
  • 200 g (7 oz) Tomatoes about 2 medium tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Shio koji (salt koji)
  • Appropriate amount Black pepper

Method
 

  1. Prepare the ingredients.
    Gently drain the tofu and slice it into 1–1.5 cm (½ inch) thick pieces.Slice the tomatoes into 1–1.5 cm (½ inch) thick pieces and half.
  2. Arrange tofu and tomatoes alternately on a plate, following a caprese recipe layout.
  3. Drizzle olive oil and shio koji evenly over the tofu and tomatoes, optional black pepper.

Notes

Fermentation Tip

Using shio koji (salt koji) instead of salt adds a gentle sweetness derived from fermentation. Unlike salt, shio koji spreads softly across the ingredients, creating a more even and integrated seasoning.
Shio koji also pairs naturally with olive oil. The oil carries aroma, while the fermented enzymes of koji soften sharpness and round the overall flavor—a quiet balance that works especially well in no-cook dishes.
All “耀 Hikari” recipes use naturally fermented seasonings made using traditional methods. If you use machine-made seasonings, use 1.2 to 1.5 times the amount of seasoning.

Serving Notes

  • This tofu caprese is best served chilled or at room temperature. Because it is a no-cook shiokoji recipe, the subtle balance created by fermentation remains undisturbed.
  • For variation, you may add fresh herbs such as basil or rosemary to layer a gentle aroma. You can also turn this dish into a light salad by adding baby greens or mixed leaves.
This flexibility is part of what makes shio koji easy to use— it adapts quietly without overpowering the structure of the dish.