Whether it’s classic sandwiches or family-favorite desserts, Willow in NYC strives to offer traditional recipes with a vegan twist served in an upscale but familiar setting. And one of our favorite recipes? Tofu nuggets.

Few recipes are as popular as nuggets. Easily to make and appealing to a wide variety of tastes, nuggets can be perfect for any occasion – which is why we’ve shared our recipe for the best tofu nuggets so you can make them yourself.

At Willow in NYC every dish is homey and familiar, then elevated with unique flavors and upscale presentation. We’re taking relatable American food and turning it on its head—then making it vegan!

Tips for Making the Willow’s Tofu Nuggets

The foundation for any great recipe is taking the extra time to utilize professional tips. Here at Willow, one of our secrets to creating the best tofu nuggets is the amount of time we put into our preparation, including taking the extra time to fully press the tofu. 

Set Aside Time for Prep

Willow’s tofu nuggets can be cooked within a relatively short amount of time – just as long as it takes to fry each piece until it’s golden brown. However, you will want to plan accordingly for the prep time needed to prepare the tofu for this meal.

This recipe requires time to press the tofu and freezer time. As a result, you’ll want to begin this meal at least the night before to ensure the right amount of prep time prior to cooking. 

Use a Tofu Press

There are some recipes which use tofu that call for a moister block. However, the key to Willow’s tofu nuggets is utilizing a tofu press to ensure that any and all excess moisture has been completely removed. This helps create that meat-like texture in the nuggets without the meat. 

Willow NYC Tofu Nuggets

For this recipe, for the best tofu nuggets, you’ll want to make sure that you have the proper tools on hand. We recommend a high-quality tofu press to ensure the proper amount of moisture removal, as well as a proper skillet for frying. 

Prep Time: 10 hours

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 10 ½ hours

Ingredients

Preparation

1. Drain tofu
2. After drying, place tofu into tofu press. 
3. Refrigerate for two hours. 
4. Remove tofu from press and wrap.
5. Place in freezer overnight.
6. Remove tofu from freezer the next morning.
7. Place tofu into tofu press again.
8. Leave in press at room temperature until defrosted.

Once the tofu has defrosted and released any excess liquids, it should be half the size than when you originally began to prepare it. 

Cooking Instructions

1. Tear the tofu into nugget-sized portions using your hands and place into bowl.
2. Pour soy sauce into bowl with tofu.
3. Toss.
4. In a larger bowl, mix flour and species to make a dredge. 
5. In a small pan, heat oil to frying temperature.
6. Dredge each piece of tofu until the coating is dry.
7. Pan-fry until the coated tofu is golden brown.
8. While the nuggets are hot, top with favorite sauce and sliced scallions. 

Nutritional Information

We’re proud to say that our tofu nuggets are more than just delicious – this recipe is also rich in nutritional value.

As a vegan staple, tofu is known for its ability to provide an abundance of vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy vegan diet. This recipe uses an extra-firm variety of tofu, which has less water and, as a result, a higher nutritional value. 

On its own, tofu is a complete protein. This means that it contains all nine of the essential amino acids required to maintain the body. A single serving of tofu contains around 14 grams of protein, which is almost a third of the daily amount required. 

Tofu is also rich in calcium and iron, as well as many other significant nutrients. 

While the spring onions are used in this recipe as a garnish, they still provide a rich flavor and nutritional boost. They’re rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B2, and thiamine, and contain a variety of other key vitamins that help make these nuggets a nutrient-dense meal. 

We use nutritional yeast to help create a delicious and familiar texture however, it also provides a helpful quantity of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Whether you’re looking to join us at our restaurant on 8th Avenue in NYC or want to take advantage of our online ordering options; you can skip the cooking time and experience true vegan excellence.