20 Best Vegan Soy Curl Recipes (2024)

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Soy curls are a great meat alternative for vegan and vegetarian recipes. They are loaded with protein and so easy to prepare. Here are 20 of the best soy curl recipes.

20 Best Vegan Soy Curl Recipes (1)

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Why I Love Soy Curls

  • Easy to prepare and versatile
  • One of the healthiest meat alternatives
  • They have a long shelf life so they’re a great pantry staple
  • Gluten-free
  • Great source of protein and fiber
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What Are Soy Curls Made Out Of?

Soy curls are dehydrated non-GMO, whole soybeans, grown without chemical pesticides. They are slowly cooked until they’re soft, broken into strands, then slowly dried at a low temperature until they are dehydrated and packaged.

That’s it! Just transformed soybeans. They’re high in fiber and contain 10 grams of protein in just 1 serving.

20 Best Vegan Soy Curl Recipes (3)

Are Soy Curls Healthy?

Yes! Soy Curls are made from non-GMO, whole soybeans without chemical pesticides, preservatives, or additives. They’re also a great source of protein, fiber, iron, and potassium.

What Do Soy Curls Taste Like?

By themselves, nothing really. They’re pretty bland but that’s good because you can make them into anything you want with the right spices and marinades.

Like tofu– soy curls will soak up flavor like little sponges. And, preparing them could not be easier.

Once they’re hydrated they have the consistency and texture of chicken strips. You can make killer vegan versions of pepper steak, BBQ pork, fajitas, and bulgogi.

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How To Cook Soy Curls

It couldn’t be any easier. You soakthe soy curlsin warm water for 10 minutes, drain them, squeeze out the excess water, sprinkle with your favorite seasoning to taste, and cook in a non-stickskilletover medium-high heat.

You can also bake and air fry them as well.

They are great for adding flavor and texture to salads, stews, stir fry dishes, pasta, and big beds of rice.

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The Best Vegan Soy Curls Recipes

In this roundup, I’ve put together what I believe to be the 20 best vegan soy curl recipes from around the web. No one will ever guess that these meat-free, dairy-free soy curl recipes are made with soy protein, nor that they’re cholesterol-free and healthy, too.

You should have no problem finding something that will make everyone happy including, and especially, non-vegans.

Ready? Let’s do it!

Vegan Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef)

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Spicy, sweet, and savory Vegan Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef) made withsoy curls. This meatless version of a traditional Korean beef dish is so easy to make and just as tasty as the real thing.Oil-free and easily made gluten-free.

Sprinkle with some chopped green onions and sesame seeds and you got better than takeout.

MAKE THIS RECIPE!

Southern Fried Vegan Air Fryer Soy Curls

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This will be your new favorite quickie dinner – Vegan Southern StyleAir Fryer Soy Curls! This recipe is easy, convenient, full of flavor, crunch, and fun to eat as well.

They’re like vegan popcorn chicken, plus are oil-free, and gluten-free, and you can change up the seasoning and even add in some hot sauce, to suit your mood.

The Best Vegan Taco Meat

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Protein-rich soy curls and walnuts combine to create anexceptionally meaty and satisfyingalternative to beef.

This soy curl taco meat is perfect for tacos and burritos and for topping salads and grain bowls.Be sure and follow the oil-free options. There are also gluten-free and nut-free options.

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Bursting with fresh flavor, and incredibly simple to prepare, this vegan orange chicken will have your taste buds doing a happy dance! It’s protein-packed, pairs perfectly with noodles or rice, and it’s wonderfully wholesome and delicious.

Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip

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This Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip is absolutely incredible! Rich, creamy, delicious, & healthy. Perfect for holidays, game days, family gatherings, or any other day that ends in “y.” Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, & packed with protein.

MAKE THIS RECIPE!

Vegan Hamburger Helper with Soy Curls

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Ground soy curls, cheese sauce, and macaroni make this the best vegan hamburger helper you’ll ever try! It’s a one pot (or pan) dish that’s hearty, comforting and filled with fabulous flavour! Your entire family will thank you for this one!

Cheesy Vegan Grits Bowl With BBQ Soy Curls And Kale

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ThisVeganGritsBowl with BBQSoy Curlsand Kale is the definition of comfort food. A delicious and healthy plant-based breakfast bowl featuring creamy cheesygrits, hearty bbqsoy curls, and greens. A truly satisfying way to start the day.

MAKE THIS RECIPE!

Slow Cooker Vegan Chicken and Rice

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This super easyslow cookervegan chicken and rice is classic comfort food made meatless withsoy curls! It’s one of our absolute favorite healthy vegetarian crockpotrecipes with rice, perfect for busy workweek meals or a meal prep session.

This hearty plant-based and gluten-free dinner recipe is also kid-friendly and easily made oil-free.

Vegan Shawarma With Soy Curls

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Grab a napkin, because things are about to get messy! Made with soy curls, loaded with vegetables, and drizzled with sauce, Vegan Shawarma is lunchtime perfection.

If you love Indian flavors you are going to love this recipe. And, omit the oil to make this WFPB compliant.

Best Vegan BBQ Sandwich

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The Best Vegan BBQ Sandwich is right here! It’s made withButler Soy Curls& myEasy Homemade BBQ Sauce. Ready in 20 minutes, a great source of protein & fiber, and an awesome game day food.

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Spicy Thai Soup With Soy Curls

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Inspired by Tom Yum hot and sour Thai Soup, this simplified vegan version uses easy-to-find ingredients and includessoy curlsfor meatiness and extra staying power (substitute tofu if you like).

Made with ginger, garlic, lemongrass, mushrooms, and red curry paste, this spicy Thai soup is perfect when you crave your favorite Thai restaurant flavors at home.

Spicy Vegan Fried “Chicken” Soy Curls

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Make this crispy vegan fried chicken in your air fryer or oven using soy curls and no added oil. Serve with barbecue sauce or turn them into delicious vegan Buffalo wings.

Soy Curls Fajitas

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Whether you’re brand new to cooking with soy curls or you’re a seasoned pro, I know that you’re going to love these flavorfulSoy Curls Fajitas! They come together just like traditional fajitas, very quickly, but with soy curls instead of chicken or steak.

NOTE: Omit the oil and use veggie broth or water to sauté.

Saucy Vegan Sesame “Chicken”

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This Vegan Sesame Chicken is saucy, sticky, and perfectly sweet. A delicious gluten-free + plant-based take on the classic Honey Sesame Chicken.

Vegan Chicken Salad

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Soy curls make the best substitute for chicken in this delicious, high-protein salad. The perfect addition to sandwiches or topping for salads.

Replace the vegan mayo with my Creamy Cashew Mayo to make this WFPB.

Vegetable “Chicken” Noodle Soup

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Vegetable “Chicken” Noodle Soup is super satisfying and a recipe you should definitely have in your arsenal of delicious plant-based recipes!

The onlu change I made to this recipe was subbing out the Better Than Boullion for my DIY Vegetable Bouillon to elimiate the oil and salt.

Buffalo Soy Curls Salad

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This Buffalo Chicken salad is delicious, easy to make and filled with plant-based goodness! The soy curls, which can be air fried, pan fried or baked, are tossed in a simple buffalo sauce. The salad combines lettuce, carrots, celery, onion, and avocado and is topped with a creamy vegan ranch dressing.

Vegan Pepper Steak With Onions

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Vegan Pepper Steak With Onionsmade withButler soy curls, sliced bell pepper, and savory onions cooked in a delicious Asian inspired brown sauce. Serve over rice for one of the easiest, most delicious, healthy, and unforgettable meals.

MAKE THIS RECIPE!

Chik’n Salad with Soy Curls

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Summer would not be summer without picnics. Mix up this delicious vegan chik’n salad recipe from Plant Pure Nation and head to an evening outdoor summer concert, long afternoon of hiking or biking, or just hanging with friends on a Sunday afternoon.

Do soy curls need to be refrigerated?

Soy Curls™ are an all natural product and do not contain any preservatives or additives. So, to keep them fresh it’s best to keep themrefrigerated or in the freezer.

Where do I buy them?

Unfortunately, soy curls are not widely available at most grocery stores. You can usually find them at your local health food store or other specialty stores.

You can also order them from Amazon or directly from Butler Foods. We usually buy the 12 pound box…I’m not joking!

Print

Butler Soy Curls Nutrition Information

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Print Recipe

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

Butler Soy Curls are an all-natural alternative to meat that is heart-healthy, delicious, and easy to use. Soy curls are made from just one ingredient, whole, non-GMO soybeans.

  • Author: Shane Martin
  • Prep Time: 10 mins.
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving
  • Category: How To
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • Textured whole soybeans

Instructions

Prepare: Soak soy curls in warm water for 10 minutes. Drain. Season to taste and cook in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¾ cup dry
  • Calories: 100
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 0
  • Fat: 4.5
  • Carbohydrates: 5
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 10
20 Best Vegan Soy Curl Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Can you soak soy curls too long? ›

Soy curls come dehydrated and require soaking before use. Soak in warm water for 10 minutes. Be careful not to soak for too long or they will become mushy.

Are soy curls better than TVP? ›

The process of turning the defatted soybeans into soy concentrate or soy flour and then into the puffed pellets we recognize as TVP involves very high heat and sometimes added chemicals as well. From a health point of view, soy curls are less processed.

How to make soy curls from soy beans? ›

We soak the beans in spring water (no chlorine). Then the beans are stirred while being cooked. Soy Curls™ are dried at low temperature thus ensuring the natural goodness of the whole soybean high in fiber and omega-3.

Are soy curls healthier than tofu? ›

To prepare soy curls, you rehydrate them, squeeze out the excess liquid, and then marinate them or cook them in whatever recipe you want. They have a very chewy texture and are high in fiber, even more so than tofu.

How do you know if soy curls have gone bad? ›

The most obvious sign that soy curls have gone bad is a change in smell. They should have a neutral odor; if they smell sour or strange, it might indicate that they're no longer good.

Do dehydrated soy curls go bad? ›

Storage: The dehydrated Curls are shelf-stable and keep indefinitely, though using them within six months of purchase is recommended. Rehydrated Soy Curls can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to four days before using.

What are the downsides of TVP? ›

What are the disadvantages of TVP? The main disadvantages of including this product in your diet include: Difficulty digesting soy properly — When soy is not fermented (soaked and sprouted), it can be hard to break down due to antinutrients it contains, which block some of its minerals from being absorbed.

What are the disadvantages of TVP? ›

Potential downsides

Although TVP can be made from several different ingredients, it's typically made from soy. Soy is one of the most common allergens. If you have a soy allergy, consuming soy-based products can cause serious side effects, including anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening ( 14 ).

Is it OK to eat TVP every day? ›

In short, the answer is yes. While TVP is a processed food, it's derived from a healthy ingredient and provides a complete source of plant-based protein essential to one's health. That being said, like anything, TVP should be enjoyed in moderation. Additionally, it should not be your only source of protein.

How do you make soy curls not chewy? ›

Oil: I recommend using the full 2 tablespoons of oil if you want the soy curls to have crispy edges; if you do not care as much about that, you can reduce the oil to 2-3 teaspoons. If you are oil-free you can sauté the soy curls in water or vegetable broth, but I personally find them a little too rubbery this way.

Do soy curls make you gassy? ›

Background: Ingestion of soy products may cause excessive intestinal gas. This gas results from colonic bacterial fermentation of the indigestible oligosaccharides raffinose and stachyose, which are present in high concentrations in legumes.

How long do soy curls need to be cooked? ›

Finally, you'll either bake the soy curls for twenty-five minutes, or you'll air fry them for 10-12 minutes. Allow your chicken-style soy curls to get nice and saucy before baking or air frying them. The soy curls can be baked in the oven or air fried for a chewy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside texture.

Do soy curls need to be refrigerated? ›

Soy Curls™ are an all natural product and do not contain any preservatives or additives. Keep them refrigerated or frozen to keep them fresh.

Are soy curls considered processed food? ›

Soy Curls

These protein-packed strips are different than soy products like tofu and tempeh because they are considered minimally processed. According to Butler Foods, soy curls are made by boiling whole non-GMO soybeans in water. They contain no other additives or preservatives.

Are soy curls a processed food? ›

Soy Curls are minimally processed, and they are compliant in the Whole Food Plant Based Diet.

How many hours can I soak soya beans? ›

Rinse the dried soybeans, rubbing them together gently to remove any surface powdery residue, and remove any dark or discolored beans. Soak the beans in enough water to cover the beans for 6-8 hours or overnight. Soaking time is a bit longer than for other types of beans.

How long can you soak soya chunks? ›

How long should soya chunks be soaked? Ideally they need just a 10 to 15 minutes soak to hydrate and soften them. But if you are someone having a trouble digesting protein, then soak them in luke warm water for 3 to 4 hours. Oversoaking in boiling hot water makes them too mushy.

How long to soak soy protein? ›

1-Rehydrate the proteins by covering them with boiling water and the vegetable stock for 20-30 minutes. Or bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes until the proteins are soft and thoroughly flavored.

How long to soak textured soy? ›

When learning how to cook with TVP, you must first rehydrate it in liquid. Luckily, rehydrating textured vegetable protein is incredibly easy. To rehydrate your TVP, pour boiling water or broth over the desired amount and let it soak for 5-10 minutes, or until it's reached the desired texture.

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