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.

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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 soy curls go 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. In addition to smell, look for any visible mold or discoloration. Remember, when in doubt, it's best to throw it out!

Are soy curls healthier than tofu? ›

They're healthy. Soy curls are made from only one ingredient: whole soybeans. This means they provide fiber (6 grams per serving) and a good amount of protein (11 grams per serving, 3 more than tofu).

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.

Do soy curls have 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 unhealthy? ›

In addition to protein and healthy fats, soy curls are high in fiber, containing 6 grams of fiber per serving, which can help aid in digestion and prevent constipation. They are also a good source of iron, calcium, and other essential minerals that are important for maintaining a healthy body.

Do soy curls cause bloating? ›

Answer. Excessive soy intake can cause gas in some people. Like beans, soy products are derived from a legume. Some people have a hard time digesting the sugars in legumes which results in gas when eaten in large amounts.

Are soy curls good for diabetics? ›

Soy curls are a good source of dietary fiber, offering around 6 grams of fiber per 30-gram serving. Fiber is one of the most crucial dietary elements that plays various roles in the body, such as promoting healthy digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

How to rehydrate soy curls? ›

Water: Soy curls come dry in the package, so they need to be rehydrated in a mix of water and broth for 5 minutes or so before cooking.

Are soy curls considered a 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.

What is a substitute for soy curls? ›

Soy Curl Substitute for vegan satay skewers

Soy Chunks, Soya Chunks, and TVP Chunks are all basically the same thing, just in different shapes, so try looking out for those instead. You could also try subbing extra-firm tofu but it won't work exactly the same.

How much water do you use for soy curls? ›

Soy curls are dried and crispy, so they will need to be rehydrated before you can use them. Simply place them in a bowl and add about 1.5 cups of hot water and let them soak. I like to flavor the water, to add some flavor to the soy curls, otherwise, they are very bland, so I personally use a tablespoon of marmite.

How do you get water out of soy curls? ›

Add the dried soy curls to a medium bowl and cover with the broth. Let soak for about 10 minutes until the soy curls have softened. Once softened, drain the water and squeeze the soy curls to get out the excess water.

Can you freeze soy curls? ›

You can double the recipe if you like! And if you don't, know that soy curls can be stored in a closed container in the fridge or freezer for up to 1 year, so there's no need to finish the bag right away.

Are soy curls the same as soy chunks? ›

While Soy Curls are a specific product, the concept behind them is not new. It's essentially just TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) and there are variations of it around the world. Sometimes they are called Soya Chunks too.

What happens if you don't refrigerate soy? ›

Soy sauce can be kept unopened in the pantry and away from sources of heat. It's safe to be left in the pantry once opened, too, but the flavor may change over time. “If you use soy sauce infrequently, it may be best to refrigerate it to extend its shelf life,” Edwards says.

How can you tell if soy meat is bad? ›

When checking if the soy meat is expired, check if the texture is slimy and smells sour. These indicate that mold is growing on the soy meat. Due to their wheat content, the danger of consuming expired soy meats can be serious than other soy products.

How long does it take for soy to go bad? ›

According to Eat By Date, unopened soy sauce, when stored properly in a cool, dark place, can last indefinitely, while opened soy sauce can retain quality for 2-3 years in the refrigerator. You can store it in a cool and dry area, away from the dishwasher or stove.

Do soya chunks expire? ›

Store in cool and dry place, Shelf Life: 12 Months. Nature's Bridge: Bond Between You and Purity.

Does textured soy expire? ›

This study estimates TSP stored at 68 degrees F (20 C) to have a shelf life of 1.7 years! Also of interest, it was found that ExPress® meal has a shelf life of 3.4 years and ExPress® soy flour has a shelf life of an astounding 10 years.

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