19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (2024)

Everything you wanted to know about soy curls, plus 21 delicious ways to use them! If you're new to soy curls, you're not alone. There's a reason they remain mysterious to many of us, even though this unique meat substitute has been around for decades.

This post answers all of your questions, like where to buy soy curls, how they're made, and how to store and use them. Plus, I've rounded up 21 fantastic vegan soy curl recipes that prove soy curls are the versatile, 1-ingredient meat replacement you need in your plant-based kitchen!

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (1)

What are soy curls?

Soy curls are a unique and healthy, 1-ingredient meat substitute made by family-owned, Oregon-based company Butler Foods.

Unfortunately, Butler soy curls aren't widely distributed to grocery stores. But don't let unfamiliarity keep you from trying this versatile vegan product!

Soy curls are made from just one ingredient, whole, non-GMO soybeans. This makes them unique in the world of meat replacements, since most soy-based meats are made from isolated parts of the bean (as well as a lot of additives, usually).

The whole soybeans are slowly cooked, then textured and processed by special extruder that shapes them into strands (I like to picture a Willy Wonka-type environment for vegan meat).

The soybean strips are then dehydrated and packaged, giving them an extended shelf life.

Jump to:
  • What are soy curls?
  • Where to Buy Soy Curls
  • How to Store Soy Curls
  • Soy Curls vs TVP
  • What do soy curls taste like?
  • How to Use Butler Soy Curls
  • Are soy curls healthy?
  • 1. Soy Curl Taco Meat
  • 2. BBQ Soy Curls (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker)
  • 3. Instant Pot Red Lentil Curry
  • 4. Soy Curl Chicken Strips
  • 5. Soy Curl Ground "Beef"
  • 6. Vegan Fried Chicken and Biscuits
  • 7. Soy Curl Pot Pie With Sweet Potato
  • 8. Soy Curl Bacon Bits
  • 9. Vegan Bacon Pancakes
  • 10. Vegan Pulled Pork
  • 11. Vegan White Chili
  • 12. Vegan Orange Chicken With Soy Curls
  • 13. Texas 3-Bean Vegan Chili
  • 14. Buffalo Soy Curls Salad
  • 15. Vegan Clam Strips
  • 16. Instant Pot Millet With Soy Curls
  • 17. Vegan Hamburger Helper
  • 18. Vegan Mongolian Beef With Soy Curls
  • 19. Air Fryer Soy Curls
  • 20. Vegan Sloppy Joes
  • 21. Mediterranean Pita Sandwich
  • You might also like:
  • 💬 Comments

Where to Buy Soy Curls

The best way to buy soy curls is by ordering online. You can order directly from the Butler Foods website. They are sold in 8-ounce packages, and for soy curl super fans, there's even a 12 pound bulk package (pictured below)!

Soy curls are also available on Amazon in a variety of package sizes (the 6-pack is usually the best deal).

According to the Butler Foods website, soy curls are available in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.

Even here in the U.S., finding soy curls can seem tricky because they're not distributed to grocery stores. Your local co-op or health food store might carry them, but there's no guarantee.

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (2)

How to Store Soy Curls

Store dry soy curls in a cool place, ideally the refrigerator or freezer. If stored in the pantry, soy curls will last up to 6 months. The packages are printed with a "best by" date.

Since soy curls are a natural product that doesn't contain preservatives (other than being dried) they will eventually go rancid. According to the Butler Foods website, keeping soy curls cold is the best way to store them.

Similar to other cooked foods, after rehydrating and preparing soy curls, the leftovers will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Prepared soy curls can also be frozen.

Soy Curls vs TVP

Soy curls and textured vegetable protein (TVP) seem very similar at first glance. Both are dried and made from soybeans. The main difference is in the way the two products are made.

Soy curls are made from whole soybeans which means they contain all of the fiber, protein, and nutrients of the bean. TVP, on the other hand, is made from defatted soybeans, which is really just a more attractive way to explain that it is the byproduct of soybean oil production.

While less fat might sound like a good thing, and sometimes it is, soybeans are rich in healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, the type of fat we want in our vegan diets.

From a health perspective, soy curls are considered a "whole food" and are less processed than TVP.

Soy curls and TVP also differ in shape and size. If you were to grind up soy curls and add them to a recipe, visually and texturally they will seem similar to TVP.

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (3)

What do soy curls taste like?

Dry soy curls straight from the bag are pretty much flavorless. So think of soy curls like you would tofu or tempeh, a blank slate for flavor.

Depending on how you plan to use them, you can begin building flavor right from the start when rehydrating the soy curls.

Since soy curls are dehydrated, they're basically a sponge ready to soak up your favorite seasonings and spices.

Instead of rehydrating soy curls in water as stated on the package, you may want to use a rich vegetable broth or mushroom broth.

You can also simply add a few dashes of salt and seasonings to the water. Keep in mind that for some recipes you won't need to rehydrate the soy curls. More on this below.

Tip: Always out of vegetable broth when you need it? Try this Homemade Vegan Chicken Broth Powder. Use it to rehydrate soy curls for maximum flavor!

How to Use Butler Soy Curls

Since soy curls are dried they are great at soaking up flavors. When rehydrated, soy curls have a striated appearance and chewiness similar to chicken. This similarity makes them incredibly useful in a variety of dishes.

Soy curls are great for quick dinners because unlike tofu, there's no pressing involved. Simply rehydrate the soy curls in water or broth for about 10 minutes, then squeeze out the excess liquid and add them to a saute or stir fry.

Sometimes you may not need to rehydrate soy curls before using them in a recipe. For example, in this bacon bits recipe a minimal amount of liquid is added so the soy curls get nice and crispy.

And in this lentil curry, the soy curls go into the pot dry and soak up all the delicious coconut curry flavor during cooking.

You can also chop or pulse rehydrated soy curls in a food processor for a ground meat texture. The taco meat recipe below is a perfect example of how much soy curls can resemble ground meat in both mouthfeel and appearance.

Soy curls can also be added to a pot or pressure cooker while cooking grains, like in this millet recipe, and added whole or chopped to chili, stews, and soups.

Are soy curls healthy?

Yes, soy curls are considered a healthy, whole-food source of many important nutrients. It's also important to note, Butler Foods sources its non-GMO soybeans from a family farm that does not use chemical pesticides.

Soy Curl Nutrition

One serving of soy curls contains:

  • 120 calories
  • 11 grams protein
  • 8 grams carbohydrate
  • 6 grams fiber
  • Omega-3 fats
  • No trans fats or preservatives

Ready to cook? Check out these 21 tasty soy curl recipes!

1. Soy Curl Taco Meat

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (4)

This vegan taco meat is one of our all-time favorite soy curl recipes. Generously seasoned and sautéed with onion and jalapeño, the soy curls are then pulsed in the food processor to create the best vegan taco meat. It's also perfect for nachos, salads and grain bowls.

Get the Recipe

2. BBQ Soy Curls (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker)

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (5)

Talk about easy, all you need are 3 ingredients and a few minutes of prep time to make slow-cooker barbecue with soy curls.

Get the Recipe

3. Instant Pot Red Lentil Curry

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (6)

This popular recipe is so easy to prepare and absolutely FULL of flavor. Soy curls (or TVP) make this vegan curry extra thick and satisfying.

Get the Recipe

4. Soy Curl Chicken Strips

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (7)

How great do these look? Tender Vegan Chicken strips from soy curls are easy to make in the air fryer or oven for a healthy snack, lunch, or dinner. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and dig in.

5. Soy Curl Ground "Beef"

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (8)

Made with healthy, whole-food ingredients, this oil-free, gluten-free beef substitute is perfect for everything from stuffed peppers to spaghetti!

Get the Recipe

6. Vegan Fried Chicken and Biscuits

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (9)

Check out this unique use of soy curls. Jackie combines ground soy curls with seasonings and vital wheat gluten to make a delicious soy curl seitan! This meal of vegan chicken and biscuits is one that’ll comfort you and stick to your bones! Hearty, flavorful, and perfect for weekend brunch.

7. Soy Curl Pot Pie With Sweet Potato

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (10)

This whole-food plant-based (WFPB) pot pie is filled with colorful sweet potato and kale and made extra satisfying with meaty soy curls. Paired with this easy and healthy pie crust, you'll especially love this comforting pot pie in fall and winter months.

Get the Recipe

8. Soy Curl Bacon Bits

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (11)

One day I thought, "Hmmm, I wonder what would happen if I didn't fully rehydrate soy curls and instead infused them with salty and smoky bacon flavor before baking in the oven?" Friends, the result was even more irresistible than I could have hoped! These vegan bacon bits are way too good to be so healthy.

Get the Recipe

9. Vegan Bacon Pancakes

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (12)

Speaking of bacon... after you whip up a batch of those bacon bits above, set some aside for the next morning, and make these sweet and salty Vegan Bacon Pancakes.

Get the Recipe

10. Vegan Pulled Pork

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (13)

This soy curls recipe creates a wonderfully textured, chewy bite thanks to the air fryer. Toss the pulled "pork" in barbecue sauce, and serve as a main course or on a sandwich.

11. Vegan White Chili

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (14)

This creamy vegan white chili can be made on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. It's a great alternative to totraditional-style chiliand a really satisfying, protein-packed dinner thanks to white beans and soy curls. Great for meal prep!

Get the Recipe

12. Vegan Orange Chicken With Soy Curls

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (15)

Did you know soy curls make excellent vegan orange chicken? This recipe pairs perfectly with noodles or rice and will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

13. Texas 3-Bean Vegan Chili

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (16)

Hearty, filling and chock-full of beans, peppers and spices, this Texas 3-Bean Chili is a real crowd pleaser. It's easy to make, oil-free, and gets extra texture from diced soy curls.

14. Buffalo Soy Curls Salad

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (17)

This flavor-packed salad combines buffalo soy curls with lettuce, carrots, celery, onion, and avocado and is topped with a creamy vegan ranch dressing. The soy curls can be air fried, pan fried, or baked.

15. Vegan Clam Strips

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (18)

Soy curl clam strips are crispy, chewy, and oh-so-delicious! Seasoned with Old Bay and cayenne and served with a side of extra dilly tartar sauce.

16. Instant Pot Millet With Soy Curls

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (19)

If you like easy, dump-and-start Instant Pot recipes, you'll love this creamy millet with vegetables and soy curls. It's a healthy, full meal that's ready in no time!

Get the Recipe

17. Vegan Hamburger Helper

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (20)

Soy curls stand in for beef in this classic American dish. Perfectly seasoned homemade cheesy sauce and pasta make this hamburger helper a recipe the whole family will love!

18. Vegan Mongolian Beef With Soy Curls

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (21)

If you've never had Mongolian beef, vegan or otherwise, and you are a fan of garlicky, gingery, sweet, sticky sauces, then this is definitely one to try!

19. Air Fryer Soy Curls

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (22)

Whether air fried or baked in the oven, you'll love the smoky, savory flavor and chewy meat-like texture of this recipe. Enjoy the soy curls as an entree or snack on it like soy curl jerky!

Get the Recipe

20. Vegan Sloppy Joes

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (23)

Meaty, tangy, sweet, and savory, soy curls are the perfect base for this vegan take on the classic American sloppy joe.

Get the Recipe

21. Mediterranean Pita Sandwich

19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (24)

Soy curls are seasoned with lemon, thyme, and oregano and wrapped up in soft pita or flatbread in this perfect, 30-minute meal.

Get the Recipe

Isn't it incredible how versatile soy curls are? Their neutral flavor and chewy, meaty texture are perfect for creating plant-based versions of your favorite dishes.

Have more questions about Butler soy curls? Chime in below in the comments. And if you try any of these amazing soy curl recipes be sure to let us know!

You might also like:

  • Vegan Pepperoni
  • Easy Vegan Meatballs (TVP and Seitan)
  • Spicy Thai Soup With Soy Curls
  • Easy Baked Vegan Taquitos
19 Vegan Soy Curls Recipes + Soy Curl FAQs (2024)

FAQs

Do soy curls go rancid? ›

Soy Curls are an all-natural product that do not contain any preservatives or additives. They also contain natural fats and will go rancid when stored on your pantry for long periods of time.

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.

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.

How to tell if soy curls are 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!

Do butler 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 safe to eat? ›

Soy curls are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be used as a meat substitute in traditional dishes like stir-fries, curries, and stews. Soy curls can also be used to make plant-based versions of classic meat dishes, such as vegan chicken strips or beef fajitas.

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.

Can soy curls be reheated? ›

To reheat, lightly fry the soy curls in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil or broth until warmed through. You can also warm them in a covered dish in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot, but they won't be as crispy this way.

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.

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.

Are soy curls dehydrated? ›

Soy Curls: soy curls are of course a soy product that are just dehydrated soy chunks. You can get them from Butler's Foods. They are a great product to always keep on hand because they last a while, they are a great source of plant-based protein, and are very versatile!

Can I rehydrate soy curls in marinade? ›

Rehydrate the soy curls.

Cover the soy curls with boiling water and allow them to soak for at least 10 minutes. You can go ahead and prepare the marinade during this time. Once they've soaked, you'll wring out the excess liquid so they'll absorb as much of the marinade as possible.

Is textured soy the same as soy curls? ›

texture vegetable protein (TVP) While soy curls are made from whole soybeans and preserve the fiber, protein, and nutrients from the original bean, TVP is made from dehulled and defatted soybeans (i.e., the leftovers from soybean oil production).

Why do soy curls give me gas? ›

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 anti-inflammatory? ›

They are high in plant-based protein, fiber, and anti-inflammatory isoflavones, provide moderate amounts of heart-healthy unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, and contain small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium. They are low in saturated fat and sodium and are vegan and gluten-free.

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.

What is the shelf life of soy curls? ›

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.

How much is a serving of soy curls? ›

A 30-gram serving of soy curls (about 1 cup rehydrated) contains approximately 10-12 grams of protein, comparable to the amount of protein found in a serving of chicken breast.

Can you freeze dehydrated soy curls? ›

Hydrated: After rehydrating and cooking, store the soy curls in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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.

How to store soy curls long term? ›

Unopened packages of Butler Soy Curls will keep well in your fridge, freezer, or pantry for up to 6 months as long as they stay sealed. Once the package has been opened, you need to store the soy curls in an air-tight container or they will absorb the moisture in the air.

Does textured soy protein go bad? ›

Like all foods, TSP has a limited shelf life and can spoil after a particular period. Storing TSP in an airtight container and in a cool, dry place can help preserve its shelf life, but it should not be stored indefinitely.

Does soy protein go bad? ›

In general, unopened soy protein powder can last for about two years, while opened containers can last for around six months to a year. To determine if soy protein powder has gone bad, check for any signs of spoilage such as a sour smell, discoloration, or clumping.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rubie Ullrich

Last Updated:

Views: 6300

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rubie Ullrich

Birthday: 1998-02-02

Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119

Phone: +2202978377583

Job: Administration Engineer

Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.