25 Best Soy Curl Recipes

Did you decide to order some Butler soy curls but are now wondering how to actually cook them up? Or are you doing a quick Google search at the health food store before grabbing a bag to try out? Either way, here are the 25 best soy curl recipes to inspire you with all the creative ways to cook up this delicious vegan protein source made from soybeans!

What Are Soy Curls?

Soy curls are a dehydrated soy product made from whole soybeans. According to Butler Foods, whole soybeans are soaked, mixed, and dried at a low temperature to create these meaty-textured curls. 

Because they take on a meaty texture when rehydrated, soy curls are often used as meat alternatives in plant-based cooking. They can easily serve as vegan meats in vegan and vegetarian recipes by soaking them in flavorful broths and marinades before cooking. 

I absolutely love the texture of soy curls and have served them to plenty of family and friends with many compliments. Their texture is similar to textured vegetable protein (TVP); however, they are in larger pieces and contain more fat (as TVP is typically made from defatted soy). Soy curls are quick and easy to cook, making them a perfect plant protein choice for a busy weeknight or lazy Sunday. 

Where To Find Soy Curls

Soy curls can be tricky to find. They are sold at some health food stores, or you may find them at your local bulk foods store. Butler Foods also has a list of soy curl retailers you can check out before shopping! I purchase my curls from the Butler Foods website, but they're also available on Amazon. 

Soy curls have a long shelf life (even longer if stored in the freezer), so they are an easy staple to order in bulk and store in your basement or garage freezer. The best part? They don't even need to be thawed before cooking! 

Cooking Soy Curls

While there is plenty of inspiration below, here are some general steps to preparing versatile soy curls: 

1. Hydrate. Soak the dry soy curls in a broth or marinade, such as vegetable broth, with a couple of Tablespoons of soy sauce or coconut aminos. I also love to use better-than-bouillon bases to create vegan beef or chicken broth. The curls will absorb the broth and take on its flavor. 

2. Cook. Remove the curls from the broth and gently squeeze them to remove excess liquid and encourage quicker cooking. From here, you can:

• Crisp them with a bit of neutral oil in a large skillet on medium heat for about 10 minutes until lightly browned. 
• Toss in some oil, spread them into a single layer on a sheet pan, and bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.
• For quick and crispy curls, cook them in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. 

*For oil-free, forego the oil for slightly less crisp curls. 

3. Coat. Optionally, you can add the curls to a bowl and toss in a homemade or store-bought sauce, or add the sauce to the curl-filled skillet. 

4. Serve. Serve the curls soon after coating to maintain a crispy texture. Pop them into a wrap, or serve them over greens, roasted veggies, or rice, and top them with sesame seeds, fresh herbs or green onions, chili crisp, or whatever sounds good to you! 

*To substitute soy curls for other protein sources in recipes, add the cooked curls as you would cooked meat or another prepared protein source. If the recipe is a soup or sauce, you can add the curls directly as you would uncooked meat, though you will need to add more broth or stock to hydrate the curls. 

Soy Curl Recipes

Now that we've got the lowdown on soy curls, let's dive into these 25 delicious recipes!

Vegan Pepper Steak

Whip up this pepper steak recipe by rehydrating soy curls in a vegan beef broth and coating them in a rich umami sauce. With fresh bell peppers and plenty of aromatics, this dish is full of savory-yet-yet fresh flavor. 

Vegan Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Dump a bag of soy curls into this soup and be amazed by the results! This comfort food in a bowl is a great first soy curls recipe to try! 

Vegan Chicken Salad

While I love a good chickpea-based deli salad, it doesn't always hit the spot when craving a meatier texture. Enter this creamy, crunchy, herbaceous salad with a meaty bite, thanks to soy curls! 

Soy Curl Jerky

Missing the savory, smoky taste of jerky on your camping or road trip? Satisfy your craving with this simple vegan alternative! 

Vegan BLT

This plant-based version of a vintage favorite with soy curl bacon is about to become your go-to easy lunch.

Vegan BBQ Plate

Saucy and sweet BBQ soy curls meet creamy coleslaw, charred broccoli, and spicy jalapeño cornbread for the perfect vegan cookout feast. 

Miso Stir Fry

Looking for a way to use up your fresh veggies before they're goners? Add rehydrated soy curls and this rich umami sauce for a meal that's sure to satisfy. 

Lemon Piccata Enchiladas

This fusion of two iconic dishes with tangy capers and zippy lemon sauce is inventive yet comforting. 

Vegan Sloppy Joes

These sloppy joes are packed with aromatics and spices to prove that vegan food is anything but bland. 

Vegan Kung Pao Chicken 

Skip your next takeout and whip up this utterly addictive dish with authentic Szechuan ingredients. 

Soy Curl Fajitas

Just slice up some veggies and add them to a skillet with soy curls and fajita seasoning for your new favorite quick dinner! 

Vegan Chicken and Dumplings

Calling all comfort food lovers! With their tender meaty texture, soy curls make the perfect vegan meat substitute for cozy and creamy dishes like this one. 

Vegan Orange Chicken

Make your own simple orange sauce with whole foods for the best orange chicken you've ever had, without chicken! 

Vegan BBQ Chicken Pizza

Stop settling for boring pizza toppings and try this Midwest favorite in vegan form. If sweet and savory is your thing, this pizza takes the cake (or pie, in this case)! 

Vegan "Marry Me" Chicken

The luscious, creamy garlic sauce is what makes this plant-based twist on a viral recipe so crave-worthy. Beware that your sweetie may propose once they've tried it, though! 

Soy Curl and Kimchi Tacos

Why is everything better in taco form? Mix up Taco Tuesday with these spicy and tangy ones! 

Vegan Ginger Beef

Crispy, saucy, and tangy, these ginger beef curls are a hit with all eaters. 

Vegan Curried Chicken Salad

Mix classic deli salad flavors with mango chutney and curry powder for a soy curl chicken salad you'll want for every lunch. 

Hoisin Orange Soy Curls

Make a quick and tasty homemade sauce with orange marmalade and hoisin sauce in less time than it would take to grab takeout. 

Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Soy curls make for convincing vegan beef in this hearty and satisfying game-day staple. 

Vegan Beef and Broccoli

Soy curls are coated in a sweet and savory sauce and paired with crisp, earthy broccoli for a mouthwatering dish full of texture. 

Vegan Chicken Fajitas

This vegan spin on a weeknight dinner favorite can be made on a skillet, sheet pan, or even on the grill!

Vegan BBQ Pulled Pork

Cook these sweet and simple pulled pork-style curls for a quick and versatile main dish. 

Crispy Vegan Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Crispy soy curls are coated in fiery buffalo sauce and drizzled with creamy vegan ranch for the perfect game-day lunch. 

Vegan Garlic Butter Chicken

Soy curls soak up an earthy marinade, then are coated in a velvety garlic butter sauce and served with potatoes for a rich and comforting (but totally vegan!) meal. 

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