Curious about soy curls? Here's everything you need to know, like how soy curls are made, where to buy them, and how to cook with them. I've also included 23 amazing vegan recipes that prove Butler soy curls are the versatile, 1-ingredient meat replacement you need in your plant-based kitchen!
If you're new to soy curls, you're not alone. There's a reason this versatile meat replacement remains mysterious to many of us, even though it's been around for decades.
I'm here to answer all of your questions, like where to buy them, how they're made, and how to cook with soy curls.
Jump to:
- What are soy curls?
- Where to Buy Them
- Soy Curls vs TVP
- What do soy curls taste like?
- How to Store Soy Curls
- How to Cook Soy Curls
- Are soy curls healthy?
- Nutrition Info
- 1. Soy Curl Taco Meat
- 2. BBQ Soy Curls (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker)
- 3. Instant Pot Red Lentil Curry
- 4. Vegan Marry Me Chicken
- 5. Soy Curl Ground "Beef"
- 6. Air Fryer Soy Curls
- 7. Vegan Chicken Strips
- 8. Vegan Fried Chicken and Biscuits
- 9. Chick'n Pot Pie With Sweet Potato
- 10. Soy Curl Bacon Bits
- 11. Vegan Pulled Pork
- 12. Vegan White Chili
- 13. Vegan Orange Chicken
- 14. Texas 3-Bean Vegan Chili
- 15. Soy Curl "Pork" Stir Fry
- 16. Vegan Clam Strips
- 17. Instant Pot Millet With Soy Curls
- 18. Vegan Hamburger Helper
- 19. Vegan Mongolian Beef With Soy Curls
- 20. Vegan Sloppy Joes
- 21. White Chick'n Chili Skillet
- 22. Mediterranean Soy Curl Pita
- 23. Spicy Thai-Inspired Soup
- 💬 Comments
What are soy curls?
Soy curls are a unique and healthy, 1-ingredient meat substitute made by family-owned, Oregon-based company Butler Foods.
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.
Where to Buy Them
The easiest way to buy soy curls is online. You can order directly from the Butler Foods website. They're sold in 8-ounce packages, and for super fans (guilty as charged) there's even a 12 pound bulk box (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 is 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, which is why ordering online is the way to go.
Soy Curls vs TVP
Soy curls and textured vegetable protein (TVP) seem 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 a good plant-based source of Omega-3 fatty acids (source). This is the kind of fat we want in our vegan diets.
From a health perspective, soy curls are considered whole-food plant-based (WFPB) 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 be similar to TVP.
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.
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.
Tip: Instead of store-bought vegetable broth, try this Homemade Vegan Chicken Broth Powder. Use it to rehydrate soy curls for maximum flavor!
How to Cook Soy Curls
Since soy curls are a dried product they're great at soaking up flavors. When rehydrated, soy curls have a striated appearance and chewiness that may remind you of chicken. This similarity makes them 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 that 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 flavors 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.
You can also add the dry soy curls 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 that Butler Foods sources the non-GMO soybeans from a family farm that does not use chemical pesticides. Butler Foods also states on their website that only pure spring water is used to cook the soybeans.
Nutrition Info
One serving of soy curls contains:
- 120 calories
- 11 grams protein
- 8 grams carbohydrate
- 6 grams fiber
- No trans fats or preservatives
Ready to cook? Let's get to the recipes!
1. Soy Curl Taco Meat
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.
2. BBQ Soy Curls (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker)
Talk about easy, all you need are 3 ingredients and a few minutes of prep time to make slow-cooker barbecue with soy curls.
3. Instant Pot Red Lentil Curry
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.
4. Vegan Marry Me Chicken
This vegan take on the popular internet sensation dish features soy curls smothered in a rich, garlicky cashew cream sauce. And with sweet and tangy sundried tomatoes, the flavor combo is sure to inspire a marriage proposal! 😉
5. Soy Curl Ground "Beef"
Made with healthy, whole-food ingredients, this oil-free, gluten-free beef substitute is perfect for everything from stuffed peppers to spaghetti!
6. Air Fryer Soy Curls
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!
7. Vegan Chicken Strips
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.
8. Vegan Fried Chicken and Biscuits
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.
9. Chick'n Pot Pie With Sweet Potato
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.
10. Soy Curl Bacon Bits
One day I thought, "Hmm, 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.
11. Vegan Pulled Pork
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.
12. Vegan White Chili
This creamy vegan white chili can be made on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. It's a great alternative to to traditional-style chili and a really satisfying, protein-packed dinner thanks to white beans and soy curls. Great for meal prep!
13. Vegan Orange Chicken
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.
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14. Texas 3-Bean Vegan Chili
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.
15. Soy Curl "Pork" Stir Fry
In this unique stir fry, soy curls are drenched in an Asian-inspired sauce and transformed into a pork substitute you'll want to make again and again!
16. Vegan Clam Strips
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.
17. Instant Pot Millet With Soy Curls
If you're a fan of 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!
18. Vegan Hamburger Helper
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!
19. Vegan Mongolian Beef With Soy Curls
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!
20. Vegan Sloppy Joes
Meaty, tangy, sweet, and savory, soy curls are the perfect base for this vegan take on the classic American sloppy joe.
21. White Chick'n Chili Skillet
This cheesy 1-pan skillet bake comes together in no time. So good it's currently on repeat at our house!
22. Mediterranean Soy Curl Pita
Soy curls are seasoned with lemon, thyme, and oregano and wrapped up in soft pita or flatbread in this perfect, 30-minute meal.
23. Spicy Thai-Inspired Soup
Made with ginger, garlic, lemongrass and red curry paste, this simple take on Tom Yum soup calls for common ingredients and is ready in no time.
Isn't it incredible how versatile soy curls are? Their neutral flavor and chewy, meaty texture are perfect for creating plant-based versions of all 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!
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Angela says
Hi Lori! We buy the 12 pound bag of soy curls and store them in a mylar bag with a desiccant pack. The soy curl powder/very tiny crumbs have settled to the bottom of the shipping bag. I was curious if you know of any recipes using the powder. I hate to throw the powder out!
Lori Rasmussen says
Hi Angela, I think the tiny crumbs would be great for bac'n bits or my taco meat or ground beef recipes (you can find all three of those linked above). I bet it will help with binding, so adding it to the ground options will be perfect for tacos or stuffed things like peppers or taquitos.
Jo Archer says
These look so good. My recipes got lost in a move and I have been looking for the bacon bits and any WFPB recipes. I love cooking with soy curls. I'm going to use a lot of these---thank you!
Pixie @ Cheerfully Vegan says
Lori, these look amazing!! We love soy curls and buy the 12 lb box, freezing them in Tupperware. It lasts 2 or 3 of us about a year. I did NOT know they source the soybeans from a family farm that doesn't use chemical pesticides - I am thrilled! We had soycurls for dinner today on rice with gravy.
I have found that 6 cups of soycurls needs about 2 1/2 c. of water or broth to rehydrate (stirring from time to time) so that I don't have to squeeze them out. I also discovered that frozen soycurls break easily by hand into small pieces if you want that size for a recipe like "chicken" noodle soup.
Michelle Backus says
Thank you, Lori! I just bought 3 bags. I usually hydrate & drown in Date Lady bbq sauce. I haven’t made any slaw to go with it so will do tomorrow. Can’t wait to try one of your recipes!!! I’m not always so lazy lol!
Marna says
HI Lori!
First, so many of your recipes are FANTASTIC! I have a notebook to collect recipes and only a few have "earned" their own section named for the authors...yours is one of them :). Anyway, I was introduced to Timothy Pakron (Mississippi Vegan) through one of your recipes. I am making his Salisbury Steak which calls for TVP. I dont have TVP but do have soy curls (always have soy curls) I save the broken bits in another jar. I was wondering if I can use broken soy curls interchangeably with this recipe. In his recipe he doesnt hydrate the TVP first. He mixes it directly with the other ingredients to plump in the oven while baking....I was wondering your thoughts...
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lori Rasmussen says
Marna - what an honor! It means so much to me that you enjoy my recipes enough to not only *remember me and this site,* but devote a section of your saved recipes to me?!? Thank you so much. Notes like yours keep me going!
Now, about Timmy's recipe. First, he is such a gem! Also, I quickly tried to google the salisbury steak and didn't see it, so I'm thinking it's in his cookbook.... which I happen to have. 🙂 So I'm looking right now to see how the TVP is used.
Generally, yes, there's no problem substituting soy curl bits for TVP. The only issue might be with measuring and making sure you use the correct amount so you don't end up with too much/little moisture. I see his steak calls for 1 cup TVP (which weighs about 95 grams). Since it's really a seitan recipe, looks like the TVP is mainly there for texture. I would try to break up the soy curl bits as much as possible. If you have a scale, weigh it just to make sure you have the correct amount. Should work perfectly!
Thanks for putting that recipe on my radar...can't wait to try it!
Kay says
Hi Lori,
Great looking recipes for Soy Curls. Looking forward to trying them. I have just started using Soy Curls. I am a backpacker and make my own meals rather than buying the expensive pre-packaged ones. Since these are already cooked in the processing, would pouring hot water over the meal for a 15 min soak, be enough at camp? TIA Kay
Lori says
That's a great question, Kay! Technically, pouring boiling liquid over the dry soy curls should be fine from a food safety perspective, but the texture will be a bit squishy and obviously not ideal. But since you'll be backpacking you may not care about that! You'll also want to add flavor with spices or sauce.
Trish Rose says
I ordered soy curls direct from Butler. Not only is the 12 lb box an incredible deal, they even threw in some freebies for me! Thanks for introducing me to a great product! Looking forward to trying many of the recipes.
Mary says
I have been using soy curls for about a year now. They are so convenient. I use them for many different dishes. Especially convenient for chicken salad sandwiches.
Candace says
I just read through the 18 recipes for soy curls. So many great recipes. My printer is warm from all the activity!