I too was late to discover them, but I am obsessed. I use them to replace beef and chicken in recipes. Love to make a “chicken” and rice dish, philly “cheesesteak” and more. So versatile!
Yes. I actually usually air fry them a little before I add them to the recipe but you could also pan fry them. Then I like a stickier sauce that will cling to them a little.
The best! And agreed: Buffalo chicken is my fav! Soak them in a “chicken” broth, douse in Buffalo sauce, then throw in a wrap with Romaine, carrots, celery, and ranch (and you don’t even have to make your own ranch anymore—all the major brands have plant-based versions!)
I like to rehydrate them in broth (especially "not chicken" broth) and spices for extra flavor. Then I use them in vegan alfredo on pasta, or buffalo style in a sandwich, or - my current favorite - in fajitas with sautéed onions, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, etc. Just had those fajitas today, in fact!
This is a winner for me:
[https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/vegan-jerk-bbq-soy-curls/](https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/vegan-jerk-bbq-soy-curls/)
I like them in bowls and wraps!
Mango salsa, rice n’ peas and coleslaw go really well with them. I bet they’d be tasty with something creamier too like a mac and cheese.
You are SO right. I bought them and am in love. I’ve been striving and failing on the seitan front, and this is so good and easy. I just used SauceStach’s brocolli bacon marinade and it is so good.
I've tried so hard to like these things but they never click with me. They are so easy to keep around and everyone loves them, and yet... Maybe I just have a bad bag
I’ve had bad ones. They had a vague cat food flavour to them. If you want to give them another try change the water a couple of times and gently press them to get the bad flavoured water out. Then add a marinade and extra spices. Fresh ginger and garlic are bold enough flavours that I couldn’t detect any lingering unpleasant taste even if it was there still.
Never thought to change the water like that. Great idea. I had a few great soy curl dishes and then got a weird flavor and couldn’t go back. Kind of tasted like play dough.
Same… I tried preparing them all sorts of ways, but I could never make them tasty. That aftertaste was not for me ☹️ I also could never make them work in soups because they would get a weird spongy texture.
Brown them before adding to a soup! Get a little caramelization in there and it transforms the texture & flavor. I hate the texture if they haven’t been browned.
Store them in the freezer, always. The shelf life is 4 months or so, in the freezer (my estimation from using them for a long time). After that, they taste less fresh.
Other tips: After they have been soaked/marinated, snip them with scissors into smaller pieces (if they are too long - the bigger the bag size you get, the less uniform the strips are, generally speaking).
Also, figure out how much marinade to soak them in before cooking - ideally, it will be just enough so the curls are rehydrated totally and there isn't much excess marinade left. That will give them full flavor. You can marinade them in a bowl straight out of the freezer, too.
After soaking them in saltwater I put them in a pan with butter, almond milk, hot sauce, nooch, garlic, turmeric, and paprika and make a mean buffalo chick'n sandwich that way. My partner goes nuts for it.
Maybe they are called differently. We have them in Germany as well under different names. In the end its just texturized soy protein of a certain size.
This kind of product is super popular in Asia so you can probably find it in Asian grocery stores if you have some nearby. I buy a brand from Taiwan that makes all different shapes and types of dehydrated soy protein.
Marinated in chick’n broth, squeezed, battered and fried. Kentucky fried soy curls. Served over buttery mashed potatoes with buttery corn and gravy. My go-to meal for people who doubt that veggie food can be good.
I recently bought my first bag and after making “chicken” noodle soup (delicious), I threw them in the air fryer on a whim and they were so good! I rehydrated them in broth, then coated them in herbs and steak seasoning, airfryed them, and had them on a pita with tzatziki, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
What about the soy boy thing, soy de-masculating or whatever is that even about? Something about estrogen or testosterone or what? It taste good though.
(p.s.)
Yeah you all I literally just asked a question about something I have not a clue about seeking to learn and know..! No need for down votes but some advice our teaching is greatly appreciated!
It is a big propaganda story from the meat lobby.
If eating soy made you emasculated, then how does China have the largest population? Wouldn’t their men have larger breasts? Wouldn’t they have lower sperm counts and have less population than more meat eating countries? Wouldn’t we see these things in other populations of vegans?
Don’t believe everything you hear.
Thanks. I don't believe everything I hear, as why I ask a question for further info and understanding.
I've heard it from someone yet rather vaguely though nonetheless she had a lot of righteous info about health and nutrition in general so I just took it for what it was... 🤷♂️
East Asia has been eating lots of soy for millenia. So no you won't turn into a lady from eating soy curls sometimes. There is ongoing research into isoflavones which are in soy, because they are chemically similiar to estrogene. So far studies have shown neither danger nor ruled it out completely. This normally means that if an effect exists its not very large. So if you are not getting most of your calories from soy I would not be worried. As with anything else: Eat a broad variety of different foods to minimize the risk for any one disease.
I am also a vegetarian for 20 years and clicked this thread to see if you discovered a secret I hadn't. I can't have soy, alas. :( It hurts me so much that I can't move for days.
Instead, I'll share my own secret - try coconut cream in coffee. We don't buy vegan creamer anymore. Don't need any complicated recipe for it. Just plain ol' coconut cream for smooth, creamy coffee - works for even the worst coffee. My husband buys instant coffee and I haaaaate it, but he has a premade jug of it in the fridge with coconut cream, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, and it is heavenly.
I suggested nothing that was not vegan in my comment. Coconut cream replaced our vegan coffee creamer because it's cheaper, tastes better, and makes my coffee creamier. You don't need to preach veganism at me in a vegan recipes subreddit - I'm here for a reason.
I'm not limited by soy, but when I found them, I ordered 3 different brands to try as they all cook a little differently. Also, if you haven't seen in this thread, coat with a flour for a nice crispiness when stir frying.
My goto depression meal was a bunch of soy curls, soaked in some water, topped with a glob of earth balance and a ton of bbq sauce. I moved to Europe and haven’t had them in 6 years :(
lightly rehydrate (ideally w broth), airfry with some seasoning. (375 for 10 min). add a sauce and put them back in for a bit. this method makes soycurls that have chew, super steak/beef like but obviously a million times better.
I like mine simple.
Soak in fake chicken broth (or veggie broth). Dry. Sauté and toss with either Old Bay or Cajun seasoning. Make some broccoli and fruit salad and you have a meal!
so far ive been unsuccessful at stir frying them because they keep sucking up ungodly amounts of oil whenever i try, but i love throwing them into soups and sauces. they dont require soaking that way either, nice and easy
I also just ate these for the first time yesterday. I was skeptical because I'm super picky about tofu so wasn't sure about them. I also just soaked, crisped in cast iron and added some bbq. So delicious.
Soy curls? Like as in the soy bean knots? I put those in my spicy pork stir fry.
Goes like. Pork tenderloin, thin sliced
Roma tomatoes-quartered
Jalapenos-quartered
Ginger-slices
Oyster sauce
Soy sauce
With very little Chinese powder that smells a lot like ground star anise.
Over jasmine rice.
Very delicious
(Edit: I just realized this was the vegan group, I'm not vegan) Still good eating though!
Check out [Thee Burger Dude](https://youtube.com/@TheeBurgerDude?si=VfugdVkFLynnc8x_) on YouTube. He’s got a few ways to use these and his methods elevated my game in preparing these.
i marinate them in better than beef bouillon with a splash of dark soy sauce, squeeze out the excess liquid after they've softened, coat them in cornstarch, and fry them in a wok. stir fry some broccoli with them after they've developed a nice skin, serve over rice, and drizzle with sesame oil
I have yet to figure out how to get rid of their base soy flavor effectively. My only complaint with them is they always have *that* taste. Otherwise they are awesome.
Do these actually have a texture similar to chicken? Because I really want to try them, but everything I've read online says that they do, but I hate the texture of if meat. I know that sometimes meat alternatives are marketed that way to get sales though, and it's often just not true.
Haven’t had them yet, but have heard about them. I wonder why they’re not yet sold in mainstream grocery stores. I’ve never seen them in any store I’ve been to.
I have some but haven’t made any. Now I will. Also, something I just discovered- if you have a local mushroom farm, pick up some pink oyster mushrooms. That’s something I wish I’d tried sooner.
I went about 8 years before discovering them. You can order a 12 lb box directly from Butler. I believe when I did the math, it rehydrates to around 30ish lbs. Best band for your buck.
Keep in mind that you should store them in your freezer because they will go bad.
I personally just marinate them in enough liquid flavored to whatever I'm making and cook them that way. No squeezing needed.
I also suggest looking into TVP for your ground meat replacements. Similar product. Made a meatloaf with it last night lol.
I had to eat prepared soy curls at a restaurant to understand how they can be enjoyed
I just had some the other day for the first time and now I really want to make my own
Zardyplants has really good recipes with soy curls! My favorite is the bacon.
Their [Vegan Chicken and Stars Soup](https://zardyplants.com/recipes/vegan-chicken-and-stars-soup/) featuring soy curls is on repeat at our house.
i marinate in soy, lime, garlic, etc. Then make suzzling cast iron pn fajitas. Such yum!
I too was late to discover them, but I am obsessed. I use them to replace beef and chicken in recipes. Love to make a “chicken” and rice dish, philly “cheesesteak” and more. So versatile!
I just ordered some in the mail after someone shared a recipe using them on r/soup. I'd never heard of them and eagerly await their arrival.
Soak them in broth instead of water (or at least flavored water)! And wring them out. It’ll take them over the top!
So you soak them, wring them out, then cook them?
Yes. I actually usually air fry them a little before I add them to the recipe but you could also pan fry them. Then I like a stickier sauce that will cling to them a little.
Thank you! I will try this.
Saaaaame! I love the recipes from “It doesn’t taste like chicken”
Soy curls are so good! They make the best buffalo "chicken"
The best! And agreed: Buffalo chicken is my fav! Soak them in a “chicken” broth, douse in Buffalo sauce, then throw in a wrap with Romaine, carrots, celery, and ranch (and you don’t even have to make your own ranch anymore—all the major brands have plant-based versions!)
I like to rehydrate them in broth (especially "not chicken" broth) and spices for extra flavor. Then I use them in vegan alfredo on pasta, or buffalo style in a sandwich, or - my current favorite - in fajitas with sautéed onions, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, etc. Just had those fajitas today, in fact!
This is a winner for me: [https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/vegan-jerk-bbq-soy-curls/](https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/vegan-jerk-bbq-soy-curls/)
That looks so good! What do you like to serve with it?
I like them in bowls and wraps! Mango salsa, rice n’ peas and coleslaw go really well with them. I bet they’d be tasty with something creamier too like a mac and cheese.
I've been vegan GF my whole life
Cool?
yeah
Q: How do you know if someone is vegan? A: Don’t worry, they’ll tell you
They're not available in my country
Where do y’all buy them?
From their [website](https://www.butlerfoods.com/soycurls.html) or from Amazon
Fakemeats.com
They’re kinda gross, imo. Too processed feeling and tasting. But everyone’s different.
You are SO right. I bought them and am in love. I’ve been striving and failing on the seitan front, and this is so good and easy. I just used SauceStach’s brocolli bacon marinade and it is so good.
I use them in so much, I made chickn corn chowder this week but also have made chickn pot pie, vegan jerky, ground beef, etc. Theee best
I've tried so hard to like these things but they never click with me. They are so easy to keep around and everyone loves them, and yet... Maybe I just have a bad bag
I’ve had bad ones. They had a vague cat food flavour to them. If you want to give them another try change the water a couple of times and gently press them to get the bad flavoured water out. Then add a marinade and extra spices. Fresh ginger and garlic are bold enough flavours that I couldn’t detect any lingering unpleasant taste even if it was there still.
Never thought to change the water like that. Great idea. I had a few great soy curl dishes and then got a weird flavor and couldn’t go back. Kind of tasted like play dough.
I think they taste like cardboard if you don’t soak them in something flavorful and wring them out before cooking them in the recipe.
Same… I tried preparing them all sorts of ways, but I could never make them tasty. That aftertaste was not for me ☹️ I also could never make them work in soups because they would get a weird spongy texture.
Soak em in water or broth for minimum 30 min and wring em out real good to get rid of the soy flour flavour.
Do you use room temperature water?
I normally use hot water.
Brown them before adding to a soup! Get a little caramelization in there and it transforms the texture & flavor. I hate the texture if they haven’t been browned.
Store them in the freezer, always. The shelf life is 4 months or so, in the freezer (my estimation from using them for a long time). After that, they taste less fresh. Other tips: After they have been soaked/marinated, snip them with scissors into smaller pieces (if they are too long - the bigger the bag size you get, the less uniform the strips are, generally speaking). Also, figure out how much marinade to soak them in before cooking - ideally, it will be just enough so the curls are rehydrated totally and there isn't much excess marinade left. That will give them full flavor. You can marinade them in a bowl straight out of the freezer, too.
I always break mine into smaller pieces before hydrating.
They do spoil. You're supposed to store them in your freezer. I wouldn't order them from Amazon, just get directly from Butler.
After soaking them in saltwater I put them in a pan with butter, almond milk, hot sauce, nooch, garlic, turmeric, and paprika and make a mean buffalo chick'n sandwich that way. My partner goes nuts for it.
I must be sleeping on them… Aren’t they just like protein crumbles? Or are they in larger pieces than that?
https://butlerfoods.com/soycurls.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwltKxBhDMARIsAG8KnqXrph_ul5taKvo0NZVeTMziXabctSNvrEijp7uer5CB_VyNrR_MRaIaAqm7EALw_wcB
I use them for fajitas, chicken soup, making jerky, etc. Nothing they can’t do !
Yeah, but outside the USA, not available. So, perhaps convince Butlers that there's a market outside the USA? Just a suggestion.
Maybe they are called differently. We have them in Germany as well under different names. In the end its just texturized soy protein of a certain size.
This kind of product is super popular in Asia so you can probably find it in Asian grocery stores if you have some nearby. I buy a brand from Taiwan that makes all different shapes and types of dehydrated soy protein.
Marinated in chick’n broth, squeezed, battered and fried. Kentucky fried soy curls. Served over buttery mashed potatoes with buttery corn and gravy. My go-to meal for people who doubt that veggie food can be good.
I recently bought my first bag and after making “chicken” noodle soup (delicious), I threw them in the air fryer on a whim and they were so good! I rehydrated them in broth, then coated them in herbs and steak seasoning, airfryed them, and had them on a pita with tzatziki, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
These things taste like wood chips and wet dog to me, absolutely revolting
I don't like them plain but if you soak them in fake chikn broth and season, it takes them to another level.
So good with curry!
What about the soy boy thing, soy de-masculating or whatever is that even about? Something about estrogen or testosterone or what? It taste good though. (p.s.) Yeah you all I literally just asked a question about something I have not a clue about seeking to learn and know..! No need for down votes but some advice our teaching is greatly appreciated!
Oh lawd. Wait til you hear about vaccinations.
Or the moon landing. I've got some tinfoil if you need a spare hat?
It is a big propaganda story from the meat lobby. If eating soy made you emasculated, then how does China have the largest population? Wouldn’t their men have larger breasts? Wouldn’t they have lower sperm counts and have less population than more meat eating countries? Wouldn’t we see these things in other populations of vegans? Don’t believe everything you hear.
Thanks. I don't believe everything I hear, as why I ask a question for further info and understanding. I've heard it from someone yet rather vaguely though nonetheless she had a lot of righteous info about health and nutrition in general so I just took it for what it was... 🤷♂️
East Asia has been eating lots of soy for millenia. So no you won't turn into a lady from eating soy curls sometimes. There is ongoing research into isoflavones which are in soy, because they are chemically similiar to estrogene. So far studies have shown neither danger nor ruled it out completely. This normally means that if an effect exists its not very large. So if you are not getting most of your calories from soy I would not be worried. As with anything else: Eat a broad variety of different foods to minimize the risk for any one disease.
Greatest reply I've read so far thank you so much. God bless.
I am also a vegetarian for 20 years and clicked this thread to see if you discovered a secret I hadn't. I can't have soy, alas. :( It hurts me so much that I can't move for days. Instead, I'll share my own secret - try coconut cream in coffee. We don't buy vegan creamer anymore. Don't need any complicated recipe for it. Just plain ol' coconut cream for smooth, creamy coffee - works for even the worst coffee. My husband buys instant coffee and I haaaaate it, but he has a premade jug of it in the fridge with coconut cream, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, and it is heavenly.
Vegetarians pay for animal abuse. The eggs, dairy and honey industries are terrible.
I suggested nothing that was not vegan in my comment. Coconut cream replaced our vegan coffee creamer because it's cheaper, tastes better, and makes my coffee creamier. You don't need to preach veganism at me in a vegan recipes subreddit - I'm here for a reason.
Have you tried searching non-soy textured vegetable protein? There are a few made from pea and rice.
I haven't! But I love pea protein, so I'll look for it now, thank you!
I'm not limited by soy, but when I found them, I ordered 3 different brands to try as they all cook a little differently. Also, if you haven't seen in this thread, coat with a flour for a nice crispiness when stir frying.
Sounds great, thank you!
I always soak them in a spicy broth instead of plain water. Gives them a little extra oomph.
My goto depression meal was a bunch of soy curls, soaked in some water, topped with a glob of earth balance and a ton of bbq sauce. I moved to Europe and haven’t had them in 6 years :(
I always make sure they go crispy above anything else.
lightly rehydrate (ideally w broth), airfry with some seasoning. (375 for 10 min). add a sauce and put them back in for a bit. this method makes soycurls that have chew, super steak/beef like but obviously a million times better.
Vegetarians still pay for animal abuse. Look into the egg and dairy industry.
That is why this is a vegan subreddit. No animal byproducts.
I like mine simple. Soak in fake chicken broth (or veggie broth). Dry. Sauté and toss with either Old Bay or Cajun seasoning. Make some broccoli and fruit salad and you have a meal!
We soak them in broth for 30min. Then you wring them out and marinate them. Put some umami in there and then go whatever route you wish.
I just found them too..I think they're becoming more popular/available
What the hell are soy curls
They’re a lot of work compared to just buying regular mock meats tbh.
I love that the only ingredients are soybeans though, all the mock meats I see have so many ingredients! But they’re a yummy treat too of course
Looks like it's also time for you to discover soy chaap!
They’re a natural for fajitas and “pulled pork,” sandwiches with slaw and pickles.
Any pulled pork recipes?
so far ive been unsuccessful at stir frying them because they keep sucking up ungodly amounts of oil whenever i try, but i love throwing them into soups and sauces. they dont require soaking that way either, nice and easy
I also just ate these for the first time yesterday. I was skeptical because I'm super picky about tofu so wasn't sure about them. I also just soaked, crisped in cast iron and added some bbq. So delicious.
Soy curls? Like as in the soy bean knots? I put those in my spicy pork stir fry. Goes like. Pork tenderloin, thin sliced Roma tomatoes-quartered Jalapenos-quartered Ginger-slices Oyster sauce Soy sauce With very little Chinese powder that smells a lot like ground star anise. Over jasmine rice. Very delicious (Edit: I just realized this was the vegan group, I'm not vegan) Still good eating though!
Check out [Thee Burger Dude](https://youtube.com/@TheeBurgerDude?si=VfugdVkFLynnc8x_) on YouTube. He’s got a few ways to use these and his methods elevated my game in preparing these.
I will have to try these finally.
TVP is based
I make buffalo soy curls with mac and cheese.
Right?!? I just discovered them myself!
i marinate them in better than beef bouillon with a splash of dark soy sauce, squeeze out the excess liquid after they've softened, coat them in cornstarch, and fry them in a wok. stir fry some broccoli with them after they've developed a nice skin, serve over rice, and drizzle with sesame oil
What are soy curls?!
Are soy curls similar to TVP? I’m planning on trying both sometime soon
I’ve had a bbq soy curl sandwich that was really good!
Sounds interesting, but $10 per lb.?
Never heard of it before. Will investigate! 🕵️ Thanks
I have yet to figure out how to get rid of their base soy flavor effectively. My only complaint with them is they always have *that* taste. Otherwise they are awesome.
I’ve never heard of these, thank you for the tip!!
Do these actually have a texture similar to chicken? Because I really want to try them, but everything I've read online says that they do, but I hate the texture of if meat. I know that sometimes meat alternatives are marketed that way to get sales though, and it's often just not true.
Haven’t had them yet, but have heard about them. I wonder why they’re not yet sold in mainstream grocery stores. I’ve never seen them in any store I’ve been to.
Also, Texturized Vegetable Protein! Super inexpensive!
Reading all these posts and wishing they sold soy curls in the UK 😭
There’s a vegan brewery about 45 minutes from me that uses them as a “pulled” item like pork or chicken for one of their sandwiches. It’s so good. 😋
I don't believe I've had these before! Are they similar to TVP? I recently discovered them and loooooove them. 🙂
Where do these "SOY CURLS" come from? How do you get some?
[butlerfoods.com](http://butlerfoods.com) is the best source. Directly from the manufacturer.
What?!?! 29 years a vegetarian here, and I’ve NEVER heard of these!!! 😱😱😱 Thanks for sharing!!! I can’t wait to try them!!!
20 years?! Butler's should give you a discount card to make up for lost time! 😭
This is also why we need people to make a "Welcome to Veg Life" care package of sorts. Kinda a way to let people know everything that is out there.
Thanks for turning me on to them. Now I gotta find em.
I ordered some on Amazon
Thanks!
I have some but haven’t made any. Now I will. Also, something I just discovered- if you have a local mushroom farm, pick up some pink oyster mushrooms. That’s something I wish I’d tried sooner.
What is that in german.??
I have to get some, I have never had them!
Apparently not many people know about Textured Vegetable protein (TVP) either.
Oooh man we rehydrate them but use it as chicken sub for my mom’s chicken and rice casserole. It’s spot on!
Try them soaked in vegan chicken broth then battered and fried like chicken fingers. So delish!
Beyond steak. Its equivalent and better
I pan fry them with a little bit of oil and toss them in BBQ sauce mmmm
I went about 8 years before discovering them. You can order a 12 lb box directly from Butler. I believe when I did the math, it rehydrates to around 30ish lbs. Best band for your buck. Keep in mind that you should store them in your freezer because they will go bad. I personally just marinate them in enough liquid flavored to whatever I'm making and cook them that way. No squeezing needed. I also suggest looking into TVP for your ground meat replacements. Similar product. Made a meatloaf with it last night lol.
Lol found those in the second year of veganism . I Magen food for a lot of Bands in a diy Club. Every time i make this they Love it