Delicious & Nutritious Meat Alternative: Soy Curls
Have you discovered soy curls yet? If not, you need to—whether you are a vegetarian or not. These soy curls are not your mama’s textured vegetable protein, that’s for sure. They are hip and tasty and just waiting for your next lunch salad or BBQ sandwich craving.
These soy curls, produced by Butler Foods, are made from whole non-GMO soy beans that have been cooked, texturized, and dehydrated. They contain no additives or preservatives, and are gluten-free. You’ll only find soy beans here!
Before using them, soy curls need to be rehydrated for about ten minutes in hot water. You can season the water with spices or bouillon to give the neutral-flavored soy a little more pizzazz. A quick sauté in a little oil and the curls ready to go.
Soy curls have a similar texture to shredded chicken and can be used as a meat replacement in any recipe where you’d like some extra protein. Try them in salads, like our Sesame-Ginger Soy Curls with Napa Cabbage Salad, add them to casseroles and stir-fries, or toss them with barbecue sauce for pizza or a sandwich. We’ve even heard of people mincing them for dumplings!
Butler Foods doesn’t have a wide distribution for their soy curls—yet. We imagine this will change as they pick up popularity! Right now, you can find them at many co-op groceries or order them online (see below).
Have you tried soy curls yet? What do you think of them?
More About Soy Curls
• Butler Foods Soy Curls
• Order Soy Curls Online: $28 for six 8-ounce bags
• Going Vegan: Soy Curls a New and Wonderful Way to Bump Up Plant-Based Protein from The OregonianRecipes with Soy Curls
• Sesame-Ginger Soy Curls with Napa Cabbage Salad
• Native Bowl’s Barbecued Soy Curls from The Oregonian
• Sesame Soy Curls with Asparagus and Quinoa from VeganYumYum
Related: Meat Substitutes: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em?
(Images: Leela Cyd Ross)