What are Soy Curls? (+12 Great Recipes)

Soy Curls are a minimally processed dehydrated soy protein made by Butler Foods. Soy curls simply need to be rehydrated and then cooked with any seasoning that you choose to make a delicious plant-based gluten-free meat alternative.

I discovered Butler Soy Curls at my local natural foods store about 6 years ago. When I bought my first bag, I wasn’t really sure what to do with it. I rehydrated them in some vegan chicken-style broth and then sauteed them in with a stir-fry. My whole family went crazy over them and we’ve been hooked ever since. I now use them in soups, sandwiches, wraps, and stir-fries. You can use them to replace chicken, beef, pork, or any type of meat.

Where can I buy soy curls?

You can find soy curls at some small local natural-food co-ops, but the easiest way to buy soy curls is directly from Butler Foods‘ own website or on Amazon. Typically the more that you buy, the better the price, so don’t be shy about a case. They are shelf-stable for months and you will find a ton of delicious recipes for them.

What are soy curls?

Soy curls are a meat alternative made from whole soybeans. Similar to TVP, soy curls are dehydrated and absorb the flavor of the broth that you rehydrate them in. Simply rehydrate them in some hot water or broth, and then use them as you would meat strips in any recipe.

• Gluten-free
• Made from non-GMO whole soy
• High in protein.
• A good source of fiber.
• Great for vegan camping and backpacking food.

Soy curls vs TVP

Both Butler soy curls and TVP are made from dehydrated soy protein. Soy curls are made from whole soybeans whereas TVP is usually made from defatted soy flour. This means that soy curls are less processed than TVP.

What are soy curls good for?

Soy curls are a great meat substitute in just about any recipe that calls for sliced or diced meat. Since the soy curls take on the flavor of any broth that you rehydrate them in, they can taste like chicken, beef, or ham. They are also a great meat alternative for soups, like vegan chicken noodle soup, since you can just toss them in and they will absorb the flavor of the broth.

Soy curls are a great shelf-stable plant-based protein that is perfect for camping and backpacking, especially when made into soy curl jerky.

How to store soy curls

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.

The Butler company suggests keeping them in the fridge or freezer for the best flavor, but I only do this before I open a bag since opened bags will absorb flavors of other foods nearby.

You can buy a large box of 12 pounds of soy curls for a great price. I have done this many times since we go through so many. If you do this, be sure to divide this box into smaller glass containers that are sealed tightly with a lid and stored in a cool dry place. The soy curls tend to absorb a weird flavor if kept in plastic too long, so I prefer glass storage containers.

How long do soy curls last?

Once rehydrated and cooked, you will need to store the soy curls in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to rehydrate soy curls

There are 2 methods that you can use to rehydrate the soy curls. You can soak them in hot water then squeeze them to get as much water out as possible and then sprinkle them with any seasoning of choice. Or you can use the second method of simply rehydrating them in a seasoned broth and then cooking them.

Soy curls recipe

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