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    Home » Recipes » GAME DAY

    Jul 21, 2021

    Easy Soy Curl Tacos (Vegan Chicken Tacos)

    4.90 from 39 votes
    | 59 Comments
    Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe ↓ Jump to Recipe
    Easy soy curl tacos take just 20 minutes to whip up, making them the perfect easy weeknight meal. The soy curls are pan-fried until they are browned, and then seasoned with Mexican-inspired spices to make them perfectly juicy, tender, chewy, and bursting with flavour! The perfect vegan chicken taco! Easy Soy Curl Tacos! (Vegan Chicken Tacos). Just 20 minutes to make, these soy curl tacos are juicy, tender, chewy, and bursting with flavour! The perfect vegan chicken taco! Gluten-free and oil-free options. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #veganrecipe #tacos

    FEATURED COMMENT:

    Every single recipe of yours that we try we LOVE. This one is no exception! We are new to soy curls and these tacos just blew us away. And so easy and quick! Thank you so much Sam. - Ann

    If you are new to soy curls, they are this amazing affordable 1-ingredient dried soy product, that when prepared correctly has a similar taste and texture to chicken. If you're not new to soy curls then you already know their magical properties! Easy and super quick to prepare, soy curls can take on any flavor you throw at them, the perfect tender chewy juicy bite. In my opinion, they are one of the most underrated vegan meat options out there! I always keep a few bags in my pantry at all times. You can find soy curls at bulk food stores, health food stores, vegan grocers, or on amazon. Easy Soy Curl Tacos! (Vegan Chicken Tacos). Just 20 minutes to make, these soy curl tacos are juicy, tender, chewy, and bursting with flavour! The perfect vegan chicken taco! Gluten-free and oil-free options. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #veganrecipe #tacos This juicy flavor-packed vegan taco meat is amazing layered on soft corn tortillas with tomato, avocado, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and lime. But if you have other favorite taco toppings feel free to sub whatever toppings you like!

    To make Easy Soy Curl Tacos (Vegan Chicken Tacos):

    soak the soy curls in warm water, then when soft, squeeze out the water. Add the dried soy curls to a medium bowl and cover with warm water. Let soak for about 10 minutes until the soy curls have softened. Once softened, drain the water and squeeze the soy curls to get out the excess water. This will allow them to brown up nicely. Set aside. Mix the vegetable broth and spices. In the meantime, add the vegetable broth and your spice blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne to a small bowl or measuring cup and whisk together. Set aside. pan-fry the soy curls until browned Heat the oil in a large skillet or non-stick frying pan. Add the squeezed soy curls and fry for 5 - 10 minutes, stirring as needed, until the soy curls are lightly browned, and even slightly charred in some places. and the seasoned broth and stir to coat. Pour in the spiced broth and stir to combine. If needed add a splash more vegetable broth or water as needed to keep the soy curls moist. Remove from heat. Easy Soy Curl Tacos! (Vegan Chicken Tacos). Just 20 minutes to make, these soy curl tacos are juicy, tender, chewy, and bursting with flavour! The perfect vegan chicken taco! Gluten-free and oil-free options. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #veganrecipe #tacos Warm the tortillas according to the package directions. Top with a serving of the soy curls, some chopped tomato, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot. These soy curls aren't just limited to tacos. Prepare the easy vegan soy curl tacos as written, stopping after step 3, and instead of making tacos, layer them onto a salad, serve them as a snack with ranch dressing for a dip, or toss them onto rice or pasta. Bon Appetegan! Sam Turnbull.
    4.90 from 39 votes
    (click stars to vote)

    Soy Curl Tacos (Vegan Chicken Tacos)

    Just 20 minutes to make, these soy curl tacos are juicy, tender, chewy, and bursting with flavour! The perfect vegan chicken taco! Gluten-free and oil-free options.
    Prep: 10 minutes mins
    Cook: 10 minutes mins
    Total: 20 minutes mins
    Servings: 8 soft tacos
    PRINT PIN Save Saved! COMMENT

    Ingredients
     

    For the soy curls:

    • 4 oz (2 cups) soy curls
    • warm water for soaking
    • ½ cup vegetable broth
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne, (optional for spice)
    • 2 tablespoons light oil, (such as canola or vegetable)

    For the tacos: (or sub your favorite taco toppings)

    • 8 small tortillas, (flour, corn, or gluten-free)
    • 1 medium tomato, chopped
    • 1 avocado, cubed
    • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
    • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (optional for spice)
    • 1 lime, cut into wedges
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    Instructions
     

    • Add the dried soy curls to a medium bowl and cover with warm water. Let soak for about 10 minutes until the soy curls have softened. Once softened, drain the water and squeeze the soy curls to get out the excess water. This will allow them to brown up nicely. Set aside.
    • In the meantime, add the vegetable broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne to a small bowl or measuring cup and whisk together. Set aside.
    • Heat the oil in a large skillet or non-stick frying pan. Add the squeezed soy curls and fry for 5 - 10 minutes, stirring as needed, until the soy curls are lightly browned, and even slightly charred in some places. Pour in the spiced broth and stir to combine. If needed add a splash more vegetable broth or water as needed to keep the soy curls moist. Remove from heat.
    • Warm the tortillas according to the package directions. Top with a serving of the soy curls, some chopped tomato, avocado, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot.

    Notes

    Oil-free: to make oil-free, omit the oil and instead do a water or broth sauté.
    Toppings: feel free to sub your favorite taco toppings. Other toppings that I enjoy are guacamole, salsa, vegan cheese shreds, vegan sour cream, chopped lettuce, corn, grilled veggies, or black beans.
    Make-ahead: prepare the soy curls up to step 3. Let cool then store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Assemble the tacos fresh. 
    Other serving options: These soy curls aren't just limited to tacos. Prepare the easy vegan soy curl tacos as written, stopping after step 3, and instead of making tacos, layer them onto a salad, serve them as a snack with ranch dressing for a dip, or toss them onto rice or pasta.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1taco (recipe makes 8 tacos) | Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 419mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 461IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 3mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Insta and let the world see just how amazing plant-based creations can be!
    Author: Sam Turnbull
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Course: Main Course
    « Vegan Spicy Black Bean Pita Sandwich
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Leila says

      July 12, 2024 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      Soy curls are amazing. They are a little on the hard side to find, but once you do it's totally worth it. This recipe makes an amazing chicken texture and flavor. Not complicated, easy and delicious .

      Reply
    2. Judi J. says

      July 12, 2024 at 11:10 am

      3 stars
      These were a hit the first time I made them and continue to be a regular in our weekly dinner rotation!

      Reply
    3. Kathy Richards says

      May 31, 2024 at 6:56 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!! I'm trying to get a core group of easy, tasty healthy recipes. This one fits the bill perfectly. I didn't have cilantro or avocado (need groceries, lol) but I used corn and chopped fresh tomato from the garden. Also added some salsa. Super yum. Hubby chowed down....he's not plant based...but he gave it two thumbs up. Thanks!

      Reply
    4. Anne says

      May 09, 2024 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      I have a lot of trust in your recipes and this one did not let me down. The spices are perfect and it came together so quick! Thank you so much for another fantastic recipe!

      Reply
      • Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says

        May 11, 2024 at 9:46 am

        Thanks for sharing your review, Anne!

        Reply
    5. Tracie says

      February 22, 2024 at 6:24 pm

      5 stars
      These are amazing! No dinner plans, tired from work, feeling lazy and didn't want to spend an hour prepping/cooking. Saw this recipe and within 30 minutes had a healthy delicious dinner. Will be on regular rotation! Much appreciated!

      Reply
      • Jess @ IDTLC Support says

        March 04, 2024 at 10:36 am

        Perfect! We love to hear that it can still work in a busy schedule. Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
      • Barbara says

        March 13, 2024 at 6:34 pm

        Ditto here. So quick, easy and delicious.

        Reply
    6. Debbie says

      May 04, 2023 at 10:50 pm

      In Montréal, you can buy them at Nature Santé located right beside the Snowdon métro station.

      Reply
    7. Silver says

      February 10, 2023 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was soo good and very easy! Perfect for fajita night! Thank you for yet another wonderful recipe Sam 🙂

      Reply
      • Jess @ IDTLC Support says

        February 14, 2023 at 9:16 pm

        We're so glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    8. Sam says

      January 26, 2023 at 8:54 pm

      5 stars
      This is my third soy curl recipe and maybe third or fourth of your recipes and I absolutely love this recipe. I knew when I was putting together the taco sauce these tacos were going to be delicious and they are. I will make these often for sure!!! Thank you!!!

      Reply
      • Jess @ IDTLC Support says

        January 31, 2023 at 1:59 pm

        Fantastic! Thanks for the great review!

        Reply
    9. Christine Tetreault says

      January 22, 2023 at 9:54 am

      4 stars
      This was my first time using soy curls as I am in week two of the Veganuary challenge. This is a great, super simple, quick recipe. I cooked the entire package of soy curls and will make enchiladas with the leftovers. Can they be frozen?

      Reply
      • Jess @ IDTLC Support says

        January 24, 2023 at 2:36 pm

        I hope you're having fun with the Veganuary challenge! Yes, they should freeze well!

        Reply
    10. Jennifer says

      December 29, 2022 at 8:03 pm

      This recipe is so good and so simple. I am making it 2-3 times a week for the last couple of weeks. I’m still not sick of it! I love the ease of throwing soy curls in a pan and some spices and then having something so delicious come out it! Thanks for the great recipe!

      Reply
    11. Gina Bisaillon says

      September 09, 2022 at 8:33 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds wonderful and I'm dying to try them but I cannot find soy curls anywhere! (I live in Québec)

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 13, 2022 at 3:20 pm

        You can order them from places https://vegansupply.ca/ or on amazon. Many health food stores or bulk food stores should also carry them. Enjoy!

        Reply
        • Gina B says

          September 13, 2022 at 6:43 pm

          Thanks the suggestions but the first place is way at the other the country so shipping is prohibitive and locally in my small town there are no stores that sell it, I know because I have tried every place. I go to Montreal regularly and if somebody knows of a store there that carries it I can actually go there as long as it's accessible by the metro.

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