BEST Vegan BBQ (Soy Curls Recipe)
This amazing vegan BBQ made with soy curls is so delicious and perfect for summertime festivities and the Fourth of July because it delivers a smoky, savory flavor that rivals traditional BBQ, pleasing both vegans and meat-eaters!
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The first time I ever made this vegan barbecue, I couldn’t believe how much the texture and taste were just like what I was used to eating before we went plant-based back in 2013. Even my husband was blown away by how good they were. Our favorite way to serve it is on a bun with my creamy vegan coleslaw!
We also have a seitan vegan BBQ recipe on this site that makes a great sandwich, but I must admit that this recipe is my favorite because it has a more meaty texture.
Nowadays, we make this recipe often, especially during the summertime for family gatherings and July 4th celebrations. We have a whole list of great vegan recipes for the Fourth of July holiday.
Family and friends who are not vegan often ask me to for any leftovers because they love it so much! Another great option is our BBQ tempeh ribs! We have a list of 21 Best BBQ Recipes on this site as well as an ever-growing vegan BBQ category page.
Why I love this soy curl vegan BBQ
- Rich and Smoky Flavor: The soy curls absorb the barbecue sauce beautifully, delivering a rich, smoky taste that rivals traditional BBQ, making it a delicious and satisfying plant-based option.
- Healthy and Protein-Packed: Made from whole soybeans, soy curls are a great source of protein and fiber, offering a nutritious and wholesome alternative to meat without compromising on texture or flavor.
- Versatile and Easy to Make: This vegan BBQ dish is easy to prepare and can be used in various meals, from sandwiches and wraps to salads and bowls, providing a versatile and convenient option for any occasion.
Soy curls for a vegan meat replacer
Have you heard of soy curls? When I first heard of them, I assumed they would be highly processed, but I was wrong. Soy curls are simply non-GMO soybeans that have been cooked to the point where the soy breaks apart into strands. Then they are dried and packaged. That’s it!
Soy curls have a chewy, meaty texture and absorb the seasonings and sauces of whatever they are being used in. They taste kind of bland by themselves, but once you add the flavorings for the dish they are to be used in, they soak it right up.
Once they are rehydrated, they are ready to be used in sandwiches, stir-fries, or anywhere regular chicken strips are used. They are a perfect vegan meat replacer and work so well in this plant-based BBQ recipe as well as in stir-fries. We even have a recipe for protein-packed garlic ginger vegan chicken made from soy curls!
How to make vegan BBQ
The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.
STEP #1: Since soy curls are dried, they need to be rehydrated using hot water or vegetable broth. I highly recommend using veggie broth because it adds so much flavor. It only takes about 30 minutes of soaking.
STEP #2: After soaking, drain the broth and squeeze out the excess water. To do this, I like to pour them into my colander in the sink and use my hands to press the moisture out.
STEP #3: While they are still in the colander, use your hands to pull each of the curls apart into small strands similar to what you would do to pork or beef to make regular BBQ. You can use a fork, but I have found that using my hands is much easier. This gives it a more authentic traditional barbecue texture.
STEP #4: Though soy curls don’t require any cooking and can be eaten immediately after rehydrating, for this recipe, I like to slow-cook them in barbecue sauce in my crockpot to deepen the smoky sweet flavor. My small 2-quart crockpot is the perfect size for making this vegan BBQ.
STEP #5: Place the rehydrated soy curl strands in a crockpot and add your favorite barbecue sauce. You can buy it premade or try my homemade oil-free BBQ sauce.
STEP #6: Set your crockpot on high, and allow the barbecue to cook for approximately 3 hours. I like for the sauce to get a little caramelized on the bottom and stir it around a couple of times during the cooking process.
Quick cooking method option
Since the soy curls only need to be rehydrated and not necessarily cooked, there is a faster way to prepare this recipe if you’re in a hurry.
Simply rehydrate the soy curls as directed above, add barbecue sauce, and heat on the stovetop or in a microwave until warm. The BBQ will still be good, but the slow-cook method in a crockpot is my favorite because it brings out the smoky flavor much more.
BBQ sauce oil-free options
If you are looking for a premade barbecue sauce, we love this oil-free Bone Suckin’ Sauce. but if you want to make your own, we have a recipe for that as well.
There are so many dishes that could use a great barbecue sauce to enhance the flavors. With its sweet smoky flavor, a good BBQ sauce can transform a bland recipe into a culinary masterpiece. This 8-ingredient oil-free BBQ sauce recipe can do just that!
Serving ideas for vegan barbecue
Most of the time, we eat this vegan barbecue on buns like you would serve traditional BBQ. We add fresh spinach leaves, onions, and pickles. They are my husband’s favorite sandwich, and I pack leftovers for him to take to work.
There are times when I steam brown rice, and we have a big bowl of rice topped with this vegan BBQ. Great side ideas are corn on the cob, garden salad, or coleslaw.
I have two favorite coleslaw recipes that pair well with soy curls BBQ. One is my traditional Country Coleslaw, and the other is this Carolina Red Slaw. Either one of these is terrific paired with this barbecue!
More Favorite Vegan BBQ Recipes
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Vegan Barbecue Soy Curls
Ingredients
- 8 oz soy curls or seitan strips
- 2 cups veggie broth or water
- 1.5 cups barbecue sauce your favorite
Instructions
- Since soy curls are dried, they need to be rehydrated using hot water or vegetable broth. I highly recommend using veggie broth because it adds so much flavor. It only takes about 30 minutes of soaking.
- After soaking, drain the broth and squeeze out the excess water. To do this, I like to pour them into my colander in the sink and use my hands to press the moisture out.
- While they are still in the colander, use your hands to pull each of the curls apart into small strands similar to what you would do to pork or beef to make regular BBQ. You can use a fork, but I have found that using my hands is much easier. This gives it a more authentic traditional barbecue texture.
- Though soy curls don't require any cooking and can be eaten immediately after rehydrating, for this recipe, I like to slow-cook them in barbecue sauce in my crockpot to deepen the smoky sweet flavor. My small 2-quart crockpot is the perfect size for making this vegan BBQ. If you are in a hurry, see my instructions for a quicker cooking method above.
- Place the rehydrated soy curl strands in a crockpot and add your favorite barbecue sauce. We love this oil-free Bone Suckin' Sauce. You can buy it premade or try my homemade oil-free bbq sauce.
- Set your crockpot on high, and allow the barbecue to cook for approximately 3 hours. I like for the sauce to get a little carmelized on the bottom and stir it around a couple of times during the cooking process.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
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About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I’m the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I’m passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to help others care well for their health and the bodies God has given us. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
I just made the Healthy BBQ Sauce recipe and stirred some into rehydrated soy curls and served in pita pockets for a quick supper. We had packaged salad, so it was quick and easy AND healthy! It will go on our list of favorites!
Thank you for sharing that! Using the BBQ sauce with soy curls in pita pockets sounds absolutely delicious. I love hearing how people make the recipes their own, and I’m thrilled it was quick, easy, healthy, and worthy of making your favorites list!