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Soy curls facts for kids

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Soy curls
A dish with green beans, rice, and soy curls. The soy curls look brown in color, a bit like small pieces of broken chicken.
Soy curls with green beans and brown rice
Place of origin United States
Region or state Oregon
Created by Butler Foods
Invented c. 2000
Main ingredients Soy beans
Similar dishes Textured vegetable protein
Nutritional value per 100 g
Energy 333 kcal (1,390 kJ)
16.7 g
Sugars 3.33 g
Dietary fiber 10 g
15 g
Saturated 0 g
Trans 0 g
Protein
33.3 g
Vitamins Quantity
%DV
Vitamin A 0 IU
Vitamin C
0%
0 mg
Minerals Quantity
%DV
Calcium
7%
67 mg
Iron
69%
9 mg
Sodium
0%
0 mg
Other constituents Quantity
Cholesterol 0 mg
Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults.

Soy curls are a cool food made from soy beans. They are a popular meat alternative, which means they can be used instead of meat in recipes. Soy curls have a texture that is a lot like cooked chicken.

You can prepare soy curls in many ways. They can be boiled, baked, or even fried. They are a great choice for people who want to eat less meat or who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.

What Are Soy Curls?

Soy curls are made in a simple way. First, whole soy beans are cooked in boiling water. Then, they are dried using a special process. This process makes them light and flaky. They look a bit like small, shredded pieces of chicken.

Because they are dried, soy curls are very easy to store. They don't need to be kept in the fridge until you are ready to use them. When you want to cook with them, you just add water to make them soft again.

History of Soy Curls

Soy curls were invented in the United States. A company called Butler Foods created them. This happened in Oregon around the year 2000. They wanted to make a healthy and easy-to-use meat substitute.

Since then, soy curls have become popular. Many people enjoy them for their texture and how well they soak up flavors.

Cooking with Soy Curls

Soy curls are very versatile in the kitchen. This means you can use them in many different dishes. They don't have a strong flavor on their own. This allows them to take on the taste of whatever sauces or seasonings you use.

Here are some ways you can use soy curls:

  • Stir-fries: Add them to your favorite stir-fry with vegetables and rice.
  • Tacos and burritos: Season them like ground meat for a tasty filling.
  • Soups and stews: They can add a chewy texture to hearty meals.
  • Sandwiches: Make a "chicken" salad sandwich using soy curls.

Before cooking, you usually need to rehydrate them. This means soaking them in warm water or broth for about 10 minutes. Once soft, squeeze out any extra liquid. Then they are ready to be seasoned and cooked!

Nutritional Benefits

Soy curls are not just tasty, they are also good for you! They are packed with protein, which is important for building strong muscles. They also have a good amount of fiber. Fiber helps your digestive system work well.

Here are some facts about their nutrition (per 100 grams):

  • Calories: 333 kcal
  • Protein: 33.3 grams
  • Fiber: 10 grams
  • Fat: 15 grams (with 0 grams of saturated fat)
  • Iron: 9 mg
  • Calcium: 67 mg

They are also cholesterol-free and sodium-free. This makes them a healthy choice for many diets.

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