Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe (soy curls) (2024)

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Seriously the best vegan orange chicken and rice made with soy curls and served with sautéed bok choy. A whole foods plant based, gluten free and oil free recipe that is sure to become a new family favorite.

Jump to RecipeVegan Orange Chicken

A riff on our vegan chicken with broccoli recipe, this homemade version of a fast food favorite is not to be missed. You have air fried or baked soy curls with crispy edges swimming in a luscious homemade orange sauce. What’s not to love, right ?!

100% better than any takeout! Panda Express has nothing on this!

The Orange Sauce

  • It’s a classic sticky sweet and sour sauce made with simple ingredients: orange juice, tamari, rice vinegar, sweetener, garlic and ginger with an optional pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce for heat.
  • You can adapt sweetness and tanginess to your taste and use a compliant sweetener for WFPB and Plantricious guidelines compliance. Remember that maple syrup is allowed on WFPB diets but only date paste is Plantricious compliant.
  • You’ll notice that my sauce doesn’t call for a slurry of cornstarch because it isn’t needed. The soy curls are already lightly coated in tapioca and as soon as you’ll add them to the sauce it will thicken it into a perfect glaze.

Recipe Variations

  • Cauliflower. Simply replace the soy curls with cauliflower florets, bake at 450”F for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden around the edges then toss in the orange sauce. Alternatively you could make a batter of equal parts plant milk and whole wheat pastry flour to dip the cauliflower then toss them in some panko bread crumbs before baking for extra crispness.
  • Tofu. Use one block (14 oz) of drained and pressed tofu torn or cut into pieces, coated in tapioca and air fried (or baked at 400”F for 25 minutes or so) before dipping it in the sauce. Easy peasy!
  • Tempeh. A plain block of tempeh cut into strips or bite size pieces could also be used here if desired using the same recipe below.

what to serve with:

roasted broccoli
coconut spinach rice
vegan fried rice
ramen noodles or chow mein
inside lettuce wraps
peanut noodles
even mashed potatoes.

P.S. If you made this recipe don’t forget to come back here to rate it, snap a photo and tag me with #VeggieSociety on Instagram, it always makes my day ~ Florentina Xo’s

Buy Soy Curls Here!

Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe (soy curls) (7)

how to make vegan orange chicken

Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe (soy curls) (8)

5 from 7 votes

Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe (soy curls)

Seriously the best vegan orange chicken and rice made with soy curls and served with sautéed bok choy. A whole foods plant based, gluten free and oil free recipe that is sure to become a new family favorite.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:15 minutes mins

Soaking Time:20 minutes mins

Total Time:45 minutes mins

Ingredients

Orange Sauce

  • 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 6 Tablespoons tamari
  • 5 Tablespoons maple syrup or sugar (replace with date paste for Plantricious compliance)
  • 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar (+ more to taste)
  • 1 inch ginger root (peelt + grated)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic grated
  • zest from 1 orange
  • 1 pinch red chili flakes optional to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer or oven to 375 “F.

  • Soak the soy curls in hot water for 20 minutes then use your hands to squeeze out as much of the moisture as you can. (Feel free to break them into smaller bite size pieces if desired).

  • Transfer to a mixing bowl and sprinkle with the tapioca (or cornstarch). Toss to coat well.

  • Place your soy curls in the air fryer basket making sure to shake off any tapioca excess. (If using the oven method place on a parchment lined baking sheet preferably without touching each other).

  • Air fry for 13 to 15 minutes until just crips around the edges.

    Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe (soy curls) (9)

Make the Orange Sauce

  • Combine all of the sauce ingredients and add the sauce to a medium size skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 seconds or so to tame the garlic.

  • Add the air fried ( or baked) soy curls and toss everything until nicely coated all over. Cook an additional minute until the sauce thickens a bit and glazes the soy curls to your liking.

  • Serve over rice and sautéed bok choy garnished with sesame seeds, scallions or cilantro.

  • To make this sauce Plantricious compliant make sure to sweeten it with date paste + water instead of sugar or maple syrup.

    Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe (soy curls) (10)

Notes

  • The recipe makes enough sauce to coat twice the amount of soy curls in my honest opinion. However, many people prefer extra sauce on the side when serving their orange “ chick’n with rice so you’ll have to decide for yourself what you prefer.
  • The bok choy in the photos is simply sautéed in a splash of water and tamari sauce until wilted. You can dress it with a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.
  • You can rehydrate the soy curls and mix the sauce in advance. It is recommended you cook them just before eating for the best texture, that being said they still make really great leftovers.
  • Resist the temptation to add any thickener / slurry to the sauce. The light dusting of tapioca on the soy curls will thicken it perfectly, i promise! Only if you plan to use this sauce on its own or in another recipe would you want to add cornstarch, tapioca or agar agar to thicken it.
  • Depending on the type of sweetener used (maple syrup, date paste, coconut nectar or sugar, white or brown sugar), your sauce might be lighter or darker in color.

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1514mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 124IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 4mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: plant based, soy curls, vegan chicken, vegan orange chicken, wfpb

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 227kcal

Author: Florentina

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Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe (soy curls) (2024)

FAQs

Are soy curls the same as tofu? ›

What's the difference between soy curls and tofu? Both soy curls and tofu have a neutral flavor and are made from, you guessed it, soy. The major difference, though, is that tofu is pressed into a block and soy curls are formed as small dehydrated strips with a chewy texture.

Can you soak soy curls too long? ›

Soy curls come dehydrated and require soaking before use. Soak in warm water for 10 minutes. Be careful not to soak for too long or they will become mushy.

Are soy curls healthy? ›

In addition to protein and healthy fats, soy curls are high in fiber, containing 6 grams of fiber per serving, which can help aid in digestion and prevent constipation. They are also a good source of iron, calcium, and other essential minerals that are important for maintaining a healthy body.

What is a substitute for soy curls? ›

Soy Curl Substitute for vegan satay skewers

Soy Chunks, Soya Chunks, and TVP Chunks are all basically the same thing, just in different shapes, so try looking out for those instead. You could also try subbing extra-firm tofu but it won't work exactly the same.

Can soy curls go bad? ›

The most obvious sign that soy curls have gone bad is a change in smell. They should have a neutral odor; if they smell sour or strange, it might indicate that they're no longer good. In addition to smell, look for any visible mold or discoloration. Remember, when in doubt, it's best to throw it out!

Are soy curls considered processed? ›

Soy Curls

These protein-packed strips are different than soy products like tofu and tempeh because they are considered minimally processed. According to Butler Foods, soy curls are made by boiling whole non-GMO soybeans in water. They contain no other additives or preservatives.

Do soy curls need to be refrigerated? ›

Soy Curls™ are an all natural product and do not contain any preservatives or additives. Keep them refrigerated or frozen to keep them fresh.

How do you get water out of soy curls? ›

Drain and pat dry, squeezing liquid out of the soy curls(I use my salad spinner to remove liquid then pat dry in a towel). 2. Toss soy curls with 2 Tbsp cornstarch. In a large skillet over medium high heat with 2 Tbsp oil cook soy curls until well browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 7 minutes.

Can I rehydrate soy curls in marinade? ›

Rehydrate the soy curls.

Cover the soy curls with boiling water and allow them to soak for at least 10 minutes. You can go ahead and prepare the marinade during this time. Once they've soaked, you'll wring out the excess liquid so they'll absorb as much of the marinade as possible.

Do soy curls cause gas? ›

Answer. Excessive soy intake can cause gas in some people. Like beans, soy products are derived from a legume. Some people have a hard time digesting the sugars in legumes which results in gas when eaten in large amounts.

Does soy cause hair growth? ›

When it comes to maintaining healthy and luscious hair, the solution might be as simple as adding soybeans to your diet. These unassuming legumes are packed with essential nutrients that promote hair growth, strengthen follicles, and enhance overall hair quality.

Are soy curls good for diabetics? ›

Soy curls are a good source of dietary fiber, offering around 6 grams of fiber per 30-gram serving. Fiber is one of the most crucial dietary elements that plays various roles in the body, such as promoting healthy digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Are soy curls healthier than tofu? ›

They're healthy. Soy curls are made from only one ingredient: whole soybeans. This means they provide fiber (6 grams per serving) and a good amount of protein (11 grams per serving, 3 more than tofu).

Are TVP and soy curls the same? ›

TVP can be used instead of soy curls in equal measure, provided it's cut in a similar shape and size, but there's a big difference in quality. TVP is made from defatted soy flour, a byproduct of soybean oil production, making it a more processed product.

Are soy curls considered a whole food? ›

They are made from select, non-GMO, whole soybeans (soy), and grown without chemical pesticides. Soy Curls are minimally processed, and they are compliant in the Whole Food Plant Based Diet.

What is a soy curl? ›

Soy curls are a soy based meat alternative, made from boiling and dehydrating soybeans, with a texture similar to chicken.

Is soy and tofu the same thing? ›

Tofu, also known as soybean curd, is a soft, smooth soy product made by curdling fresh, hot soymilk with coagulant. Tofu has a mild flavor and easily absorbs the flavors of marinades, spices and other ingredients. Tofu is rich in high-quality protein and B vitamins, and low in sodium.

Are tofu and TVP the same thing? ›

Textured vegetable protein (TVP ), tofu, and tempeh are three different soy products that are commonly used as meat-substitutes in vegan and vegetarian dishes. With the right preparation and seasonings, all of them can be turned into a convincing faux beef or chicken, and all of them are high in protein.

What's the difference between edamame and tofu? ›

Edamame are immature soybeans that exerts a sweet and slightly grassy taste. They need to be steamed or boiled prior to consumption and can be eaten on their own or added to soups and salads. Tofu is made from bean curds pressed together in a process similar to cheesemaking.

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