Vegan Carne Asada

Just in time for Taco Tuesday, I give you my newest recipe for Vegan Carne Asada using soy curls. I had them last night and truly thought I was eating in some fancy Mexican Restaurant.

a corn tortilla topped with vegan carne asada

Soy curls are so versatile. You can turn them into super easy BBQ Sandwiches or even one of my favorite take-out dishes, Mongolian Soy Curl. But they really shine in Mexican dishes.

"Carne Asada" translates to grilled meat in Spanish, so soy curls are the perfect texture to imitate strips of grilled steak. And when you marinate them in this flavorful sauce and fry them in a pan?

Oh my....you'll swear you were eating inn your favorite taqueria.

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Why You're Going to LOVE Vegan Carne Asada

corn tortilla topped with vegan carne asada

100% Vegan, Oil-Free, and Gluten-Free: Like all of my recipes, this recipe is made without any animal products or bottled oils and can easily be made gluten-free as well.

Super EASY to make: Seriously, you add everything to a bowl and marinate it for an hour. You can then cook it in a skillet, gill pan, whatever you like. Super simple.

No Weird Ingredients: Other than the soy curls, which you can buy online directly from Butler Foods, Amazon (affiliate link), or pick up at your local Whole Foods, you probably have all the remaining ingredients right there in your pantry.

It Might Just Change Somebody's Mind About Vegan Food: If your family is anything like mine, you probably have at least one person who says they could never give up meat. Have them try this - or any of my other husband-approved recipes (best damn vegan chili) - and see if they feel the same.

Key Ingredients for Vegan Carne Asada

Don't let the number of ingredients scare you - this recipe goes together quickly.

more ingredients needed to make vegan carne asada

Butler Soy Curls

If you have never heard of these, they are little strips of non-gmo soybeans that have been steamed, pushed through an extruder into strips (think play-dough machines), then dried. Once you rehydrate them, they have a texture that are eerily similar to cooked chicken. Of course then you give them whatever flavor you want and cook them.

You can find them at Whole Foods, Amazon, and Butler Foods.

Chipotle, Smoked Paprika, Jalapeno

These give this recipe its meat-like grilled, smoky flavor. And no worries, even with the jalapeño, my spice-hating wife gives it just a 1 on her Spice 'o Meter scale of 1-5.

Lime & Orange Juice

You can cheat and use pre-bottled juice, but make sure you buy at LEAST 1 lime because you will want some of that lime zest too.

Cilantro

I know a lot of you hate the stuff, but it is a key ingredient and personally, I don't think you'll even taste it.

Mexican Oregano

Mexican Oregano truly is a different plant than Italian Oregano, with slightly different flavors as well. I can always find it in the Mexican aisle of my grocer, near the dried chiles, hanging in little cellophane bags. It's also courser than Italian, so I tend ro crumble it up between my hands.

*See the recipe card at the bottom of the page for exact quantities and detailed cooking directions.

Making The Vegan Cane Asada

rehydrating butler soy curls for vegan carne asada

Step 1

Soak the soy curls in water for at least 30 min. Drain, rinse, then squeeze out as much moisture as you can. Then place into a 1 gallon ziplock bag or bowl for marinating.

Step 2

Meanwhile, add all the remaining marinade ingredients together in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.

marinating the butler soy curls for vegan carne asada

Step 3

Pour the marinade into the bag (or bowl) with the soy curls and marinate for at least 1 hour, flipping the bag (or stirring) occasionally.

Step 4

Dump the contents into a large skillet and simmer over med-high heat until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Recipe FAQ

What Can I Do With Vegan Carne Asada?

They make excellent tostadas, tacos, or burritos. You can also serve them in a rice bowl or in a salad.

What Does Carne Asada Mean?

In Spanish, it translates to "grilled beef".

If Vegans Love Animals, Why Do They Cook Vegan Meat Recipes?

Honestly, I can do without meat of any kind, real or imitation.
But if you're asking this question.... it's YOU I want to reach. People tell me they could never become vegan because they would miss their meat too much. Try this and see if you still feel the same.
Because I can make a meal taste just as good as if not better than what you are used to, only without harming any animals.
AND it's better for your health and our planet.

More Recipes Using Soy Curls

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Korean BBQ Soy Curls Sliders
Vegan Runzas (Bierocks)
EASY BBQ Soy Curls
Vegan Tinga with Soy Curls