If you’re craving a delicious, satisfying vegan stir-fry without a long grocery list or a trip to a specialty store, my plant-based Kung Pao Soy Curl recipe is here to save the day! It is very delicious and nutritious!

Mexican food used to be my all-time favorite, no questions asked. However, lately, I’m choosing Asian food as “more favorite.” The flavors are so bold, you can pack a lot of colorful vegetables in, ginger and garlic are abundant, and I love the variety of plant proteins you can use in the yummy sauces besides beans (edmame, tofu, soy curls). This recipe is a great example. With pantry staples like soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and crunchy roasted peanuts, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can pack into a quick 30-minute meal. The soy curls soak up the bold, tangy-sweet sauce beautifully, giving you that crave-worthy taste and texture without the fuss.

What is Kung Pao?

Kung Pao is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish known for its savory, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce paired with tender protein and crisp vegetables, all finished off with roasted peanuts for extra crunch. Traditionally made with chicken, this plant-based version captures the same balance of bold flavors and textures using soy curls instead. I adore a good stir-fry! Whether you’re new to cooking stir-fries or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing taste! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Variations of Vegan Kung Pao Stir Fry

You can use apricot jam instead of maple syrup (and increase it 1/2 cup if you’d like it sweeter).

You can use any kind of vegetable you like. Chop them small if you’d like to stir them in with the soy curls. I often serve vegetables on the side simply because my kids prefer them on their own and not in a sauce (weird, I know).

You can use baked tofu or chickpeas if you’d prefer, instead of soy curls. The result won’t be as meaty in texture.

What are Soy Curls and Where do I find them?

Even though this recipe doesn’t use bean paste or Sichuan peppercorns, you might think that soy curls are equally rare and hard to find! However, once they are on your radar, you’ll find them and can keep them stocked in your pantry (which I highly recommend for an easy, shelf-stable protein). Those who dislike tofu usually still love soy curls! Even though they are just one ingredient (non-GMO soy beans), they have great texture.

The main brand that makes them is Butlers, and I don’t have experience with any other brand. They come in 8 oz bags which makes a large dish, enough to feed at least 6 people.

I get mine through Azure Standard. They are $4.50 a bag when you buy six at a time. (Use my code FaithRalphs1 when you sign up!)

You can also find them on Amazon for about $7.50 a bag.

At Walmart, you can get them for $9.00 a bag.

Or you can find them at Natural Grocers, where they ar $6.15 at my local store.

Is Soy Even Healthy, Though?

There is SO MUCH CONFUSION about soy out there! I’ve had to dig and dig to decide for myself what to believe about soy.

Soy is widely recognized as a health-promoting food by many leading plant-based doctors, including Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. Michael Greger, and Dr. Neal Barnard. These experts highlight soy’s impressive nutrient profile—it’s rich in plant-based protein, fiber, iron, calcium, and beneficial compounds called isoflavones, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Fuhrman emphasizes that whole soy foods (NOT soy protein isolate found in bars and powders), like soy curls, soy milk, edamame, and tofu, can support heart health, help lower cholesterol, and may even reduce the risk of certain cancers when eaten as part of a nutrient-dense, plant-rich diet. Far from being harmful, as some myths suggest, soy is a time-tested staple in many of the world’s healthiest cuisines.

In addition, Dr. Greger points out that populations with higher intakes of whole soy foods tend to have lower rates of breast and prostate cancer, as well as improved bone health. Dr. Barnard adds that soy’s high-quality protein makes it an excellent alternative to animal products, supporting muscle maintenance and overall wellness without the saturated fat and cholesterol found in meat. By choosing whole forms of soy, like the soy curls in this recipe, you’re getting all these benefits in a delicious, satisfying way that fits easily into a balanced, plant-based lifestyle.

For more info, read “Don’t Fall for the Myths about Soy” by Dr. Joel Fuhrman.

But, some say that soy lowers testosterone, right?

The idea that soy lowers testosterone has been thoroughly debunked by numerous scientific studies. A comprehensive 2010 meta-analysis published in Fertility and Sterility reviewed over 30 studies and found that neither soy foods nor soy isoflavone supplements had any significant effect on testosterone levels in men. More recently, a 2021 review in Reproductive Toxicology confirmed these findings, showing no evidence that soy consumption affects male reproductive hormones. Leading plant-based doctors, like Dr. Michael Greger and Dr. Neal Barnard, emphasize that this myth likely arose from misunderstanding how soy’s plant compounds (isoflavones) interact with the body. In reality, soy foods are perfectly safe for men and can be part of a healthful diet that supports hormone balance and overall wellness.

If you’d like to learn more about soy or learn how to prepare tofu, I have the perfect resource for you! I got asked about tofu so many times that I created a tofu mini-course!

If you love flavorful, plant-based Asian recipes, you don’t have to go to P.F. Changs and sub tofu for the chicken. You can make these at home!

Tofu Mushroom Banh Mi Sandwich (my daughter’s favorite meal! She asked for it on her birthday!)

Teriyaki Tofu with Mushrooms

(Un) Fried Rice

Lettuce Wraps (P.F. Changs Copycat)

Orange Tofu

Chickpea Curry

Thai-Inspired Enchiladas