Since we are almost to the halfway point of National Soy Month, we thought we'd share a soy recipe from the Soyfoods Council "Just Add Soy" cookbook. We picked one up at the Ag Day celebration at the North Dakota Capitol in March. The photography in the cookbook is amazing, and it's also very informative! It explains different soy food ingredients and gives you tips to incorporate each item into recipes. A big shoutout to Shireen Alemadi from the N.D. Soybean Council for sharing the cookbook and allowing us to share a recipe!
But first, some fun soy facts! North Dakota ranks #4 in the United States in total soybean acres planted and harvested. How are those soybeans used? This is from the N.D. Soybean Council's Soybean Stats page:
North Dakota has two soybean crush plants: one in Spiritwood, N.D., and the other in Casselton, N.D. These plants crush whole soybeans into oil, meal, and hulls.
Now, on to the recipe. This featured recipe is from Cosette Quillin, 2024 North Dakota Soybean Council Soy Foods Recipe Contest winner, from North Dakota State College of Science, Culinary Arts.
Carne Asada-Style Soy Tacos
Ingredients:
1 package soy curls
1/2 cup soybean oil
1/4 reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 Tbsp. freshly squeed lime juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
2 Tbso, soybean oil
8 small corn tortillas
Lime wedge, as needed for serving
Optional toppings: cilantro, salsa, guacamole, sour cream or soy sour cream, crumbled queso fresco.
Instructions:
Place soy curls in a large mixing bowl; cover with hot water. After 15 minutes, drain.
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together ingredients from oil to smoked paprika. Add the drained curls to the marinade; mix well. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Over medium heat in a large skillet, heat oil. Add marinated curls to skillet, arranging in a single layer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until curls are crispy and golden brown. Remove curls from skillet; set aside.
In the same skillet, warm the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable and heated through. Keep them warm, wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
To assemble, place tortilla on a cutting board. Add a few pieces of crispy curls onto each tortilla. Add toppings of choice. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.
To learn more, visit ndsoybean.org/outreach/