The high density steam flash-explosion (HDSFE) was used to extract protein from soybean meal. Soybean meal samples were treated at 1.3 MPa and 1.8 MPa for 60 s, 120 s and 180 s, respectively. After HDSFE treatment at 1.8 MPa for 180 s, the extraction yield of protein was increased from 50.50% to 65.66% compared with untreated soybean meal. The emulsification properties and fat-binding capacity of soy protein isolate (SPI) extracted from soybean meal treated by HDSFE were all improved compared with SPI extracted from untreated soybean meal and white flakes. Molecular weight distribution analysis of SPI showed that after HDSFE treatment the peak with molecular weight about 504 kDa and 43.3 kDa disappeared and the peak with molecular weight about 669 kDa increased indicating protein aggregation. Gel electrophoresis showed that high molecular weight aggregates of protein have been formed by covalent bond. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.