Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are the perfect answer when you’re craving something delicious yet simple. This recipe brings together chickpeas coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce that will have you going back for seconds. Easy to make and packed with flavor, you’ll want to add this dish to your regular meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners.
- Flavorful: With the combination of soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil, every bite is a flavorful experience.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or alongside your favorite veggies for a balanced meal.
- Nutritious: Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, making this dish both healthy and satisfying.
- Plant-Based Delight: As a vegan recipe, it fits well into a plant-based diet without sacrificing taste.
Prep & Cook Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
What You Need For Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
- Steamed or roasted vegetables, for serving
Step-by-Step: How to Make Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
1. Sauté the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
2. Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil.
4. Combine the Sauce
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the onion and garlic, stirring well to combine.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Dissolve the cornstarch in water and add it into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
6. Add the Chickpeas
Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the sticky sesame sauce.
7. Simmer
Allow the chickpeas to simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chickpeas. Stir to combine, then adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve the sticky sesame chickpeas over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa with steamed or roasted vegetables on the side.
Pro Tips to Perfect Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions will enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the sauce so it doesn’t get too thick; you can add a splash of water if needed.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the maple syrup slightly.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to throw in some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make Extra Sauce: If you love sauce, consider doubling the recipe for a gooey, flavorful experience.
How to Serve Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are great served over rice or quinoa, which soak up all that delicious sauce. Pair them with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots for a complete meal. You can also serve them on a bed of greens for a light lunch or dinner.
Storing Your Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the chickpeas in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so slowly on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little water to prevent drying out.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If you’re reheating a large batch, do it in smaller portions to heat evenly.
- Keep Garnishes Separate: Store sesame seeds and green onions separately to maintain their crunch.
Keys to Recipe Success
- Use Canned Chickpeas for Convenience: Canned chickpeas save time and effort and work perfectly in this recipe.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Taking the time to sauté the onions and garlic can elevate the flavor significantly.
- Mix Your Sauce Well: Ensure the sauce ingredients are well combined before adding to the skillet for balanced flavor.
- Be Mindful of Heat: Cook on medium to prevent burning the garlic and extracting bitterness.
Flavor Twist Ideas
- Add some heat: Incorporate chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Experiment with different sweeteners: Try agave syrup or honey (if not strictly vegan) instead of maple syrup.
- Include chopped vegetables: Stir in diced bell pepper or snap peas while the chickpeas simmer for added texture.
- Use a different bean: Substitute chickpeas with black beans for a unique twist.
Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas FAQ Guide
1. Can I use canned chickpeas?
Absolutely! Canned chickpeas save time and work just as well—just make sure to drain and rinse them.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, this dish can be gluten-free.
3. How can I add more protein?
You could add tofu or tempeh alongside the chickpeas to boost the protein content.
4. What can I serve this with?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Closing Remarks
Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas make for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that everyone can enjoy. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a hearty dish that satisfies your cravings. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe has earned its spot as a must-try in your kitchen. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
Ingredients
For the Chickpeas
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water To thicken the sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds For garnish
- to taste salt and pepper
For Serving
- Cooked rice or quinoa For serving
- Steamed or roasted vegetables For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cooking
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the onion and garlic, stirring well to combine.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in water and add it into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the sticky sesame sauce.
- Allow the chickpeas to simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Garnishing and Serving
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chickpeas. Stir to combine, then adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the sticky sesame chickpeas over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa with steamed or roasted vegetables on the side.
