Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas Recipe
A flavorful and healthy Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas recipe featuring tender chickpeas coated in a rich, sticky sauce made from toasted sesame oil, tamari, maple syrup, and fresh ginger. Perfect as a main dish served over rice or quinoa, this dish is quick to prepare and packed with plant-based protein and vibrant Asian-inspired flavors.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired, Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Chickpeas
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Sauce and Flavorings
- 3–4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- ⅓ cup tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- ¼ cup vegetable broth + 2 tablespoons vegetable broth (separated)
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water. Set them aside to use later in the cooking process.
- Sauté Garlic: Mince the garlic and heat 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and golden brown.
- Make Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) with 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth, ensuring the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Set aside.
- Create Sauce: To the pan with garlic, add the toasted sesame oil, tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, fresh grated ginger, rice vinegar, and the remaining ¼ cup of vegetable broth. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
- Add Thickening Mixture: Re-whisk the arrowroot mixture to remove any settled clumps, then add it to the pan. Stir continuously to incorporate into the sauce.
- Simmer Sauce: Cook the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring regularly, until it begins to bubble and slightly thicken.
- Add Chickpeas: Add the rinsed chickpeas to the pan and gently stir to coat them evenly with the sticky sauce. Let them cook in the sauce for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors and thicken further.
- Rest and Meld Flavors: Turn off the heat and allow the dish to sit for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens to a perfect sticky consistency.
- Serve: Serve the sticky sesame chickpeas hot over cooked rice, quinoa, or alongside steamed vegetables for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, ensure tamari is labeled gluten-free.
- You can substitute chickpeas with cooked tofu or tempeh for variation.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity for desired sweetness.
- Arrowroot powder can be replaced with cornstarch but use same quantity.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of vegetable broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan chickpeas recipe, sticky sesame chickpeas, plant-based protein meal, easy vegan dinner, gluten-free vegan, asian-inspired chickpeas