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Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas Recipe

4.5 from 121 reviews

A delicious and easy-to-make vegan dish featuring tender chickpeas coated in a sweet and savory sticky sesame sauce. Perfectly balanced with soy sauce, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil, this recipe is ideal for a wholesome plant-based meal served over rice or quinoa with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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

To Serve

  • Cooked rice or quinoa
  • Steamed or roasted vegetables

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
  2. Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue sautéing for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  3. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well to blend the flavors.
  4. Add the sauce to the skillet: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the onions and garlic, stirring well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
  5. Thicken the sauce: Dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and add this mixture to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce starts to thicken and become glossy.
  6. Add chickpeas: Stir in the cooked chickpeas, coating them thoroughly with the sticky sesame sauce.
  7. Simmer: Allow the chickpeas to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, letting the sauce reduce further and the chickpeas heat completely.
  8. Finish with toppings: Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chickpeas. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve: Dish the sticky sesame chickpeas over cooked rice or quinoa, accompanied by steamed or roasted vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal.

Notes

  • For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Adjust the maple syrup quantity for desired sweetness.
  • Use canned chickpeas for convenience; just make sure to rinse and drain them well.
  • Add chili flakes if you want a spicy kick.
  • Sesame seeds can be toasted lightly for extra flavor.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: vegan chickpeas recipe, sticky sesame chickpeas, plant-based dinner, easy vegan main course, chickpea stir-fry, sesame sauce vegan, gluten-free vegan recipe