Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas Recipe
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.
- Author: Yana
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add chickpeas: Stir in the cooked chickpeas, coating them thoroughly with the sticky sesame sauce.
- Simmer: Allow the chickpeas to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, letting the sauce reduce further and the chickpeas heat completely.
- Finish with toppings: Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chickpeas. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 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