Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas Recipe
Introduction
This Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas recipe offers a deliciously sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of maple syrup, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil creates a flavorful glaze that coats tender chickpeas beautifully. Serve it over rice or quinoa for a satisfying, plant-based meal.

Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the onion and garlic, stirring well to combine.
- Step 5: Dissolve the cornstarch in water and add it into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Step 6: Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the sticky sesame sauce.
- Step 7: 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.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chickpeas. Stir to combine, then adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 9: Serve the sticky sesame chickpeas over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa with steamed or roasted vegetables on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds lightly before adding them.
- Swap chickpeas for chickpea puffs or tofu cubes for a different texture.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Use coconut sugar instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Make it nut-free by omitting sesame seeds and oil, substituting with olive oil and tahini drizzle at the end.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?
Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly when drained and rinsed. They save time and blend well with the sticky sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients meet your dietary needs.
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Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas recipe features tender chickpeas coated in a luscious, sticky sauce made from soy sauce, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil. It’s a flavorful, satisfying plant-based dish perfect served over rice or quinoa with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
To Serve
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil.
- Add Sauce to Skillet: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the onion and garlic, stirring well to combine.
- Thicken Sauce: Dissolve the cornstarch in water and add it into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add Chickpeas: Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the sticky sesame sauce.
- 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.
- Finish and Season: Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chickpeas. Stir to combine, then adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the sticky sesame chickpeas over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa with steamed or roasted vegetables on the side.
Notes
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Make sure to stir continuously when adding cornstarch to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- For added texture, try roasting the chickpeas before adding them to the sauce.
- This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, Asian-inspired
Keywords: Vegan chickpeas recipe, sticky sesame chickpeas, vegan main dish, easy vegan dinner, plant-based, gluten-free option, maple syrup sauce, sesame seeds, healthy vegan meal

