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
Scale
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
