Sweet & Savory Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

Looking for a quick, delicious vegan dinner that’s bursting with flavor? These Sweet & Savory Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are the perfect choice! With a rich, sticky sauce made from toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, and soy sauce, this dish combines the best of sweet and savory in every bite. Chickpeas bring a hearty plant-based protein punch, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes!

Ingredients for Sweet & Savory Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

To make this flavorful recipe, you’ll need:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil for a nutty aroma
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup to add natural sweetness
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or gluten-free tamari for umami depth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced finely for fragrant zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated to add warm spice
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar for acidity balance
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot mixed with 3 tablespoons water for thickening
• 1/3 cup vegetable broth or water as the sauce base
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a mild kick

Feel free to substitute maple syrup with agave nectar, or tamari with regular soy sauce if gluten isn’t a concern. These staples come together effortlessly to create a luscious, sticky sauce that clings beautifully to each chickpea.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the finely minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable broth, and cornstarch slurry until smooth.
4. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken and bubble gently.
5. Add the drained chickpeas and toss carefully to coat them evenly with the sticky sauce.
6. Continue cooking on low heat for 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken further and the flavors meld perfectly.
7. Optional: sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
8. Let the chickpeas rest a couple of minutes off heat to absorb maximum flavor before serving.

These steps ensure your chickpeas get perfectly sticky and flavorful every time!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve your sticky sesame chickpeas over fluffy jasmine rice, nutty quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For extra nutrition and vibrant color, pair with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted carrots.

Want to add more protein? Stir in oven-baked tofu cubes or tempeh for a hearty twist. Spice lovers can dial up the heat with sambal or chili oil.

For a fun variation, try mixing a spoonful of peanut butter into the sticky sauce to create a Thai-inspired flavor profile. Alternatively, serve the chickpeas wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves or over noodles for a fresh change.

Nutritional Benefits and Final Tips

This recipe is packed with nutrition: chickpeas provide a great source of plant-based protein, fiber to aid digestion, and minerals like iron and magnesium. The toasted sesame oil adds heart-healthy fats and antioxidants while the natural sweetness of maple syrup balances the flavors without refined sugar.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the sticky sauce texture. This meal is perfect for prepping in advance and enjoying throughout the week.

Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding your favorite spices or swapping ingredients to suit your taste. This Sweet & Savory Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas recipe is your go-to wholesome, comforting, and easy vegan dinner.

Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

Easy, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes, these Sweet & Savory Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are a perfect plant-based dinner packed with protein and coated in a luscious sticky sesame sauce. Ideal for weeknight meals or meal prep.

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Prepr Time 5 minutes mins

Cooking Time 10 minutes mins

ToTal Time 15 minutes mins

Serving 4

Ingredients

  

• 2 cans 15 oz each chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• 1.5 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• ⅓ cup low sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 3-4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tablespoon tapioca starch or cornstarch
• ¼ cup low sodium vegetable broth or water divided
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

 

• Drain and rinse chickpeas; set aside.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
• In a bowl, mix tapioca starch with half the vegetable broth until smooth; set aside.
• Add tamari, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ground ginger, remaining vegetable broth to the skillet; whisk to combine.
• Stir in the starch mixture and cook until bubbles form and sauce thickens slightly.
• Add chickpeas and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
• Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce becomes thick and sticky (about 5 minutes).
• Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes to allow flavor absorption. Serve with rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies.

Notes

Nutritional Benefits

Chickpeas provide a high amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber which are essential for digestive health and satiety. Toasted sesame oil adds heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. This dish combines nutrient-dense ingredients that support energy, heart health, and balanced vegan nutrition.

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