Looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal? These Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are an ideal solution! They are packed with plant-based protein, easy to make, and require just 15 minutes to prepare. This dish offers a mouthwatering balance of savory and sweet, thanks to the sesame oil, maple syrup, and a delicious mix of spices. Whether you need a nutritious dinner for the family or a meal prep recipe, this one is sure to satisfy your taste buds!
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Why You’ll Love Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
This Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas recipe has so much to offer. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes, and is perfect for those who are looking for an easy vegan dinner. The dish is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions. Plus, it’s packed with plant-based protein and full of flavor, so everyone in the family will love it. The versatility of the sesame sauce makes it perfect not only for chickpeas but also for tofu, tempeh, or even chicken.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas:
• Chickpeas: A great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They add a hearty texture to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a fragrant, savory base for the sauce.
• Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chickpeas beautifully.
• Tamari (or soy sauce): Gives the dish a salty, umami flavor.
• Maple syrup: Sweetens the sauce and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Ground ginger: Gives the sauce a warming, aromatic kick.
• Tapioca starch: Helps thicken the sauce, making it sticky and rich.
• Vegetable broth: Adds moisture and helps with sauce consistency.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing any of the ingredients for Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas, don’t worry! Here are some simple substitutions:
• Chickpeas: You can substitute with any canned beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, though chickpeas provide the best texture.
• Tamari: If you don’t have tamari, soy sauce works as a great alternative. For a gluten-free option, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
• Maple syrup: Honey or brown sugar can be used as alternatives if you prefer a different sweetener.
• Tapioca starch: Cornstarch or arrowroot powder works as a thickening substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
Making Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas is simple! Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Set them aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Mince the garlic and heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Sauté the garlic over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients: In a bowl, combine the tapioca starch with vegetable broth and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Combine the sauce: In the pan with garlic, add sesame oil, tamari (or soy sauce), maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, and the remaining vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Thicken the sauce: Whisk the arrowroot mixture again to ensure there are no clumps, and add it to the pan. Stir well.
- Cook the chickpeas: Add the chickpeas to the pan and toss to coat them in the thickening sauce. Stir frequently as the sauce bubbles and thickens around the chickpeas.
- Simmer: Let the chickpeas cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and become sticky.
- Let it rest: Turn off the heat and allow the flavors to meld together for another 5 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
• Watch the heat: Don’t let the sauce boil too vigorously, or it might burn. Keep it on medium or low heat for best results.
• Thicken to taste: If the sauce isn’t thick enough after a few minutes, mix in a little more arrowroot powder or cornstarch.
• Storage: Store leftover Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring the sauce back to life.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are delicious on their own, but here are some great pairings:
• Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a light and nutritious meal.
• Add some sautéed spinach, bok choy, or broccoli for an extra burst of greens.
• Garnish with sesame seeds, scallions, or chives for an added crunch and flavor.
• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili sauce to the sauce mixture.
You can also make this dish into a complete stir-fry by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots.
Seasonal and Health Benefits of Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
This dish is ideal for year-round enjoyment due to its simple ingredients and quick cooking time. Chickpeas are packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals like manganese and folate. They make a nutritious base for this recipe while being naturally gluten-free. The combination of sesame oil, ginger, and maple syrup in the sauce not only boosts flavor but also offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, plant-based meal without sacrificing taste or convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for a new dinner idea, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Conclusion
These Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are not only an easy and quick recipe but also an incredibly delicious and nutritious option for your meals. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The balance of sesame oil, tamari, maple syrup, and spices creates a sticky, rich sauce that coats the chickpeas perfectly, making each bite irresistible. Pair it with your favorite grain or vegetable, and you’ve got a wholesome meal that the whole family will love. Try this recipe today and experience a new, exciting way to enjoy chickpeas!
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of bean instead of chickpeas for this recipe?
While chickpeas provide the best texture for this recipe, you can experiment with other beans such as white beans or black beans. Keep in mind that the texture might differ, but the sesame sauce will still work beautifully with other beans.
2. How do I store leftovers of Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas?
Store your leftover Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help restore the sauce’s stickiness and flavor.
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sticky sesame sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Simply reheat the sauce in a pan and then toss it with freshly cooked chickpeas or any other protein of your choice.
More Relevant Recipes
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Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With a delicious, sticky sesame sauce and protein-packed chickpeas, this dish is not only easy to make but also customizable. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a plant-based recipe the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 15-ounce cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3–4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1/3 cup low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch
- 1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth or water (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas, setting them aside.
- Minced the garlic and heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until golden brown and fragrant.
- In a bowl, whisk together the tapioca starch and half of the vegetable broth. Set aside.
- In the pan with garlic, add sesame oil, tamari (or soy sauce), maple syrup, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and the remaining vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Re-whisk the tapioca mixture to prevent clumping, then add it to the pan with the sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat until it starts bubbling around the edges.
- Once bubbling, add the chickpeas and gently fold them into the sauce, ensuring they’re well coated.
- Let the chickpeas cook in the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chickpeas.
- Remove from heat and let sit for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- If the sauce doesn’t thicken as desired, add an extra 1-2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder to thicken it further.
- For a gluten-free version, be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- You can add vegetables like broccoli or bok choy to make the meal even more nutritious.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- If you’d like a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 321 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9.6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 10.5g
- Protein: 11.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
