Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

Easy, flavorful, and packed with plant protein, these Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are a quick and delicious dinner the whole family will love. Ready in just 15 minutes, they make an ideal meal prep option for busy weeks. Enjoy them as a main dish or side at any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of sesame oil, garlic, and maple syrup creates a delightful sticky sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair these chickpeas with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Nutrient-Rich: Chickpeas provide plant protein and fiber, making this recipe both filling and healthy.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare a batch ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

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Tools and Preparation

To make Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas, you will need a few essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sauté pan
• Garlic press
• Small bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Sauté pan: A good sauté pan allows for even cooking and helps develop flavors when sautéing garlic.
• Garlic press: Using a garlic press ensures your garlic is finely minced, preventing large pieces in your sauce.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing small quantities like tapioca starch with broth without making a mess.
• Whisk: A whisk helps combine sauces smoothly without clumps.

Ingredients

For the Chickpeas

• 2 15 ounce cans chickpeas
• 3-4 large cloves garlic
• 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)

How to Make Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas under cold water. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

1. Mince the garlic using a garlic press for fine pieces.
2. Heat the sauté pan over medium heat and add the avocado or olive oil.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Sauce Ingredients

1. In a small bowl, mix together the tapioca starch with half of the vegetable broth until smooth. Set aside.
2. To the sauté pan with garlic, add the low sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and remaining vegetable broth.
3. Whisk until well combined.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

1. Stir in the tapioca mixture into the sauce in the pan.
2. Cook on low heat until bubbles form and sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Add Chickpeas

1. Add in the drained chickpeas to the pan.
2. Stir well to coat all chickpeas with the sticky sauce.
3. Cook on low heat for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove from heat and let sit briefly to absorb extra flavor before serving.
2. Enjoy your Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas over steamed broccoli, quinoa, or rice!

How to Serve Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that complement the flavors of this dish perfectly.

With Steamed Broccoli

• Steamed broccoli provides a nutritious and vibrant contrast to the sticky chickpeas. The mild flavor enhances the dish while adding fiber.

Over Quinoa

• Serving these chickpeas over a bed of quinoa creates a hearty meal. Quinoa is high in protein, making it an excellent base for this dish.

With Brown Rice

• Pairing with brown rice adds a great chewy texture and nutty flavor, allowing every bite to be satisfying and filling.

In a Buddha Bowl

• Combine the chickpeas with fresh greens, avocado, and other veggies in a Buddha bowl. This adds color, nutrients, and variety to your meal.

Wrapped in Lettuce

• For a light option, serve the chickpeas wrapped in lettuce leaves. This offers a refreshing crunch and makes for a fun finger food experience.

How to Perfect Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

To ensure your Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor far better than pre-minced varieties or powder.

• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to increase the maple syrup slightly for more depth.

• Control spice level: Add more red pepper flakes if you like heat or omit them entirely for a milder dish.

• Thicken the sauce: Cook longer on low heat to achieve an even stickier consistency that clings beautifully to the chickpeas.

• Experiment with toppings: Try garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

Pairing side dishes with Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish well.

1. Garlic Fried Rice
   A delicious fried rice infused with garlic gives an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the sesame flavors.

2. Crispy Tofu
   Adding crispy tofu provides extra protein and texture that contrasts nicely with the sticky chickpeas.

3. Roasted Carrots
   Sweet roasted carrots add a pop of color and natural sweetness that balances out the savory elements of the dish.

4. Sautéed Spinach
   Quick sautéed spinach brings freshness and brightens up your plate while contributing valuable nutrients.

5. Asian Slaw
   A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots tosses in sesame dressing, enhancing the overall Asian theme of your meal.

6. Coconut Curry Soup
   A warm coconut curry soup offers comforting flavors that create a delightful contrast when served alongside the chickpeas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring the chickpeas: Always drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. This step removes excess sodium and helps improve flavor.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly. Sauté just until fragrant to avoid bitterness in your dish.
• Skipping the tapioca starch: This ingredient is crucial for thickening the sauce. Make sure to mix it well with broth before adding it to the pan.
• Not letting flavors meld: After cooking, allow the chickpeas to sit briefly. This enhances the flavors as they absorb the sauce.
• Serving without sides: For a complete meal, serve your chickpeas with steamed veggies or grains like quinoa or rice.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas:

How can I customize Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

What dishes pair well with Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas?

These chickpeas go perfectly with quinoa, rice, or even lettuce wraps for a light meal.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Yes! Fresh ginger adds a vibrant flavor. Just use about one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger instead.

How do I ensure my sauce is sticky?

Make sure you cook the sauce until it thickens properly before adding the chickpeas. The tapioca starch is key for that sticky texture.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them in various meals throughout the week. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices to suit your taste buds!