Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. This quick and easy vegan chickpea recipe is packed with flavor and plant protein, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Ready in just 15 minutes, these sticky chickpeas can be served over rice, quinoa, or alongside steamed veggies, making them versatile enough for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of sesame oil, tamari, and maple syrup creates a deliciously sticky sauce that clings to each chickpea.
• High in Protein: Packed with chickpeas, this recipe provides a healthy dose of plant-based protein.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, quinoa, or with steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and efficient, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sauté pan
• Garlic press
• Small bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Sauté pan: This is crucial for cooking the garlic and combining all the flavors effectively.
• Garlic press: Ensures that the garlic is minced finely, which helps to infuse the sauce evenly without large pieces.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the tapioca starch with broth to avoid clumps.
• Whisk: Helps to blend sauces smoothly and ensures all ingredients are well combined.

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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

Drain and rinse the chickpeas and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Mince the garlic and add it to a sauté pan with avocado or olive oil. Using a garlic press ensures it’s very finely minced, avoiding any large pieces in your sauce.

Step 3: Infuse Flavor

Sauté for a few minutes until the garlic is very fragrant.

Step 4: Mix Tapioca Starch

In a small bowl, combine tapioca starch with half of the vegetable broth. Mix until no clumps remain and set aside.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

To the sauté pan with garlic, add low sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and the remaining vegetable broth. Whisk together until blended.

Step 6: Thicken Sauce

Add in the tapioca mixture and stir until combined. Once bubbles start to form in the sauce…

Step 7: Add Chickpeas

Add in the chickpeas to the pan and stir until they are well coated with the sauce.

Step 8: Cook Until Sticky

Cook on low heat until the sauce becomes thick and sticky—about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 9: Let Flavors Marry

Remove from heat and let sit briefly so that the chickpeas can absorb all of the flavors.

Step 10: Serve Your Dish

Serve your Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas with steamed broccoli, quinoa, or rice for a satisfying meal!

How to Serve Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

These Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are deliciously versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you want a quick lunch or a fancy dinner, these chickpeas can elevate your meal.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: The crunchiness of broccoli complements the sticky sauce beautifully.
• Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sauté spinach with garlic for a nutritious side that pairs well.
• Mixed Stir-Fried Veggies: Toss together bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas for a colorful plate.

On a Bed of Grains

• Quinoa: This protein-packed grain absorbs flavors well and adds a nutty taste.
• Brown Rice: A wholesome choice that provides fiber and pairs nicely with the chickpeas.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice as a base.

In a Wrap or Salad

• Chickpea Wrap: Spread hummus on a tortilla, add chickpeas, and load up on veggies for a quick meal.
• Power Salad: Combine chickpeas with mixed greens, avocado, and seeds for added crunch.

How to Perfect Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

To get the best results from your Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas, consider these simple tips.

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh garlic for maximum aroma and depth of flavor in your dish.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of maple syrup based on your taste preference; more syrup equals more sweetness.
• Tapioca Starch Mix: Ensure there are no clumps when mixing tapioca starch with broth for a smooth sauce.
• Mind the Heat: Cook on low heat once you add the chickpeas to avoid burning the sauce while thickening it.
• Let It Sit: Allow the chickpeas to rest after cooking so they can soak up all those delightful flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic add comfort to your plate.
2. Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and roasted until crispy, these sprouts provide great texture.
3. Zucchini Noodles: A light alternative that offers freshness and is easy to prepare quickly.
4. Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, sesame oil, and rice vinegar complements the chickpeas well.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked fries bring sweetness and crunch, balancing out the savory flavors of the dish.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup makes for an excellent starter that enhances Asian flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help enhance your cooking experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for when making Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas:

• Bold ingredient measurement: Using incorrect measurements can alter the taste. Always measure ingredients accurately, especially liquids and seasonings.

• Bold undercooking chickpeas: Undercooked chickpeas can ruin your dish. Ensure the canned chickpeas are thoroughly drained and rinsed before use for better texture.

• Bold neglecting to sauté garlic properly: Burning or undercooking garlic can affect the flavor of your sauce. Sauté until fragrant but not browned to achieve the best taste.

• Bold skipping the tapioca starch: Forgetting this step can lead to a watery sauce. Mix it with broth first to create a thicker consistency in your final dish.

• Bold overcooking the sauce: Cooking too long can make the chickpeas dry. Keep an eye on the sauce, stirring occasionally until it thickens, which takes about 5 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow them to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

• Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes until warm.

• Bold Microwave: Place chickpeas in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Bold Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas:

What makes these Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas so quick?

These chickpeas are ready in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes! If using dried chickpeas, ensure they are soaked and cooked thoroughly before following the recipe instructions.

How can I customize my Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

Are there any substitutes for maple syrup?

You can replace maple syrup with agave nectar or brown sugar if you prefer a different sweetener.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas store well and make an excellent addition to lunchboxes throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are not only delicious but also highly versatile. Their quick preparation time makes them ideal for any meal, whether you’re looking for a simple dinner or planning lunches ahead of time. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices to make this dish your own!