Dinner

Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas Recipe

Name: Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 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; 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice or quinoa; Steamed or roasted vegetables

ByMatteo Rossi November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

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Introduction

Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are a flavorful and satisfying plant-based dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With a sweet and savory sauce coating tender chickpeas, this recipe pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa and your favorite vegetables.

This image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with two layers of food. The bottom layer is a bed of light beige grains with a coarse texture, covering the whole plate. On top of that is a thick layer of shiny, dark brown chickpeas coated in sauce, piled high in the center of the plate. The chickpeas have a glossy surface and uneven shapes. Bright green thinly sliced scallions are scattered over the chickpeas, along with small white sesame seeds sprinkled evenly, adding texture and color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
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
2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Steamed or roasted vegetables, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil.
Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the onion and garlic, stirring well to combine.
Step 5: Dissolve the cornstarch in water and add it into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 6: Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the sticky sesame sauce.
Step 7: 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.
Step 8: Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chickpeas. Stir to combine, then adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 9: Serve the sticky sesame chickpeas over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa with steamed or roasted vegetables on the side.

Tips & Variations

Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.
For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Swap chickpeas for edamame or tofu for a different texture.
Toast the sesame seeds lightly for enhanced nuttiness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.