Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas – Sweet, Savory & Easy

Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are the weeknight dinner you didn’t know you needed—but now you won’t want to live without. Imagine tender chickpeas cloaked in a sweet, tangy, garlicky sesame glaze so sticky it practically begs to be scooped over fluffy rice. The star here is that glorious sauce: rich from soy sauce, sweet from maple syrup, and kissed with toasted sesame oil for a nutty depth.

This meal is for those evenings when you’re tired, maybe a little hangry, and really don’t want to spend 45 minutes deciphering a recipe. It’s fast, it’s filling, and yes—it’s totally vegan. Whether you’re feeding your picky eater, your meat-loving partner, or just trying to make peace with what’s in your pantry, Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas deliver big flavor without any kitchen drama.

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What is Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas?

Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas is your plant-based answer to sticky sesame chicken, minus the bird. It’s a simple skillet meal where canned (or cooked) chickpeas are simmered in a glossy sauce made with pantry staples like soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Once everything thickens and clings lovingly to those chickpeas, you’ve got a protein-packed main dish that’s surprisingly satisfying.

Think of it as comfort food that doesn’t come with a side of regret. It’s sweet, savory, and packs just enough garlic to make your taste buds happy. The best part? You can throw this together in under an hour, and it reheats like a dream. It’s perfect over rice or quinoa, and it pairs beautifully with whatever veggies you’ve got hanging around—steamed, roasted, or sautéed. It’s vegan, gluten-free adaptable, and a total crowd-pleaser.

Reasons to Try Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

Let’s be real: weeknight dinners can be chaotic. Between work, errands, and figuring out who forgot to take the trash out (again), who has time to cook something elaborate? That’s where Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas save the day. First off, they’re ridiculously fast—20 minutes of cooking, tops. Second, they’re budget-friendly. Got a can of chickpeas and a few condiments? You’re halfway there. Third, picky eaters actually like them.

The sauce is just sweet enough to appeal to kids and bold enough to satisfy adults. And if you’re trying to eat more plant-based meals without feeling like you’re nibbling rabbit food, this dish has that “comfort food” vibe with none of the guilt. Bonus: cleanup is a breeze—just one skillet and one bowl. If you’re looking for something easy, wholesome, and surprisingly addictive, Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are it.

Ingredients Needed to Make Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• ¼ 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 to Make Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

Ready to bring some sticky, saucy magic into your kitchen? Follow this step-by-step guide to make Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas that are bursting with flavor and simple enough for any night of the week. This method is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any fancy tools—just a skillet, a spoon, and a little bit of stove time. Let’s break it down clearly so you feel confident from start to finish.

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers (that’s how you know it’s hot enough), add your finely diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. This creates a mellow, sweet foundation that balances the bold sesame flavor coming later.

Next, add in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 1–2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much—it can turn bitter fast. If you’re new to prepping fresh aromatics, check out our tips on easy garlic prep for beginners to keep things simple and stress-free.

Step 2: Whisk the Sticky Sesame Sauce

While your onions and garlic are cooking, take a small bowl and combine the core sauce ingredients:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. This is your sweet-salty-tangy flavor bomb. If you want to change things up or are running low on ingredients, try our guide to ingredient substitutions—it includes options for maple syrup swaps and more.

Step 3: Pour the Sauce into the Skillet

Once the garlic has softened, pour your sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir everything together gently so the onions and garlic are evenly coated. Let the sauce simmer for about a minute to start marrying the flavors and to warm it all up. You’re creating the base of that classic sticky texture we’re going for.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce with a Cornstarch Slurry

Now it’s time for the thickening magic. In a separate small bowl or cup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir it until smooth—no lumps allowed! This is called a slurry, and it’s what gives the sauce its signature glossy, clingy texture.

Pour the slurry into the skillet while stirring continuously. As you stir, the sauce will start to thicken right before your eyes. Keep stirring for 2–3 minutes until it reaches a syrupy, sticky consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it slightly.

Step 5: Add the Chickpeas and Let Them Simmer

Now grab your 2 cups of cooked chickpeas (or one 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed). Toss them into the skillet and stir gently until they’re fully coated in that rich, sticky sauce. Turn the heat to low and let them simmer for 5–7 minutes.

During this step-by-step process, you’re letting the chickpeas soak up all that bold flavor. If you’ve got the time, let the chickpeas marinate in the sauce beforehand for about 30 minutes—it makes the dish even more flavorful and satisfying. Meal prepping? This trick works wonders. For more meal-prep friendly recipes, check out our Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans, which also store beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is thickened and heated through, it’s time to finish things off. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and the sliced green onions. Give it a quick stir to combine, and then taste for seasoning. Add a pinch of salt or black pepper if needed.

Spoon your sticky chickpeas over a bed of warm rice or quinoa and serve with steamed or roasted veggies on the side. Try pairing it with something light and refreshing like our Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad for a complete, colorful meal.

What to Serve with Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

These Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas love company. They shine best over fluffy jasmine rice, nutty brown rice, or quinoa if you’re feeling a little extra. Want to bulk it up? Serve with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted carrots. Even frozen stir-fry veggies will work in a pinch. You could even spoon this sticky goodness into lettuce wraps or stuff it inside a baked sweet potato. If you’re going full cozy, add a side of our Wild Mushroom, Caramelized Onion, and Kale Soup. Honestly, this dish plays well with most veggies—just raid your fridge and run with it. Bonus idea: drizzle with a little sriracha mayo or sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for a crunchy finish.

Key Tips for Making Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

1. Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it’s what gives the sauce that luscious, clingy texture.
2. Let it sit: If you’ve got the time, let the chickpeas marinate in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. The flavor gets even better.
3. Use tamari for a gluten-free version—and double-check your soy sauce if you’re not sure.
4. Want extra protein? Toss in tofu cubes or edamame.
5. Go bold with heat: A few red pepper flakes or a swirl of chili garlic sauce can totally change the game.
6. Don’t rush the simmer: Give it a few minutes so the sauce can really thicken and stick. You’re going for sticky, not soupy.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

This dish stores like a dream, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Pop leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, just warm them up on the stove over medium heat with a splash of water or veggie broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one until it’s hot all the way through. Pro tip: it actually tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to settle in and mingle. These sticky chickpeas are also freezer-friendly for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas?
Absolutely. One 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed, works perfectly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yep! In fact, it gets even tastier after sitting in the fridge for a bit.

Can I swap maple syrup for another sweetener?
Try agave or honey (if not strictly vegan). Both work great.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can leave it out or use a neutral oil, but the sesame flavor really makes the dish pop.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas are a weeknight lifesaver. They’re quick, crave-worthy, and use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re diving into plant-based eating or just trying to get dinner on the table without losing your mind, this recipe has your back. It’s sweet, sticky, and seriously satisfying. Want more cozy vegan dinners? Peek at our Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans next—they’re a total hit. So go ahead, whip up a skillet of these sticky chickpeas and enjoy a dinner that’s equal parts easy and delicious.

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