Ever had chickpeas that stick to your heart as much as they do to your taste buds?
Picture this: a warm, bustling kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic and sesame mingling with the sweetness of maple syrup. It’s not just any chickpea dish—it’s Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving more! This dish is a quick, one-pan wonder that nails both flavor and convenience, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Why make this recipe?
Why would you want to whip up this delightful dish? Well, first off, easy cleanup is a major win! Who wants a messy kitchen after a cooking spree? Plus, it’s affordable—chickpeas are like the superheroes of the pantry. And let’s not forget, everyone at the table will love it, making it a family-friendly option. Seriously, what’s not to love about a meal that feels indulgent yet is actually healthy? 🙌
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3-4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- ⅓ cup tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch
Directions
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly and set them aside.
- Mince the garlic and sauté it with 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the arrowroot powder and 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth. Set aside.
- Add sesame oil, tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, and the remaining vegetable broth to the pan. Whisk to combine.
- Re-whisk the arrowroot mixture to prevent clumping, then add it to the pan. Stir well.
- Cook the sauce over medium/low heat until it begins to bubble.
- Add the chickpeas and stir gently until well coated with the sauce. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chickpeas to absorb those delicious flavors.
- Turn off the heat, letting the dish sit for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

How to make Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas (Overview)
Making these Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas is a breeze! Start by sautéing that golden garlic until it begs you to take a whiff. Then, get cozy with the sauce ingredients and let them simmer and mingle—honestly, the smell alone is worth it! Toss in those chickpeas and let them soak up all that flavor. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it makes all the difference and adds that crave-worthy aroma.
How to serve Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
When it comes to serving this dish, the options are endless! Pile these sticky, glistening chickpeas onto a bed of fluffy rice, hearty quinoa, or vibrant steamed veggies. Picture white rice absorbing all those rich flavors while the chickpeas glisten temptingly. Top it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra crunch and a splash of color. Honestly, your dinner plate deserves to be this good!
How to store Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These stick around in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Wanna make a batch ahead of time? Go for it. Just store it in an airtight container. When it’s time to indulge again, reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Just remember to add a splash of broth if it looks a bit dry—nobody wants sad, sticky chickpeas! 😉
Tips to make Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
- If you want to up the crunch factor, toss in some toasted sesame seeds or cashews just before serving.
- Swap the maple syrup for agave nectar or another sweetener if that’s your jam!
- Run out of arrowroot powder? No worries, cornstarch has got your back.
- Add a kick by throwing in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some spice. 🔥
- For a deeply flavored dish, let the chickpeas soak in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes before serving. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Variation
Want to add a twist to this delightful dish? Consider trying different proteins! Tofu or tempeh could easily join the party and soak up all that sauce. Feeling adventurous? You could even swap out the chickpeas for black beans for a unique spin on flavors. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Can I make these Sticky Sesame Chickpeas ahead of time?
Absolutely! They taste even better the next day after the flavors settle in.
What can I substitute for tamari?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can use coconut aminos or soy sauce if you’re not concerned about gluten.
Can I freeze Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas?
Yes! Just pop them in an airtight container, and they should be good for about a month. When you’re ready, thaw and reheat on the stove.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
Ingredients
Method
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly and set them aside.
- Mince the garlic and sauté it with 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the arrowroot powder and 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth. Set aside.
- Add sesame oil, tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, and the remaining vegetable broth to the pan. Whisk to combine.
- Re-whisk the arrowroot mixture to prevent clumping, then add it to the pan. Stir well.
- Cook the sauce over medium/low heat until it begins to bubble.
- Add the chickpeas and stir gently until well coated with the sauce. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chickpeas to absorb those delicious flavors.
- Turn off the heat, letting the dish sit for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
