General Tso’s Chickpeas

Delighting in a warm bowl of General Tso’s Chickpeas evokes the comforting feeling of savoring a favorite dish from a bustling restaurant. This easy and nutritious recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fulfilling lunch. The delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors, alongside the satisfying texture of chickpeas, ensures this dish is both enjoyable and nourishing.

This recipe is ideal for busy individuals or families looking for a plant-based meal that’s both hearty and delicious. It’s great for casual dinners or meal prep for the week ahead, as the dish stores well in the refrigerator for a few days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors effortlessly.
• Chickpeas provide a hearty texture that holds up well in the sauce.
• Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for quick meals.
• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for a delicious meal:

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/4-1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, based on taste preference
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

For the Chickpeas

• 15 oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

For Serving

• Green onion, diced
• Sesame seeds
• More red pepper flakes, to taste
• Basmati or brown rice
• Steamed broccoli
• Red peppers, sliced
• Onion, sliced
• Snow peas

Consider using low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use tofu instead of chickpeas for a different texture.
• Maple syrup can replace brown sugar.
• Rice vinegar can be swapped for apple cider vinegar.
• Any variety of rice works in place of basmati or brown rice.

How to Make It

Here’s how to whip up this tasty dish:

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients

In a large saucepan, add all the sauce ingredients and stir over low-medium heat until slightly thickened. (Don’t let it get gloopy! It will thicken fast).

2. Add the Chickpeas

Add in your chickpeas and stir until combined. Warm for 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be sticky and adhere to the chickpeas.

3. Serve the Dish

Serve in a bowl with rice and/or vegetables. Top with diced green onion and sesame seeds for added flavor.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, the texture changes adversely when thawed.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

Tips for Best Results

• Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
• Make sure to rinse chickpeas well to reduce sodium content.
• Use freshly diced green onions for enhanced flavor.
• For extra crunch, add toasted nuts as a topping.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Enjoy alongside a stir-fried tofu dish for added protein.
• Serve it as a filling on lettuce wraps for a fun appetizer.