General Tso’s Chickpeas

A delightfully fragrant aroma lingers in the air as you prepare a dish that tantalizes the taste buds. General Tso’s Chickpeas is a quick and vibrant recipe that takes about 15 minutes to whip up, showcasing the wonderful flavors of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce coating each chickpea. This recipe works beautifully for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without the fuss.

This recipe is perfect for vegetarians, busy professionals, or anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option; simply store the leftovers for a quick lunch during the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The chickpeas become perfectly sticky with the sauce, creating a satisfying texture.
• It takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick go-to meal.
• The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes each bite enjoyable.
• It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetables.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients to get started on this 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, mixed well so no more clumps

For the Chickpeas

• 15 oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

For Serving

• Green onion, diced
• Sesame seeds
• More red pepper flakes, for garnishing
• Basmati or brown rice, cooked
• Steamed broccoli, as desired
• Red peppers, sliced
• Onion, sliced
• Snow peas, trimmed

Use tamari for a gluten-free option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chickpeas can be replaced with lentils.
• Hoisin sauce can be substituted with BBQ sauce.
• Brown sugar can be swapped with maple syrup.
• Use any vegetables you have on hand.

How to Make It

Let’s dive into making this delicious dish!

1. Combine 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 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

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

How to Store It

Fridge: store for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, the texture won’t hold up well.
Reheat: microwave for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

Tips for Best Results

• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.
• For more depth, allow the sauce to simmer longer, but watch it closely.
• Use fresh vegetables to enhance flavors and textures in the dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with jasmine or basmati rice for a hearty meal.
• Serve alongside steamed broccoli and other fresh vegetables for a healthy touch.
• Great for casual gatherings or as meal prep for the week ahead.