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A vibrant plate featuring Vegan Sweet and Sour Chickpeas, served with fluffy brown rice, fresh green onions, sesame seeds, and tender steamed broccoli.

Zesty Vegan Sweet and Sour Chickpeas

A vibrant plant-based dish featuring chickpeas in a homemade sweet and sour sauce, served with brown rice and steamed broccoli. Ready in under 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Vegan
Calories: 370
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can pineapple juice (8 oz)
  • 1 tbsp tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp coconut sugar
  • 0.5 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp organic soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic
  • 0.25 cup water
  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (15 oz each)
  • Cooked brown rice, for serving
  • Steamed broccoli, for serving
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan For simmering sauce and chickpeas
  • Blender or Food Processor To blend the sauce until smooth
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate ingredient amounts

Method
 

  1. Gather and measure all sauce ingredients. Rinse and drain chickpeas. Prep rice and broccoli for serving.
  2. In a blender, combine pineapple juice, tapioca starch, rice vinegar, coconut sugar, tomato paste, soy sauce, garlic, and water. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir often and bring to a gentle bubble (8–10 min).
  4. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  5. Stir in drained chickpeas and coat well. Heat for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
  6. Serve over brown rice with steamed broccoli. Top with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds.

Notes

To make gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos. Cornstarch can replace tapioca starch. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat. Stir in bell peppers or pineapple chunks during the final simmer for extra flavor and texture.