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Weeknight • Vegetarian

Speedy Spicy Peanut Chickpea Bowls

These vibrant, protein-packed bowls feature crispy chickpeas tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce, served over rice and fresh veggies.

Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Speedy Spicy Peanut Chickpea Bowls

Need a vibrant, flavorful meal that's ready in a flash? Our Speedy Spicy Peanut Chickpea Bowls are here to save the day! Crispy chickpeas coated in a rich, spicy peanut sauce are the star, perfectly balanced by fluffy rice and fresh, crunchy vegetables. It’s a plant-based powerhouse that’s both satisfying and super easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Peanut Sauce

  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1-2 tsp Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ inch fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 3-4 tbsp warm water (to thin)

For the Bowls

  • 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and patted very dry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Desired fresh veggies for serving (e.g., sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, bell peppers, chopped cilantro, green onions)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup, Sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Slowly add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

  2. Step 2

    Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patted dry chickpeas and garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the chickpeas are golden and slightly crispy.

  3. Step 3

    Remove the skillet from heat. Pour about half of the peanut sauce over the crispy chickpeas and toss to coat them evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.

  4. Step 4

    Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with the saucy chickpeas and your desired fresh vegetables. Drizzle with additional peanut sauce if desired, and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.

Tips

  • Ensure chickpeas are very dry before cooking to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice over the finished bowls for an extra burst of freshness.
  • Feel free to add other cooked vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers to the bowls.

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