Name: General Tso’s Chickpea Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Ingredients: ½ cup vegetable broth; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter; 4 tbsp low sodium tamari or soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp coconut sugar (can substitute for brown sugar); 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (depending on brand and preference); 3 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1.5 tbsp arrowroot powder; 2 tbsp water; 2 cans chickpeas; 1 tbsp oil (toasted sesame oil recommended for more flavor); ½ large red onion; 1 red bell pepper; 1 green bell pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

If you have been craving a delicious, comforting, and vegetarian twist on a classic Chinese takeout dish, then you are in the right place! This General Tso’s Chickpea Stir Fry Recipe brings together the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors with tender chickpeas and vibrant veggies, all coated in a luscious sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. It’s naturally gluten free and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a total win for busy weeknights or anytime you want a quick, hearty meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cast iron pan with a white handle sits on a white marbled surface, filled with chopped vegetables. The top layer includes small pieces of green bell peppers, bright red bell peppers, and orange carrots, all mixed together with chopped red onions that add a purplish color. The vegetables are spread evenly across the pan, showing a fresh and colorful mix with crunchy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The secret to making this General Tso’s Chickpea Stir Fry Recipe so irresistible lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, adding delightful texture, and bringing a pop of color to the plate.

Vegetable broth: Provides a light, savory base to round out the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
Tomato paste: Adds depth and a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the stir fry.
Creamy peanut butter: Offers richness and a slight nuttiness to the sauce’s texture and taste.
Low sodium tamari or soy sauce: Boosts umami and ensures the dish remains gluten free if choosing tamari.
Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and balance that lifts the entire dish.
Maple syrup: Sweetens the sauce naturally and contrasts perfectly with the heat.
Coconut sugar: Can be swapped with brown sugar; enhances caramel notes in the sauce.
Hot sauce: Adds the essential kick, adjustable to your preferred spice level.
Toasted sesame oil: Infuses a warm, nutty aroma into both the sauce and stir fry.
Arrowroot powder: Mixed with water, it helps thicken the sauce to a luscious glaze.
Chickpeas: The star protein of this dish, offering a satisfying bite and hearty texture.
Oil for sautéing: Using toasted sesame oil elevates the flavor profile, but any neutral oil works too.
Red onion: Adds sweetness as it softens, creating a tender contrast.
Red and green bell peppers: Provide crunch and vibrant color for a fresh finish.
Fresh garlic and ginger: Minced and grated, these infuse the dish with classic aromatic warmth that’s anything but ordinary.

How to Make General Tso’s Chickpea Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Chickpeas and Sauce

Start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas carefully until the water runs clear—this gets rid of excess starch and any bubbles, making their texture perfect for the stir fry. Meanwhile, whisk arrowroot powder into water creating a smooth slurry which will later thicken your sauce. Next, combine the rest of the sauce ingredients in a bowl, whisking them together until silky and unified. Setting these aside now means you’ll have everything ready for a quick and satisfying cook later on.

Step 2: Chop Your Vegetables

Grab your knife and chop the red onion into thin slices, remove the cores and seeds from your bell peppers before slicing them into strips, and mince garlic cloves while grating some fresh ginger. These fresh ingredients provide layers of flavor and gorgeous hues, turning your meal into a feast for both eyes and palate.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Heat a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions, peppers, garlic, and ginger, then sauté for about five minutes or until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This step unlocks the natural sweetness and aromatic notes that build the foundation of your stir fry.

Step 4: Incorporate the Sauce and Chickpeas

Pour your pre-made General Tso’s sauce into the pan with the sautéed vegetables, stirring everything together so the flavors begin to meld. Quickly stir in the arrowroot slurry to start thickening the sauce. Once the mixture begins bubbling, immediately add the drained chickpeas, folding them gently to coat every piece with that irresistible sauce. Let this simmer for around ten minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully and cling to each chickpea and veggie chunk. If it’s not thick enough for your liking, add a little more arrowroot mix gradually.

How to Serve General Tso’s Chickpea Stir Fry Recipe

The image shows a white bowl with three main layers: at the bottom, soft white rice; on top of the rice, a colorful mix of chickpeas, diced red and green bell peppers in a glossy brown sauce sprinkled with green chives and small sesame seeds; and on one side, bright green steamed broccoli florets resting next to the chickpea mix. A silver fork is placed inside the bowl resting on the rice. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with small bowls of chopped green chives and red chili flakes nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dish even further, consider sprinkling it with toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for an extra crunch and fresh punch. A few sprigs of fresh cilantro can add brightness, while a wedge of lime on the side lets you introduce a zingy splash of citrus as you eat. These little touches make your presentation pop and tantalize the senses.

Side Dishes

This lively stir fry pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or tender noodles that soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. For a greener side, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a simple cucumber salad add refreshing crunch and balance out the hearty chickpea dish. The mix makes for a well-rounded, colorful plate that’s bound to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to bring some fun to the table? Serve this General Tso’s Chickpea Stir Fry Recipe inside a hollowed-out bell pepper bowl or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For a dinner party, arrange the chickpeas and veggies over crispy wonton wrappers or lettuce cups for an interactive, finger-food experience that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors in this General Tso’s Chickpea Stir Fry Recipe actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic meal to enjoy the next day.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead even further, this stir fry freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. When properly sealed, it will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it fully in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Freshen it up with a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using canned chickpeas saves time and works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess starch or salt for the best texture and flavor.

Is this General Tso’s Chickpea Stir Fry Recipe gluten free?

Yes, it can be made gluten free by choosing tamari instead of regular soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, making this a safe and tasty option.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is easily adjustable. The recipe calls for 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot sauce, but you can reduce it for a milder flavor or increase it to turn up the heat. It’s all about your personal spice preference.

Can I substitute the chickpeas with another protein?

While chickpeas are the star here, you can swap them with tofu or tempeh for a different texture. Just be mindful that cooking times might change slightly depending on what you choose.

What if I don’t have arrowroot powder?

You can use cornstarch as a substitute to thicken the sauce. Just mix it with water in the same ratio and add it gradually until the desired consistency appears.

Final Thoughts

This General Tso’s Chickpea Stir Fry Recipe is a wonderful way to bring some excitement and wholesome nutrition to your kitchen without spending hours prepping. It’s flavorful, vibrant, and satisfyingly comforting all at once—ready to become your new favorite meal for any night of the week. Give it a try soon and watch it quickly become a beloved staple on your dinner rotation!

General Tso’s Chickpea Stir Fry Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need