Peanut Chickpea Tacos
on Feb 08, 2022, Updated Aug 15, 2024
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These easy chickpea tacos feature chickpeas in a delicious peanut sauce paired with a quick and easy cabbage slaw.
The chickpeas are cooked with shallot and bell pepper then coated in an addictive, spicy peanut sauce and paired with a simple, tangy cabbage slaw. You can have these ready in about 20 minutes and they’re always a hit!
Vegan tacos are a great dish to explore plant-based alternatives. You can try more with these Easy Tofu Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce, Quick & Easy Vegan Tempeh Tacos Recipe or Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos with Ranch.
Recipe Features
- Vegan, gluten-free (use corn tortillas for gluten-free).
- Easy to make in about 20 minutes.
- Perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight meal.
- The chickpeas are versatile and can be used in rice bowls, wraps and salads.
- Great option for a meatless meal the whole family will enjoy (double recipe if needed!).
Ingredient Notes
This list is not complete. Please see the recipe card at the end of the post for the complete ingredient list with measurements and detailed instructions.
- Coleslaw Mix: Keep things quick and easy by using store-bought coleslaw mix. You’ll need about half a bag or you can double it and use the extra for another meal.
- Sesame Oil: Used for the slaw. You can swap it for another oil like avocado or olive oil but it does add a nice flavour to the slaw.
- Peanut Butter: If you can’t do peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower seed butter works.
- Maple Syrup: You can substitute agave if needed.
- Sriracha or Sambal: l like sambal oelek best for the sauce but Sriracha or any chili garlic paste works too.
- Tamari or Soy Sauce: Be sure to use tamari if you need the recipe to be gluten-free. I’d recommend low-sodium soy sauce if using soy. Coconut aminos would also work here.
- Shallot: Red onion works if you don’t have shallot on hand.
- Tortillas: Any corn or flour tortilla you like works. I like La Tortilla factory best! You could also do lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the slaw.
Since we’re using coleslaw mix, the slaw is super easy to make! Toss the mix in a bowl with the sesame oil, rice vinegar, green onion and cilantro, mix well and season with salt and pepper.
Set it aside to the flavours can mix while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
Step 2: Make the peanut sauce.
To make the peanut sauce, mix all of the ingredients together in bowl until smooth then slowly add warm water until you have a pourable consistency.
Step 3: Cook the chickpeas.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat then add 2 tsp oil or water and the chickpeas, shallots and red bell pepper.
Cook this up for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the peanut sauce, mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Step 3: Assemble the tacos and enjoy!
If you like, warm the tortillas briefly in a pan or the oven. I do 2 tacos per person with a side of the extra slaw but you can adjust that as needed.
The tortillas I used were about 6-inches so if you’re using smaller ones, you may get 3-4 tacos per person.
Divide the chickpeas between the tortillas, top with slaw, peanuts and cilantro and enjoy!
Notes & Tips
- Don’t feel like tacos? The peanut chickpeas and slaw are delicious served over rice as a yummy bowl.
- Low-carb option: Use romaine or iceberg lettuce to make lettuce wraps.
- Low-fat/oil-free option: Omit the sesame oil in the slaw. Use water to saute the chickpeas, peppers and shallot.
Storing
- The peanut sauce can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Thin with some water before using.
- The prepared peanut chickpeas store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- You can use the leftovers to make more tacos or add them to bowls, wraps/burritos and salads. They can also be enjoyed cold for a snack.
- The slaw can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More Recipes to Try
- Vegan Lentil Tacos: Lentils cooked with more traditional taco spices like cumin, paprika and chili powder.
- Tempeh Tacos: Delicious tempeh tacos with cashew cream and pickled red onion.
- Roasted Cauliflower Burrito Bowls: Delicious burrito bowls with roasted cauliflower and black beans.
- Vegan Black Bean Burritos: Black bean and red rice packed burritos.
- Black Bean Tacos: Easy black bean tacos with cabbage, lime and pickled onion.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Scroll down to comment section below to leave your star rating and review.
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Peanut Chickpea Tacos
Ingredients
For the Slaw
- 200 g coleslaw cabbage mix, about 3 ½ cups
- 1 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- salt and pepper
For the Peanut Sauce
- 3 tbsp natural peanut butter, 45 g
- 1 tsp seasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1-2 tsp Sriracha or sambal oelek
- 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 3-4 tbsp warm water, to thin
For the Tacos
- 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tsp oil or water
- 1/2 of a red bell pepper, diced
- 1 shallot, peeled and thinly sliced (50 g)
- 3 tbsp toasted peanuts or cashews, for topping
- finely chopped cilantro, for topping
- 6 corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- Make the Slaw: Add all of the slaw ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: Add all of the peanut sauce ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Slowly add warm water one tablespoon at a time, until a pourable sauce is achieved.
- Make the Chickpeas: Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-hight heat. Add 2 tsp oil or water then add the chickpeas, peppers and shallots. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-6 min, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender and chickpeas are golden brown.
- Add Sauce: Add the peanut sauce. Cook for 1-2 min, to warm through.
- Serve: If desired, warm tortillas in a pan before serving. To assemble tacos, divide peanut chickpeas between 6 tacos, then add some slaw on top. Sprinkle peanuts and remaining cilantro over top. Drizzle with more sriracha or hot sauce, if desired. Serve remaining slaw on the side.
We loved these tacos! Such a great meal that comes together quickly. Thanks so much for another fabulous recipe!
You’re welcome! Thanks for trying it!
We really enjoyed these tacos. Perfect summer meal with corn on the cob. thank you.
Yum! Definitely sounds like a perfect meal! Glad you enjoyed them.
So tasty and easy to make
So glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for the review!
Unbelievably tasty!
Just popping by to thank you for this one!! Absolutely delicious!! And in no time or trouble at all. Will make this again for sure. Added fresh broccoli micro greens and sriracha on ours. Divine!!