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Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe

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4.4 from 10 reviews

This Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli recipe delivers a deliciously sweet and savory vegetarian dish in just 15 minutes. Featuring tender-charred broccoli and chickpeas coated in a sticky honey-soy glaze, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

Main Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil (divided)
  • 1 large head broccoli (about 1 lb, cut into 2″ florets)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled ginger
  • 2 14.5-oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, ketchup, reduced-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set this sticky sauce mixture aside.
  2. Cook the Broccoli: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets, season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until the broccoli is charred in spots and tender. Transfer the cooked broccoli to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Chickpeas: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Add the finely chopped garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the drained chickpeas along with 1/8 teaspoon baking soda. Cook briefly to allow the chickpeas to heat through and slightly soften.
  4. Add the Sauce and Thicken: Pour the prepared honey-soy sauce mixture into the skillet with the chickpeas and aromatics. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Combine Broccoli and Sauce: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the broccoli and chickpeas evenly in the sticky sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through and meld the flavors. Adjust salt seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve: Divide the sticky sesame chickpeas and broccoli among bowls and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For a vegan variation, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to further reduce sodium content.
  • The baking soda helps soften the chickpeas and improve texture.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
  • Ensure not to overcook broccoli to retain some crunch and nutrients.