If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make, the Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender broccoli florets and wholesome chickpeas enveloped in a perfectly balanced sticky sauce that dances between sweet, savory, and a hint of spice. This recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a nourishing plant-based meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch that will keep you energized.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe works its magic to create layers of flavor and texture, yet the list remains wonderfully straightforward. From the nutty richness of sesame oil to the gentle warmth of garlic and ginger, all elements come together seamlessly to bring this dish to life.
- Chickpeas (1 can, 15 oz): Provides a hearty, protein-packed base with a creamy texture.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Adds vibrant color and a satisfying crunch that balances the sticky sauce.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Imparts deep nutty flavor and aroma—key to that authentic touch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with pungent warmth and depth.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Offers a bright, slightly spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
- Soy sauce or tamari (2 tablespoons): Delivers the salty umami foundation of the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings sweet and savory complexity along with a sticky consistency.
- Maple syrup or honey (2 tablespoons): Balances saltiness with natural sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang to brighten the flavors.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): Provides a delightful crunch and extra nuttiness as garnish.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle heat that you can dial up or down.
- Water (1/2 cup, as needed): Used to adjust the sauce’s thickness to just right.
- Cooked rice or quinoa: The perfect bed to soak up all that amazing sauce.
- Sliced green onions: Fresh, crisp, and colorful garnish that crowns the finished dish.
How to Make Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Broccoli to Crisp-Tender Perfection
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want them tender yet still boasting a slight crunch that will brighten every bite. Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside to keep those lovely textures intact for later.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil along with minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these aromatics for 1 to 2 minutes until your kitchen fills with that irresistible, fragrant warmth. Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mix everything thoroughly, and if your sauce looks a little too thick, gradually add water one tablespoon at a time until it becomes luscious and pourable.
Step 3: Coat and Heat the Chickpeas in the Sauce
Add the drained chickpeas to this bubbling sauce and gently stir to coat every bite. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the sauce thickens perfectly around those chickpeas and becomes gloriously sticky. This step ensures that all the delicious flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Combine the Broccoli with the Chickpeas and Sauce
Return the tender broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together so the sticky sauce clings to each component. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and a lovely crunch. Give everything a final gentle stir to combine all these delightful textures and tastes in harmony.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli over a warm bed of cooked rice or quinoa. Top generously with sliced green onions and don’t shy away from adding a few more sesame seeds for visual appeal and texture. This finishing touch makes the dish not only taste fantastic but look irresistible too.
How to Serve Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced green onions add a vibrant pop of green and a mild, refreshing bite that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Sesame seeds sprinkled on top bring a nutty crunch that highlights the dish’s core flavors beautifully. For those who like a little extra zing, a light scatter of red pepper flakes can awaken the palate even more.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a main dish with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, which soak up every drop of the sticky sesame sauce with delicious results. Pair it with a fresh cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to introduce a crisp, cooling contrast that balances and brightens the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli in crispy lettuce cups for a refreshing handheld option or spoon it into warm pita pockets for a filling vegetarian wrap. You can also jazz things up by adding roasted nuts like cashews or peanuts on top for a texture surprise that’s both tasty and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making second-day meals just as delicious, if not better, than the first.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, it freezes quite well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, at 30-second intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook your dried chickpeas until tender beforehand, as canned chickpeas are already cooked and soften up quickly in this recipe.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, simply substitute soy sauce with tamari and make sure the hoisin sauce you use is gluten-free. This way, the dish remains just as tasty without gluten.
How spicy is the Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe?
The heat level is quite mild by default, thanks to just a hint of red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust the amount of flakes or leave them out entirely for a completely mild dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots can be great additions. Just add them during the initial stir-fry to ensure they cook to crisp-tender perfection alongside the broccoli.
Is this recipe vegan?
It certainly can be. By using maple syrup instead of honey and ensuring all your sauces are vegan-friendly, you end up with a completely plant-based, wholesome, and satisfying dish.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe has quickly become one of those go-to meals I love sharing with friends and family because it’s bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and incredibly nourishing. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy vibrant veggies and protein-packed chickpeas, all coated in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce that’s downright addictive. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli recipe is a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian stir-fry dish featuring tender broccoli florets and protein-rich chickpeas coated in a sticky, savory-sweet sesame sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it combines Asian-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil with the natural sweetness of maple syrup. Served over rice or quinoa and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Chickpeas
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup water (as needed for sauce consistency)
For Serving & Garnish
- Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well and add water one tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick, adjusting to desired consistency.
- Cook the chickpeas: Add the drained chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are heated through and the sauce thickens to a sticky texture.
- Combine broccoli and chickpeas: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together to evenly coat with the sticky sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish and stir once more to combine.
- Serve: Plate the Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with sliced green onions and additional sesame seeds as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness or omit for a milder dish.
- Maple syrup can be swapped with honey if preferred.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- For added protein, consider topping with toasted chopped peanuts or cashews.
