Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe
A delightful and healthy recipe featuring tender broccoli and protein-packed chickpeas coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame glaze. This quick stovetop dish combines honey, soy sauce, and ginger for an irresistible flavor that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a nutritious lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
- 1 large head broccoli (about 1 lb.), cut into 2-inch florets
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled ginger
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, ketchup, reduced-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until well mixed and set aside to use later.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the broccoli is charred in spots and just tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the cooked broccoli to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chickpeas: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of neutral oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped garlic and ginger, stirring frequently for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the drained chickpeas and sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon baking soda over them, which helps soften the chickpeas and enhances texture.
- Add Sauce and Glaze: Stir the sauce mixture again to recombine, then pour it into the skillet with the chickpeas. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze that coats the chickpeas evenly.
- Combine Broccoli and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Serve: Divide the chickpea and broccoli mixture among serving bowls and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using baking soda with chickpeas helps to soften them quickly and improve their texture.
- You can substitute neutral oil with vegetable or canola oil if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes along with garlic and ginger.
- Make sure to stir the sauce mixture well before adding it to the pan, as cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
Keywords: chickpeas, broccoli, sticky sesame sauce, vegetarian, quick dinner, honey soy glaze, healthy dinner
