Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe
If you’ve been craving a quick, irresistible, and wholesome meal that feels every bit as indulgent as takeout but so much better for you, this Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe is about to become a top favorite in your kitchen. Chock-full of golden chickpeas, tender broccoli, and a perfectly balanced sweet-salty glaze, this Asian-inspired stir fry brings serious flavor and texture in just 30 minutes. Plant-based, loaded with protein, and naturally gluten-free, it’s an ultimate weeknight hero you’ll look forward to cooking again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to form the flavorful backbone of this Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe. Each one plays an essential role—bringing color, crunch, and deep umami to the final dish. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips for maximizing their magic:
- Sesame oil: Adds authentic nutty richness and the signature toasted flavor you want in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Olive oil: Rounds out the cooking fat for a lighter mouthfeel and helps the onions sauté evenly.
- Yellow onion (diced): Creates a sweet, aromatic base for the sauce—don’t skip this step for the best flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses everything with deep, savory notes; fresh is best for that sharp bite.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Gives a warm, peppery kick—grate it right before using to preserve its zing.
- Canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed): The hearty star of the show, delivering creamy texture and plant-based protein.
- Broccoli florets (steamed or roasted): Bright green crunch—and if you roast them, they’ll develop glorious caramelized edges.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Salty umami magic—choose low-sodium to keep things balanced.
- Maple syrup or honey: A natural sweetener that turns the sauce beautifully sticky and glossy.
- Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the sauce perfectly.
- Cornstarch (mixed with water): The magic thickener that turns everything into that craveable sticky coating.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for a final hit of crunch and toasty flavor.
- Sliced green onions (optional): A fresh, colorful finish if you want a touch of oniony bite.
- Cooked rice or quinoa: The perfect bed to soak up all the sauce—choose your favorite base!
How to Make Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your sesame oil and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This builds big flavor from the beginning!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in your minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, and cook for just 30 seconds. Make sure not to let them burn—this short sizzle is all they need to infuse the oil with savory, peppery aroma.
Step 3: Brown the Chickpeas
Pour in the drained chickpeas and let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring every now and then. Watch as the chickpeas turn golden and take on a lovely, nutty taste that’s pure comfort.
Step 4: Mix the Sticky Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup or honey, and rice vinegar. This trio creates the heart of the Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe—sweet, tangy, and salty all at once.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Pour the sauce over the chickpeas, then stir in your cornstarch-and-water slurry. As it hits the heat, the sauce will magically thicken and coat every chickpea with that signature glossy, sticky finish.
Step 6: Add the Broccoli and Finish
Gently fold in your steamed or roasted broccoli florets. Give everything a good toss so all the veggies and chickpeas are perfectly coated with sauce. Remove the pan from heat—and just like that, dinner is served!
How to Serve Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes
Top with toasted sesame seeds and a generous scattering of sliced green onions. These little finishing touches amplify both the crunch and color, making your meal feel extra special (and totally Instagram-worthy).
Side Dishes
While the Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe is lovely over a warm bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa, you might want to pair it with steamed edamame, a crisp Asian slaw, or even a light cucumber salad to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile the sticky chickpeas and broccoli into lettuce wraps or serve them in rice bowls with sliced avocado, shredded carrots, or crushed peanuts for extra texture. The stunning colors and glossy sauce make this dish a true showstopper, however you present it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Shop this recipe for easy meal prep! Leftovers of the Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making tomorrow’s lunch just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the finished dish, though the texture of the chickpeas and broccoli may soften slightly after thawing. Store cooled portions in a freezer-safe container for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your chickpeas and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce if desired. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well—just steam or microwave it before adding it to the skillet. Roasting from frozen may take a little longer but it will achieve similar crisp-tender results.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe is gluten-free as long as you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Always check your labels to be safe!
What can I use instead of chickpeas?
If you’re out of chickpeas, try white beans, cubed tofu, or even tempeh. Each alternative will take on the sticky sesame sauce beautifully and offer a different protein profile.
How do I make the sauce even stickier?
If you like a super glossy, extra-sticky sauce, feel free to double the cornstarch slurry or simmer the sauce a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or even baby corn would make vibrant, tasty additions to the Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe. Add firmer veggies earlier in the cooking process so they have time to cook through.
Final Thoughts
It’s rare to find a meal that’s simple, healthy, and genuinely crave-worthy, but the Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe checks every box. If you love big flavor and minimal fuss, grab a pan and give this one a go—you may just find yourself making it on repeat. Happy cooking, friend!
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Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli recipe is a delicious and satisfying vegan dish with a perfect balance of flavors. The sticky sauce coats crispy chickpeas and tender broccoli for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (steamed or roasted)
Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and ginger.
- Cook Chickpeas: Add chickpeas to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Make Sauce: Whisk soy sauce, maple syrup, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Pour over chickpeas and cook until thickened.
- Finish Dish: Add broccoli to the skillet, toss to coat. Serve over rice or quinoa, topped with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Roast the broccoli at 425°F for 15–20 minutes for a deeper flavor.
- You can double the sauce for extra drizzling.
- Keeps well for meal prep and reheats nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg