Description
This Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli recipe is a vibrant, healthy vegan stir-fry bursting with flavors from garlic, ginger, and a sticky soy-maple glaze. Perfectly tender broccoli florets and protein-rich chickpeas come together in a mouthwatering sauce, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep, it serves beautifully over rice or quinoa for a complete Asian-inspired main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnish & Serving
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for about 3 to 4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn.
- Cook Chickpeas: Add the drained chickpeas to the skillet, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring occasionally to warm them through and allow slight browning.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup (or agave nectar), and rice vinegar until combined.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chickpeas and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce becomes sticky and coats the chickpeas well.
- Toss Broccoli: Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss everything thoroughly to ensure the broccoli and chickpeas are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve the stir-fry warm over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa.
Notes
- Roasting broccoli instead of steaming adds a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
