This quick stir fry mixes crunchy broccoli and hearty chickpeas with the zesty kick of garlic. It’s simple, colorful, and full of flavor!
I love whipping this up on busy nights—it’s ready in no time! Plus, it’s a healthy way to get my veggie fix without even realizing it. Yum! 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key for crunch. You can also use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have. Just thaw and add it to the pan for about half the cook time.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are convenient, but you can cook dried chickpeas for a fresher taste. If you’re avoiding legumes, try tofu or bell peppers!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a strong flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove. I always prefer fresh whenever possible!
Soy Sauce: Look for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt, or use coconut aminos for a soy-free option. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative too!
Hoisin Sauce: If you can’t find hoisin, a mix of soy sauce and a dash of sugar or maple syrup makes a good substitute.
How Do You Make Sure the Broccoli Stays Crunchy?
To keep your broccoli bright and crunchy, don’t overcook it! Here’s how:
- Start with medium-high heat when sautéing the garlic and ginger.
- Add broccoli after the garlic is fragrant for the best flavor.
- Cover the pan for a minute when you first add the broccoli to steam it slightly, then uncover to stir-fry.
- Cook until bright green but still firm, about 5-7 minutes.
Keeping a close watch will help you achieve that perfect texture!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Cooking Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Broccoli: 1 head, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- Chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- Sauces:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness and depth)
- Spices:
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For Serving: Cooked white or brown rice
- Garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This stir fry is quick and easy! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking, making it ready to serve in just about 25 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking—this will help the flavors come alive!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic (and ginger if you’re using it) to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
3. Add the Broccoli:
Now, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli turns bright green and is tender yet still has a bit of crunch. It should look and smell amazing!
4. Incorporate the Chickpeas:
Stir in the chickpeas, continuing to cook for another 3-4 minutes so they warm through. They will add protein and heartiness to your dish!
5. Mix in the Sauces:
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), red chili flakes (if using), and sesame oil. Stir everything well so that the sauce evenly coats the broccoli and chickpeas.
6. Final Touches:
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and everything is nicely combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
7. Serve It Up:
Remove the stir-fry from heat and serve it hot over a bed of cooked rice. It’s a great way to soak up all those delicious flavors!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off by sprinkling sesame seeds and some chopped green onions or chives on top for added color and crunch. Enjoy your quick and tasty garlic broccoli chickpea stir fry!
FAQ About Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it beforehand and drain any excess moisture. Since frozen broccoli cooks faster, you may need to reduce the stir-fry time by a couple of minutes to avoid it getting too soft.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize this stir fry with other veggies! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or even spinach can make great additions. You may need to adjust the cooking time for harder vegetables like carrots to ensure everything is cooked properly.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or a bit more soy sauce to refresh the flavors!
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free. Additionally, check your hoisin sauce for gluten-free labeling or look for a homemade version online!
