This Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal! With colorful broccoli and hearty chickpeas, it’s both healthy and filling.
I love how the garlic gives it a nice kick, making it so comforting to eat. Plus, it’s ready in no time—perfect for busy days when I want something delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Broccoli is the star here! It adds both color and crunch. If you don’t have broccoli, you can use other veggies like green beans, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas save time, but you can also use cooked lentils or tofu for different protein options. Both are tasty alternatives!
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, tamari works great. Coconut aminos can also be a milder, sweeter substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove.
How Do You Get the Broccoli Perfectly Tender and Crisp?
Getting broccoli to the right texture is key. You want it tender but not mushy. After sautéing the garlic, it’s best to steam the broccoli.
- Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes first.
- Then, add water or broth to the pan and cover it. This helps the broccoli steam quickly.
- Allow it to steam for about 3-4 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it stays crisp!
With these tips, your broccoli will come out bright green and delicious every time!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness and depth)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water or vegetable broth (to help steam broccoli)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry will take about 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, so you’ll have it ready in about 20 minutes total. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Let it get warm, but be careful not to let it smoke!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic (and grated ginger if you’re using it) to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Keep an eye on it—you don’t want it to brown!
3. Cook the Broccoli:
Now, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the water or vegetable broth, cover the skillet, and let it steam for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Add Chickpeas and Sauce:
Stir in the drained chickpeas, soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), sriracha (if you want a little heat), and sesame oil. Toss everything together, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through, and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Taste and Serve:
Give your stir fry a taste! If you want more flavor, add a splash more soy sauce or a bit more sriracha. When it’s just right, it’s time to serve!
6. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your garlic broccoli chickpea stir fry over cooked rice. To make it look pretty, sprinkle sesame seeds on top and add some chopped green onions or chives.
Enjoy this simple, nutritious, and flavorful stir fry that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Can I Substitute Fresh Broccoli with Frozen?
Absolutely! You can use frozen broccoli to save time. Just be sure to thaw it beforehand for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli may cook faster than fresh.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder stir fry, simply omit the sriracha or chili garlic sauce. For an extra kick, feel free to add more sriracha or include red pepper flakes as you like!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
This stir fry is versatile! Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just be sure to adjust cooking times so everything stays crisp and delicious.
How Should 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 a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help steam it back to life!
