This tasty Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry is quick and full of flavor! Crunchy broccoli meets hearty chickpeas, all tossed in a garlicky sauce that makes your taste buds dance.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are key for texture and flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use frozen broccoli, just remember to thaw and drain it well before stir-frying.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas make this dish quick and easy. If you’re cooking from dry chickpeas, remember to soak and cook them ahead of time. Lentils can also work in a pinch!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic works best, giving a robust flavor. If you’re in a bind, garlic powder can substitute, but use less—about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Sauces: Soy sauce adds depth; if you’re gluten-free, use tamari. Hoisin sauce adds sweetness and umami, but you can skip it if you don’t have any. Just add an extra drizzle of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar if needed.
How Do I Get My Broccoli Perfectly Crisp-Tender?
Getting broccoli just right is all about timing. You want it to be bright green and tender yet still crunchy. Here’s how:
- Start with a hot skillet. This helps cook the broccoli quickly, locking in its vibrant color.
- Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes. The key is to keep stirring so it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
- Be careful not to overcook. The broccoli should be soft enough to pierce with a fork but still have that nice crunch.
With this technique, you’ll have perfect broccoli every time! Don’t forget to taste as you go—it’s the best way to ensure you hit the right texture!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough before you add the garlic for the best flavor!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it burn—just until it’s aromatic and lightly golden.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to be bright green and crisp-tender—keep them moving in the pan!
4. Add the Chickpeas:
Stir in the drained chickpeas and cook for another 2 minutes. This will warm them through and let them soak up some of that garlicky goodness.
5. Make the Sauce:
While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This will be the tasty sauce that brings everything together!
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chickpeas in the skillet. Toss everything together so it’s evenly coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is cooked to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve the stir fry over cooked rice to complete your meal!
Enjoy this quick, nutritious, and flavorful vegetarian stir fry packed with garlicky goodness and tender-crisp veggies!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet. It may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’d like to amp up the heat, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce. Taste as you go to get the heat just right!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to refresh the dish before serving.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! This dish is versatile, so feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
