This stir fry brings together fresh broccoli and hearty chickpeas, all flavored with a garlicky goodness. It’s quick to make and super colorful, making your plate look vibrant!
You can’t go wrong with this dish! I love how it pairs well with rice or noodles, but honestly, I sometimes just eat it straight from the pan. Who can resist? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are essential for a crunchy texture. If fresh broccoli isn’t available, you can use frozen broccoli—just adjust the cooking time slightly as it cooks faster.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are a great time-saver. If you prefer, you can use dried chickpeas that you pre-soak and cook. This gives a richer flavor, but it requires more time and planning.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor, but if you’re out, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove. I personally love to use a zester for garlic; it comes out very fine!
Soy Sauce: This is key for umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, tamari is an excellent gluten-free alternative. Coconut aminos can also be used for a milder flavor without soy.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup gives a nice balance to the dish. If you don’t have it, honey is a great substitute, but keep in mind it’s not vegan. You can also skip sweeteners if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
How Do I Get The Best Texture for My Broccoli?
Getting the right texture for your broccoli is all about timing. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough before adding the broccoli. This keeps it crisp while still cooking it through.
- Heat oil in a skillet until it shimmers before adding garlic.
- Sauté the garlic briefly before adding broccoli.
- Cook the broccoli for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s vibrant green and tender but still has bite.
- If you like more charred edges, feel free to turn up the heat slightly but watch it closely to avoid burning.
This will help achieve that perfect stir-fried texture that balances tenderness and crunch!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked white rice or jasmine rice, for serving
- Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, for a total of around 20 minutes. It’s super quick and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy but don’t have much time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking, so it’s ready to cook the garlic and vegetables.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet (and grated ginger if you’re using it) and sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as that will make the dish bitter.
3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring them quickly so they are well coated in oil. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and just starting to get tender while still retaining some crunch.
4. Add Chickpeas:
Next, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet. Stir everything together, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chickpeas are heated through and well-mixed with the broccoli.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. This will be the tasty sauce that brings everything together.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chickpeas in the skillet, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and envelop all the vegetables.
7. Serve:
Remove the stir fry from the heat and serve it over cooked white rice or jasmine rice. It makes a delicious, colorful meal!
8. Garnish:
Top your stir fry with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped chives or green onions for an added fresh touch. Enjoy your tasty, wholesome dish!
This hearty, garlicky stir fry is quick, healthy, and perfect for an effortless weeknight meal! Happy cooking!
FAQ – Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli?
You can use either! Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, but frozen broccoli works well too. If using frozen, you’ll want to cook it for just a couple of minutes less, as it cooks faster.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a mild dish, simply omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, you can add more or even a splash of hot sauce when serving! Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for you.
What Can I Serve This Stir Fry With?
This stir fry pairs beautifully with cooked white rice or jasmine rice to soak up the sauce, but you can also serve it over quinoa, brown rice, or even noodles for a different spin!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just heat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, making sure not to overcook the broccoli again!
