This tasty stir fry combines fresh broccoli and protein-packed chickpeas with a delightful garlic flavor. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for busy nights!
I love how colorful and crunchy this dish is. It brightens up my plate! Plus, it takes only minutes to make, so I can enjoy it even on my busiest days. 🥦✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds that nice crunch and bright color. If you’re missing broccoli, you can use other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even green beans. Just adjust cooking times for softer veggies.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient. If you prefer, you can use cooked lentils or even tofu for a different texture. Both will absorb the flavors well!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic base. If fresh is unavailable, you can use garlic powder, but I recommend using it sparingly, as it’s more concentrated. I love the fresh version for its strong flavor!
Sauces: Soy sauce provides the salty flavor, but you can swap for coconut aminos or liquid aminos if you’re avoiding soy. Hoisin sauce adds sweetness, but you could skip it if you prefer less sugar.
Oil: Vegetable or olive oil both work well. If you want a nutty flavor, try using peanut oil. Make sure whatever you choose has a high smoke point for stir frying!
How Do I Get the Broccoli Perfectly Crisp-Tender?
Getting that ideal crisp-tender broccoli might be tricky, but it’s doable! The key is to keep an eye on them while they stir fry. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high before adding oil; it should be hot for great stir-frying.
- Start with garlic and optional ginger for flavor, but don’t let them burn.
- Add the broccoli and toss for about 4-5 minutes. Stirring frequently helps even cooking.
- To keep them vibrant and crunchy, taste a floret towards the end—if it’s bright green and slightly tender, you’re set!
Using a bit of water or broth at the end helps steam the broccoli quickly without losing that crunch. Enjoy your stir-fry!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry With Chickpeas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or oyster sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious garlic broccoli stir fry with chickpeas takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to cook, making the total time about 20 minutes. 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. Wait until the oil is hot to ensure that your stir fry comes out perfectly and everything cooks quickly.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic and, if you’re using it, grated ginger to the skillet. Throw in the red pepper flakes for a kick if you like some heat. SautĂ© for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant, but be careful not to burn them!
3. Add Broccoli:
Next, add the broccoli florets. Stir fry them for about 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. You want to keep them crunchy, so don’t overcook!
4. Stir in Chickpeas:
Now, add the drained chickpeas to the skillet. Cook them for an additional 2 minutes to warm them up and mix all the flavors together.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, and water or vegetable broth. This will be the tasty sauce that brings everything together!
6. Combine It All:
Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chickpeas in the skillet. Stir everything well to ensure the sauce coats all the veggies. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit and everything is heated through.
7. Serve It Up:
Once done, remove from heat and serve your garlic broccoli and chickpeas over a bed of cooked rice. It’s hearty and satisfying!
8. Add Final Touches:
Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped chives or green onions on top for garnish. This adds a nice crunch and freshness!
This stir fry is vibrant, nutritious, and comes together in a flash, making it a wonderful addition to your weeknight meals. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry With Chickpeas
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet to avoid a watery stir fry. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli tends to cook faster.
What Can I Substitute for Chickpeas?
If you don’t have chickpeas on hand, you can substitute them with any canned beans like black beans or white beans, or even cooked lentils. Tofu is another excellent alternative that will absorb the flavors beautifully!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive the sauce!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! To add more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce while cooking. Just taste as you go to find your preferred spice level!
