This Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas is a tasty dish that’s quick to make! Fresh broccoli meets hearty chickpeas, all tossed in a flavorful garlic sauce.
You’ll love how vibrant and crunchy the veggies are! I enjoy this dish anytime I’m in the mood for something healthy and delicious. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key for this dish, but you can use frozen if you’re in a pinch. Just avoid overcooking it; you want it to stay crunchy!
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas work great for convenience! If you have dried ones, soak them overnight and cook until tender. You can also use any other beans like black beans for variety.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor but if you have garlic powder, you can use that too—about 1/2 teaspoon for a milder taste. Don’t skip it; garlic is vital here!
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for that umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos make a good substitute. Hoisin sauce adds sweetness but is optional; you can skip or add a pinch of sugar instead.
Vegetable Oil: Using vegetable or canola oil is best, but you can also use olive oil. Just remember it has a lower smoke point than others, so watch the heat!
How Do You Get the Broccoli Perfectly Crisp and Tender?
To achieve broccoli that is both crisp and tender, timing and heat are essential. You want to cook the broccoli just enough to soften it while keeping some crunch. Here’s how:
- Start with medium-high heat to quickly cook the veggies while preserving texture.
- Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, just until the vibrant color deepens and the edges soften.
- Adding a splash of water or broth helps steam the broccoli slightly, which speeds up cooking without losing the crunch.
By keeping an eye on the timing, you’ll enjoy perfectly cooked broccoli every time!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas
Ingredients:
- Broccoli: 1 large head, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- Chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Hoisin Sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional, for a slightly sweet flavor)
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (for stir frying)
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon freshly grated (optional)
- Water or Vegetable Broth: 1/4 cup
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (for thickening the sauce)
- Sesame Seeds: for garnish
- Rice: cooked white or brown for serving
- Green Onions or Chives: chopped, for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10-15 minutes of cooking time, so you can whip this up in just about 20-25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
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 nice and hot before you add anything!
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic (and ginger if you’re using it) to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it smells amazing and is slightly golden. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still crisp—look for that vibrant green color!
4. Add the Chickpeas:
Stir in the drained chickpeas and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are heated through.
5. Add Sauces:
Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
6. Create a Simmer:
Add the water or vegetable broth to the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the broccoli and chickpeas.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the stir fry from the heat. Serve it over a bed of cooked rice, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions or chives for a fresh touch!
Enjoy this quick, nutritious, and flavorful stir fry! It’s easy to make and packed with goodness!
FAQ about Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking. You may need to reduce the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli cooks faster than fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Chickpeas?
If you don’t have chickpeas on hand, you can use other canned beans like black beans, kidney beans, or even tofu for added protein. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the stir fry.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan since it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the soy sauce and hoisin sauce you use are labeled vegan, as some varieties may contain fish sauce.
