This Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry is packed with color and flavor! Tender broccoli, crunchy chickpeas, and a yummy garlic sauce come together quickly for a tasty meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for this stir fry as it gives a nice crunch. You can also use frozen broccoli, just be sure to thaw and drain it well. Personal fave? Try adding some baby bok choy for a different texture!
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient. If you’re aiming for freshness, cook dried chickpeas instead. You could substitute them with tofu or edamame for a different nutty flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs the most flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch—about 1/8 teaspoon per clove. I love adding a bit more garlic because I think it elevates the dish!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works great, but tamari is perfect for a gluten-free option. You could substitute with coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste.
How Can I Get the Perfect Stir-Fry Texture?
A common challenge in stir frying is achieving that ideal crunchy yet tender texture for the broccoli. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Heat your skillet or wok before adding oil. This helps to prevent sticking and achieves that nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you add too many ingredients at once, they’ll steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook on medium-high heat for quick results. Keeping it hot will help maintain that crunch.
- Stir frequently but not constantly, allowing the broccoli some contact with the hot pan.
With these tips, you’ll nail that beautiful stir-fry texture every time!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy stir-fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at around 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to give a nice sear to the broccoli!
2. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to become tender but still have a nice crunch. Yum!
3. Add the Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
4. Mix in the Chickpeas:
Now, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet. Stir everything together so that the broccoli and chickpeas get nice and friendly!
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes. This will add a nice sweet and savory flavor!
6. Combine the Sauce:
Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chickpeas, stirring to coat everything evenly. Get all that delicious flavor mixed in!
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This will help the sauce cling to all those lovely veggies.
8. Serve It Up:
Remove the pan from heat and serve the stir fry hot over a bed of cooked white rice. It’s filling and makes a complete meal!
9. Garnish & Enjoy:
Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before digging in. Adds a lovely crunch and freshness!
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious garlic broccoli chickpea stir fry! 🌱🥢
FAQ for Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it before cooking and pat it dry to remove any excess moisture. This will help achieve the desired texture in your stir fry!
What If I Don’t Have Chickpeas?
No problem! You can substitute chickpeas with cooked tofu or edamame for a protein boost. If you’re not worried about protein, you could even add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas!
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 on the stovetop or in the microwave, but make sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you want more heat, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha or chili sauce when you’re mixing the sauce. Tailor it to your taste!
