This Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas is a quick and tasty meal. It’s packed with crunchy broccoli and hearty chickpeas, all tossed in a delicious garlic sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegetable Oil: This is used for sautéing. You can easily substitute olive oil, which adds a nice flavor. Just be mindful if using extra virgin, as it has a lower smoke point.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that aromatic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works as a substitute, but use about 1/8 teaspoon, as it’s more concentrated.
Chickpeas: These add protein and texture. If you’re not keen on chickpeas, you could use cannellini beans or even cooked lentils for a different flavor.
Soy Sauce: This gives umami flavor. Consider using tamari for a gluten-free version. If both are off the table, coconut aminos can be a good alternative as well.
Rice: Serve this stir fry over rice for a filling meal. Feel free to switch it out for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
How Do I Ensure the Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Burnt garlic can ruin your stir fry. Here’s how to keep it perfectly cooked:
- Heat the oil first, then reduce the heat to medium before adding garlic. High heat can scorch it quickly.
- Keep stirring. Garlic cooks fast, so stir continuously for about 30 seconds.
- If you notice the garlic starts to brown too much, add your broccoli to cool it down a bit and prevent burning.
Perfectly sautéed garlic brings amazing flavor to your stir fry, so these steps will help you get it right every time!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice or brown rice (for serving)
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes total. You’ll spend around 5 minutes on prep work and 10 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and nutritious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough so that it shimmers a little.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the hot pan. Sauté it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent it from burning!
3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender. You still want them to be crunchy!
4. Add the Chickpeas:
Once the broccoli is ready, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pan. Stir well to mix everything together.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), vinegar, maple syrup or honey (if using), crushed red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. This mix will add great flavor!
6. Coat the Vegetables:
Pour your sauce mixture over the broccoli and chickpeas. Toss everything to coat evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and make everything nice and flavorful.
7. Season to Taste:
Give it a taste! Add salt and black pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
8. Add Finishing Touches:
Remove the pan from heat, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds on top and garnish with chopped chives or green onions for extra freshness.
9. Serve It Up:
Finally, serve your delicious garlic broccoli and chickpea stir fry hot over a bed of cooked white or brown rice. Enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal!
This stir fry is fresh, flavorful, and quick to prepare in one pan. The garlicky sauce pairs perfectly with the tender broccoli and hearty chickpeas, making for a balanced and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli thoroughly before using it. It may cook faster than fresh broccoli, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking!
What If I Don’t Have Chickpeas?
No problem! You can substitute chickpeas with other legumes like black beans or even tofu for a different texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed!
How To Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes and adjust cooking times depending on their texture!
