This Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry is a quick and colorful dish that brings together crunchy broccoli and hearty chickpeas. It’s got a lovely garlic flavor that makes everything taste amazing!
Making this stir fry is a breeze! Just toss everything in a pan and let the magic happen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and tasty on the table fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This oil adds healthy fats and flavor. Feel free to substitute with vegetable or canola oil if you prefer something lighter or have those on hand.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aroma and taste. You can use garlic powder (about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove) in a pinch, but fresh is always best for this dish!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal for a vibrant crunch. If broccoli isn’t available, try using green beans, snap peas, or even frozen mixed vegetables.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are convenient. If you’re looking for a change, cooked lentils or tofu can also work great in this stir fry.
Soy Sauce: This provides a salty depth. For a gluten-free option, tamari is a good choice. Coconut aminos is also a sweeter, soy-free alternative.
Hoisin Sauce: It adds sweetness and richness. If you don’t have it, a pinch of sugar or maple syrup mixed with a little soy sauce can help mimic that flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Broccoli is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking broccoli just right gives it a wonderful texture—tender yet still crisp! Follow these steps for the best results:
- Use a hot skillet to quickly cook the broccoli. This helps it stay bright green and crunchy.
- Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes. Watch for the color change to a vibrant green, signaling it’s almost done.
- Don’t let it cook too long! Overcooked broccoli can turn mushy and lose flavor.
Timing is key, and a little practice will help you know just how you like your veggies! Enjoy your stir fry preparation!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, 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 sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 cups cooked white rice or your choice of grain
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This stir fry takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick meal perfect for any busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Olive Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not smoking!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic (and grated ginger if you’re using it) to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until you can smell that wonderful aroma. Be careful; you don’t want to burn the garlic!
3. Add the Broccoli:
Toss the broccoli florets into the pan and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to be bright green and tender but still have a nice crunch!
4. Incorporate the Chickpeas:
Next, add the drained chickpeas to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the chickpeas are warm.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Give it a quick mix to combine all the flavors.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chickpeas. Stir everything well to ensure everything is coated in that delicious sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
7. Serve It Up:
Remove the pan from heat and serve your stir fry over the cooked rice. It’s a colorful dish that looks as good as it tastes!
8. Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and garnish with chopped green onions or chives. Enjoy your meal, packed with flavor and nutrition!
This Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry is both healthy and satisfying, making it a great dish for any occasion! Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Can I Use Fresh Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
While canned chickpeas are quick and convenient, you can use dried chickpeas! Just make sure to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the stir fry.
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use a bit of sugar combined with soy sauce for a similar sweet and salty flavor. About 1 teaspoon of sugar mixed with the soy sauce will work well.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the broccoli and chickpeas ahead of time! You can chop the broccoli and rinse the chickpeas a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
