This garlic broccoli chickpea stir fry is a colorful and healthy dish! With fresh broccoli and hearty chickpeas, it’s not only tasty but super filling.
Cooking this dish is quick, and it fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. I often whip it up when I’m in a hurry, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key for a crunchy texture. If you can’t find it, try using snap peas or bok choy for a similar feel. Frozen broccoli can also work, but make sure to adjust the cooking time.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient. For a change, you could use cooked lentils or even tofu if you want a different protein source. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best for flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can be a substitute, but it won’t be as pungent or flavorful.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works great, but you can swap in tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos is another healthy alternative that adds a slightly sweeter taste.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Stir-Fry Texture?
Stir-frying is all about speed and heat! For a perfect stir-fry that’s both crisp and tender, follow these tips:
- Use high heat to quickly cook the ingredients. This helps retain the veggies’ crunch.
- Have all ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting. This way, you can add them to the pan quickly without losing heat.
- Keep stirring! This ensures the garlic doesn’t burn and that everything cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook in batches to maintain high heat.
Follow these tips, and your stir-fry will come out perfectly every time!
Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Stir Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or 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 a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional for heat)
- For Garnish:
- 2 green onions (scallions), chopped
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes to enjoy a delightful and quick meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Pan Ready:
First, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough before adding anything — this will help cook everything evenly.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if you’re using it) to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
3. Cook the Broccoli:
Now it’s time to add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for about 5–7 minutes. You want them to be bright green and just tender while still having a bit of crunch. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add the Chickpeas:
Stir in the chickpeas and give everything a good mix. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring well, so the chickpeas are warmed through and coated in the flavors.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, and red chili flakes. This will be your delicious sauce for the stir fry!
6. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chickpeas, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Serve It Up:
Remove the pan from heat. Serve the stir fry over a bed of cooked white or brown rice.
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
Finally, garnish your stir fry with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Your vibrant and tasty dish is ready to enjoy!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just be sure to thaw it first for even cooking. If it’s pre-cooked, reduce the stir-fry time to just a couple of minutes until heated through.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like heat, add more crushed red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also use fresh chili peppers for an extra kick!
What Can I Substitute for Chickpeas?
If you’re looking for a different protein, cooked lentils or cubed tofu make great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they heat through properly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the microwave or a skillet on low heat to ensure the broccoli stays tender.
