This colorful stir fry brings together crisp broccoli and hearty chickpeas with a hint of garlic! It’s a quick dish that’s both healthy and tasty, perfect for busy days.
Making this is super simple—just toss everything in a pan and let it sizzle. Best part? You can enjoy it alone or pair it with rice for a filling meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is essential for that crisp texture. If you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli works too, but make sure to thaw and drain it well.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient, but you can also use dried chickpeas. Just soak and cook them ahead of time. This swaps perfectly for protein!
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides great flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but use much less—1/8 teaspoon per clove should do it.
Soy Sauce: This gives the dish a savory punch. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos or liquid aminos. Both offer a similar taste.
Oil: Olive oil works well, but sesame oil adds a nice hint of nuttiness. If you need a different flavor, avocado oil or even coconut oil can be used.
How Do I Ensure My Broccoli Stays Crisp and Flavorful?
To keep your broccoli vibrant and crispy, start with high heat and don’t overcrowd your pan. Cooking it quickly will help maintain that bright green color and crunch.
- Heat the oil on medium-high before adding veggies.
- Add garlic first for flavor but don’t let it brown.
- Stir frequently as you cook the broccoli, aiming for about 5-7 minutes.
Finishing it with the sauce at the end adds taste without overcooking the veggies—perfect for that fresh feel!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry With Chickpeas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
For Serving:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Sesame seeds and chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick dish will take about 10 minutes of preparation and 15-20 minutes of cooking. In just about 30 minutes, you will have a delicious, healthy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. It’s important to have the oil hot before adding the ingredients to ensure nice browning.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it to be fragrant, but don’t let it brown as it can become bitter.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir them well so they get coated in the oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Add the Chickpeas:
Once the broccoli is looking good, stir in the chickpeas. They just need about 2-3 minutes to heat through and soak up some of that garlic flavor.
5. Whisk Together the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and sesame oil. This sauce will add a nice touch of sweetness and depth to your stir fry.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chickpeas. Toss everything together well to coat evenly and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Season and Serve:
Give it a taste, and if you’d like, add salt and pepper to your liking. Now, serve the delicious stir fry hot over a bed of cooked rice, and get creative with garnishing using sesame seeds and chopped chives or green onions!
Enjoy your simple, flavorful, and nutritious garlic broccoli and chickpea stir fry!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry With Chickpeas
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli is ideal for that perfect crunch, but you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the stir fry.
What Can I Substitute for Chickpeas?
If you don’t have chickpeas on hand, you can replace them with other canned beans like black beans or white beans. You can also use cooked lentils for a similar texture and protein boost.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or a little more sauce if needed to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you love spice, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha or chili sauce when you mix in the sauce. Adjust to your spice preference!
