This Quick Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas is a colorful and tasty dish! It’s packed with crunchy broccoli and hearty chickpeas, all tossed in a simple garlic sauce.
I love how fast it comes together—perfect for busy evenings! Just a few minutes and you’ve got a healthy meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key for this dish, but you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, try this recipe with bell peppers, snap peas, or even cauliflower for a nice crunch.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient, but if you have dried ones, you can cook them ahead of time. You can substitute with other beans like black beans or white beans if you’re looking for variety or don’t have chickpeas.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lot of flavor. If you only have garlic powder, you can use that (about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove). Just add it in later with the soy sauce to avoid burning it in oil.
Soy Sauce: Use tamari for gluten-free options, or coconut aminos for a lighter taste. If you’re watching your sodium intake, look for low-sodium soy sauce.
How Can I Ensure My Broccoli is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking broccoli just right is essential for keeping that lovely crunch. Here’s how:
- Start with a hot pan! This helps sear the broccoli quickly, keeping it vibrant and green.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you have too much in there, it will steam instead of stir-fry.
- Keep the heat at medium-high and stir frequently to prevent burning while ensuring even cooking.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes until bright green and just tender. You want it to be tender-crisp!
Feel free to adjust your spices and ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy creating this quick and healthy meal!
Quick Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
Time Needed
This recipe will only take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes of cooking time, so in total, you’re looking at around 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy for those busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil
Start by heating the olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the pan nice and hot for cooking the broccoli quickly.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger
Add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—keep an eye on it!
3. Cook the Broccoli
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir fry them for about 4-5 minutes, until they are bright green and just tender but still have a nice crunch. This is where the magic happens!
4. Add Chickpeas
Now, stir in the drained chickpeas and cook for another 2 minutes to warm them through. This adds a wonderful heartiness to your dish.
5. Make the Sauce
While that’s cooking, take a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. This will create a delicious, savory sauce.
6. Combine Everything
Pour the sauce mixture over the broccoli and chickpeas in the skillet. Stir everything together so that the vegetables and chickpeas are coated evenly.
7. Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute. This will give your stir fry a nice glossy finish!
8. Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, serve the stir fry immediately over cooked white rice.
9. Garnish
Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions or chives for that extra pop and flavor!
Enjoy your vibrant, nutritious, and quick Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas! It’s a delicious and healthy meal ready in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the pan. Since frozen broccoli can be more tender, reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 minutes to avoid overcooking it.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’d like to add some heat, consider including red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some sliced fresh chili peppers along with the garlic. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it looks dry.
Is There a Vegetarian or Vegan Alternative for the Hoisin Sauce?
Yes! Most hoisin sauce brands are already vegan, but you can substitute it with a bit of maple syrup or agave nectar mixed with soy sauce if you want to skip it entirely. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly.
