This tasty garlic broccoli stir fry with chickpeas is quick to make and packed with flavor. It’s colorful and healthy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best flavor and texture in this dish. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli can work too; just adjust the cooking time. I love using broccoli because it’s packed with nutrients!
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient, but you can use cooked dried chickpeas if you prefer making them fresh. They add protein and fiber, making this dish filling. Sometimes, I swap in white beans for a different texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a robust flavor. If you don’t have any, garlic powder can be used but won’t give quite the same kick. I always use fresh garlic; it’s worth the extra bit of effort!
Soy Sauce: This adds a lovely umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari works perfectly. For a lower sodium version, look for reduced-sodium soy sauce, or use coconut aminos for a sweeter taste.
Syrup or Honey: Maple syrup is a great vegan option. If you’re not vegan, honey also adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors. I’ve found that a little goes a long way—use just what you need!
How to Avoid Burning Garlic?
Garlic burns quickly, which can ruin the dish. Here’s how to sauté it just right:
- Heat your oil on medium-high, not too hot, to prevent the garlic from browning too fast.
- Add minced garlic and keep it moving in the pan. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds.
- Once it’s fragrant, immediately add your broccoli. This will help cook the garlic without letting it burn!
Taking care with the garlic sets a delicious base for your stir fry. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry With Chickpeas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon oil (such as vegetable or olive oil)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Chopped chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful stir fry takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to cook, for a total of about 20 minutes. That means you can enjoy a quick, wholesome meal any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. This step is important for getting that nice sautéed flavor going!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning it — we want it golden, not brown!
3. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir fry for about 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. If you’d like, add a splash of water and cover the skillet for an extra 2 minutes to help steam the broccoli.
4. Add the Chickpeas:
Now, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir to combine and warm the chickpeas through, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Whisk the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce is where all the flavor comes from!
6. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chickpeas in the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly, and cook for about 2 minutes more until the sauce is slightly thickened.
7. Final Touches:
If you’re using sesame oil, drizzle it over the stir fry now and give it a toss. This adds a lovely nutty flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your garlic broccoli and chickpea stir fry over freshly cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives or green onions for that beautiful finishing touch.
Enjoy this flavorful, healthy, and easy garlic broccoli stir fry that makes a satisfying meal in no time!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry With Chickpeas
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used! Just remember to thaw it beforehand, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Stir fry for about 4-5 minutes until heated through and tender.
What Can I Substitute for Chickpeas?
If you’re out of chickpeas, you can substitute them with other beans like black beans, white beans, or even tofu for a different protein option. Just make sure they’re cooked before adding them to the stir fry!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like more heat, you can add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. Adjust the spice level to your personal taste for maximum enjoyment!
