This quick garlic broccoli stir fry with chickpeas is colorful and full of taste! With crunchy broccoli and protein-packed chickpeas, it’s a great way to add some veggies to your meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds great crunch and nutrition. If it’s not available, feel free to use frozen broccoli—just make sure to thaw it first.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are convenient and quick. You can substitute them with other beans like black beans or kidney beans if you prefer. If you’re using dried chickpeas, just remember to soak and cook them first!
Soy Sauce: This adds a lovely savory flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, tamari is a wonderful alternative. You can also try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste.
Hoisin Sauce: This is optional, but it brings a nice sweetness to balance the dish. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use a bit of maple syrup as an alternative.
How Do I Get My Broccoli Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the broccoli just right is key! You want it to be tender but still have a bright green color and slight crunch. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Heat the oil in your skillet before adding the garlic. This ensures a good sizzle.
- Add the garlic and sauté it quickly—just about 30 seconds to avoid burning.
- When you add the broccoli, stir-fry it only for about 4-5 minutes. This keeps it crunchy.
Cook it too long, and it’ll become mushy, so keep an eye on it! Enjoy your stir fry!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry With Chickpeas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re short on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it gets nice and hot so the garlic can release its flavor!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but be careful not to let it burn—your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for about 4-5 minutes until they start to get tender but still have a nice crunch. You want that vibrant green color, so keep them moving!
4. Add the Chickpeas:
Now, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pan. Give them a good stir to combine with the broccoli.
5. Pour in the Sauces:
Add the soy sauce and hoisin sauce (if using) to the pan. Stir everything together, letting it cook for another 2-3 minutes so the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli and chickpeas perfectly.
6. Season if Desired:
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes and give it one last stir. Taste it and adjust seasoning if you need to!
7. Serve it Up:
Serve the stir fry over a bed of warm cooked white rice. It’s a great way to soak up all those delicious flavors!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off your dish by garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy your quick and flavorful garlic broccoli stir fry with chickpeas!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli can be a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan. You can quickly thaw it in the microwave or let it sit in the fridge overnight.
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can either skip it or use a little bit of maple syrup or brown sugar for sweetness. You could also add a splash of additional soy sauce to adjust the flavors!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If it seems dry, a splash of water or soy sauce can help bring back moisture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly for harder vegetables to ensure they cook evenly with the broccoli.
