This quick garlic broccoli chickpea stir fry is colorful and tasty! With crunchy broccoli and protein-packed chickpeas, it’s a simple meal that’s ready in no time.
You can whip this up so fast that you can almost call it a magic trick! I love serving it over rice or noodles for a yummy dinner that keeps me feeling full.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is the star here. You could swap it for other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or even spinach if you like. Just remember, different veggies may need different cook times.
Chickpeas: These are fantastic for protein! If you’re in a pinch, canned beans like kidney or black beans could work too. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well, like you would with chickpeas!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you run out, garlic powder can come to the rescue in a pinch. Use about 1/8 teaspoon for every clove.
Sauces: Soy sauce is key for that savory taste, but if you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos can act as a great substitute. If you love a hint of sweetness, consider adding a splash of maple syrup instead of hoisin sauce!
Pasta or rice: You can serve this stir-fry over any grain you like—quinoa or cauliflower rice are tasty alternatives if you’re looking for something lighter.
How Do I Prevent My Broccoli from Getting Mushy?
To keep your broccoli crisp and vibrant, timing is everything! Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the broccoli in the hot oil for just 4-5 minutes, stirring often. You want it bright green and slightly tender, not mushy.
- Adding your chickpeas after the broccoli lets them warm up without overcooking the broccoli.
- Consider cutting your broccoli into smaller florets for even cooking and a nice texture.
Following these steps will help you achieve perfectly cooked broccoli in your stir fry every time!
How to Make Quick Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for a sweeter flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy stir fry takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 10-15 minutes for cooking. In just about 20-25 minutes, you can have a delicious and healthy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be nice and hot to ensure a good stir-fry.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic (and ginger if you’re using it) to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add the Broccoli:
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for about 4-5 minutes. Look for them to be bright green and tender yet still crisp. This is the perfect texture for your stir fry!
4. Bring in the Chickpeas:
Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pan. Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes, just enough to heat the chickpeas through.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if you like it sweet), sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. This is the flavor booster for your stir fry!
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chickpeas in the skillet. Stir well to make sure everything is nicely coated with all that delicious sauce!
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. You want it to cling to the veggies and chickpeas.
8. Serve:
Turn off the heat and serve your stir fry immediately over warm cooked rice. It’s easy and comforting!
9. Add Finishing Touches:
Garnish your stir fry with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy your vibrant and healthy meal!
This Quick Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to get your veggies in. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Fresh Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using dried chickpeas, make sure to soak and cook them first until they’re tender. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. Canned chickpeas are already cooked, making them quicker and easier for this stir fry!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice at the end. You can also toss in some sliced bell peppers or snap peas to give it more color and crunch!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Sure! If you like more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add some diced fresh chili peppers while cooking. Just remember, you can always start with less and add more to suit your taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
