This simple stir fry mixes vibrant broccoli and hearty chickpeas with a punch of garlic. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is the star here. You can also use frozen broccoli for convenience. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to swap in other greens like green beans or bell peppers.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are easy and quick to use. If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute with tofu, edamame, or even cooked chicken for a non-vegetarian option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder if needed—just reduce the amount to about 1/4 teaspoon. For garlic lovers, adding more is always a treat!
Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free option. If you’re looking for a lower sodium version, choose low-sodium soy sauce. Coconut aminos is another tasty substitute.
Hoisin Sauce: It’s optional, but it adds a touch of sweetness. You can replace it with a bit of honey or maple syrup if you need a sweet flavor but skip it if you prefer less sweetness.
How Do I Get the Broccoli Just Right in a Stir Fry?
Cooking broccoli perfectly takes a bit of attention. You want it tender but still crisp and bright green. Follow these tips:
- Start by cutting the broccoli into uniform florets for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps it steam instead of sauté, which can make it mushy.
- Keep the heat at medium-high for that perfect sear. Stir often to prevent burning and encourage even cooking.
- Check for doneness at 4-5 minutes; you want it tender when pierced with a fork, but with a bit of crunch.
With these tips and substitutions, your Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry will be a flavorful, healthful delight! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy stir fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes of cooking time. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, keep it warm while you work on the stir fry. This will be your base for serving!
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil (and ginger if you’re using it). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and starts to become tender but still maintains a nice crunch.
5. Incorporate the Chickpeas:
Stir in the rinsed chickpeas and cook for another 2 minutes. Mix everything well to ensure the chickpeas get warmed up.
6. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix it well.
7. Combine and Coat:
Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chickpeas in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat all the veggies and chickpeas evenly with the sauce.
8. Final Cook:
Continue to cook everything for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and evenly coat the gathered goodness.
9. Serve It Up:
Remove the stir fry from heat and serve it over your warm rice. This makes a great meal on its own!
10. Add the Finishing Touch:
Garnish your stir fry with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions or chives for extra freshness and flavor.
Enjoy this quick, nutritious, and flavorful stir fry that balances the rich garlic aroma, tender broccoli, and hearty chickpeas!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this stir fry! Just be sure to thaw it beforehand to ensure even cooking. You can also add it directly to the skillet, but cook it for an extra minute or so until heated through!
What Can I Substitute for Chickpeas?
If you’re not a fan of chickpeas, you can substitute them with cooked tofu, edamame, or even diced bell peppers for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is warmed through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you love heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your taste. Alternatively, you can add a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce when mixing the sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stir fry in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Just be aware that the broccoli may lose some crunch during storage.
