Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the aroma of **GARLIC BROCCOLI STIR FRY WITH CHICKPEAS** sizzling away on the stove. Picture this: a medley of vibrant green broccoli, golden chickpeas, and the tantalizing scent of garlic and ginger wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. The crispness of the broccoli meets the tender chickpeas, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. It’s a dish that not only looks vibrant but also packs a punch of flavor guaranteed to tickle your taste buds.
Table of Contents
This dish brings back memories of long evenings spent cooking with friends. We’d whip up quick meals after a busy day, enjoying laughter and conversation as the rice simmered on the stovetop. Even now, on hectic weeknights or lazy weekends, this **GARLIC BROCCOLI STIR FRY WITH CHICKPEAS** recipe is a go-to. Ready in just about 25 minutes, it’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into making this deliciously simple meal—you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip this up in under 25 minutes for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
- Irresistible Flavor: The savory garlic, zesty ginger, and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup create a deliciously complex taste that is hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright green broccoli and golden chickpeas make this dish a showstopper on your dinner table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or as a vibrant side at gatherings.
- Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon oil: Any neutral oil will do—like canola or avocado oil. You can also substitute with sesame oil for a hint of nuttiness.
- 1 onion (diced): The onion adds depth and sweetness to the dish. Yellow or white onions work best; feel free to swap for shallots if desired.
- 5 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic amplifies the flavors. Ensure it’s minced finely so it melds into the sauce beautifully.
- 1 heaped tablespoon fresh ginger (minced): Fresh ginger gives a pleasant warm spice, enhancing the overall flavor. Ground ginger could work in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: This adds an extra layer of onion flavor; however, you could skip it if you’re short on time or ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Regular paprika contributes mild sweetness and color. Smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky note, so feel free to experiment!
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: It brings a smoky depth to the dish, balancing the sweet and savory tones.
- Black pepper & sea salt (to taste): Season to your palate. Freshly cracked black pepper gives a piquant kick.
- Pinch of cayenne pepper: Spice it up! You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- 1 medium head of broccoli (cut into small florets): Fresh broccoli provides a crunchy texture and a boost of nutrients. You can substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth: This adds moisture and enhances flavor. If you don’t have broth, water works as an alternative.
- 1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas (rinsed and drained): Chickpeas bring protein and heartiness; use any canned beans if you prefer.
- Cooked rice of choice (for serving): Serve over white, brown, or cauliflower rice depending on your preference for a complete meal.
- 1/2 cup of water: To help mix the sauce and vegetables without them sticking.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed): This adds umami richness. Use tamari for a gluten-free option or liquid aminos for a lower-sodium choice.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar: This adds a tangy layer to the dish. Swap with apple cider vinegar if preferred.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or any other sweetener): Offers a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors; honey is a great substitute if you’re not vegan.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This thickens your sauce, creating a hearty coating for the veggies and chickpeas. Arrowroot powder is a good alternative.
How to Make GARLIC BROCCOLI STIR FRY WITH CHICKPEAS
Heat and Sauté: Start by heating the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion, minced ginger, and garlic, allowing them to sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. The scent should fill your kitchen, promising something delicious is on the way!
Add Broccoli: Next, stir in the broccoli florets and pour in the vegetable broth. Fry until the broccoli brightens in color and becomes tender yet retains its crunch, about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it; we want vibrant green goodness, not mushy bites!
Mix the Sauce: While the broccoli is cooking, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the water, soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, and cornstarch. This sauce is the heart of your dish, adding that lip-smacking flavor that we all adore.
Combine and Simmer: Pour that glorious sauce right over the cooked vegetables in the pan and then add in the rinsed chickpeas. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer. Stir regularly for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and coats the veggies beautifully.
Season and Serve: Taste your creation and season with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne, depending on your flavor preferences. Once everything is beautifully melded together, serve your **GARLIC BROCCOLI STIR FRY WITH CHICKPEAS** over a bed of your favorite rice, or enjoy it on its own!
Storing & Reheating
To store your GARLIC BROCCOLI STIR FRY WITH CHICKPEAS, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, freeze it in a container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture might soften a bit, but a quick splash of water can help refresh it!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- When sautéing, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the vegetables. This way, they will sear nicely and avoid steaming.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli! You want it to maintain a slight crunch for the best texture.
- Make sure to whisk your sauce ingredients well to prevent any lumps from the cornstarch.
- For added flavor, toss in sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions just before serving.
- If you’re a fan of earthy flavors, consider adding mushrooms to the stir-fry for an umami boost.
- This dish can be made ahead of time; just store it in the fridge and reheat for a quick meal!
To sum it up, the GARLIC BROCCOLI STIR FRY WITH CHICKPEAS is not just a beautiful dish, but also a quick, flavorful, and healthful choice for any table. It’s perfect for busy nights and offers an easy way to add more veggies to your diet. Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients and tailor it to your taste. You’re sure to enjoy every delicious bite of this delightful stir fry.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! You can definitely use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pan. You may want to reduce the cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli is often pre-blanched.
What can I substitute for chickpeas?
If you’re not a fan of chickpeas, you can swap them for other beans such as black beans or kidney beans. Tofu is another great protein alternative that would work beautifully in this dish!
How can I make this dish spicier?
To ramp up the heat, add more cayenne pepper, or toss in some sliced red chili peppers while sautéing the onions. Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce can also be drizzled on top before serving for an extra kick.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good whisk before using it to ensure the cornstarch is well-mixed when cooking.
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📖 Recipe Card
Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas is a quick and vibrant dish that combines fresh broccoli, hearty chickpeas, and robust flavors of garlic and ginger. Perfect for busy weeknights, it packs nutritious ingredients for a delightful meal in under 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 heaped tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Black pepper & sea salt (to taste)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 medium head of broccoli (cut into small florets)
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth
- 1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- Cooked rice of choice (for serving)
- 1/2 cup of water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or any other sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onion, ginger, and garlic until onion is translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Add broccoli florets and vegetable broth; stir-fry until broccoli is bright and tender (8-10 minutes).
- Whisk together water, soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, and cornstarch in a bowl to make the sauce.
- Pour sauce over vegetables; add chickpeas and bring to a gentle boil, stirring until sauce thickens.
- Season to taste and serve over rice or on its own.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
Use fresh vegetables for best flavor and texture; frozen may work with adjustments.
Customize with your choice of protein or additional veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
