There’s something incredibly satisfying about a quick stir-fry that bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. This Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Chickpeas combines crisp, bright broccoli with hearty chickpeas, all coated in a luscious garlicky sauce that’s both simple and deeply flavorful. Whether you’re whipping up a fast weeknight dinner or an impressive side, this dish promises a nourishing, delicious experience in under 20 minutes.
The magic is in the way the garlic infuses the oil, creating an aromatic base that elevates the tender-crisp broccoli and the subtle nuttiness of chickpeas. Adding a touch of sweetness and tang rounds everything out beautifully, making this stir-fry a versatile crowd-pleaser and a perfect canvas for your favorite add-ins or proteins.
- Fast and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Combines nutritious ingredients for a wholesome meal or side dish.
- Customizable with different veggies or proteins to suit your taste.
- Bursts with fresh garlic aroma and a balanced savory-sweet-tangy sauce.
Ingredients
- Broccoli (1 large head): Fresh broccoli cut into bite-sized florets, providing a crisp texture and vibrant green color.
- Chickpeas (1 can, ~400g/14oz): Drained and rinsed for a hearty, protein-packed element that adds creaminess and substance.
- Garlic cloves (3–4, minced): Fresh garlic finely minced to infuse the oil and brighten the entire dish with pungent aroma.
- Soy sauce or tamari (2–3 tbsp): Adds a rich umami depth and salty balance, with tamari as a gluten-free option.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Toasty oil that carries the garlic flavor and enhances the Asian-inspired profile, olive oil as a substitute.
- Honey or maple syrup (1–2 tsp, optional): A subtle sweetness to balance the saltiness and acidity in the sauce.
- Rice vinegar or lemon juice (1 tsp, optional): Provides a bright, tangy contrast that lifts flavors and adds freshness.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, enhancing and rounding out the overall flavor.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Toasted for a nutty garnish that adds crunch and visual appeal.
- Sliced green onions (optional): Fresh green onions sliced thinly to brighten the dish and add mild onion flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli
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Start by cutting the broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking. For extra tenderness, peel and thinly slice the stalks, which add a sweet, mild flavor and reduce waste.
- Stir-Fry the Garlic
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Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, to release its aromatic oils without burning.
- Add the Broccoli Florets
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Introduce the broccoli to the pan and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes. Stirring frequently helps keep the broccoli bright green and tender-crisp, preserving its fresh flavor and nutrients.
- Incorporate Chickpeas and Sauce
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Mix in the drained chickpeas, then pour in the soy sauce, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lemon juice. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated, balancing savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
- Finish Cooking and Thicken Sauce
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Cook the mixture for an additional 3–4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to fully soften while maintaining some crunch. The sauce will slightly reduce and thicken, intensifying the flavors and coating the ingredients beautifully.
- Season and Garnish
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Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, adding texture and a pop of color before serving warm.
- You can easily customize this stir-fry by adding other veggies such as bell peppers, snap peas, or julienned carrots for added color and crunch.
- To add heat, include red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste during garlic cooking for a spicy kick.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles to create a complete, satisfying meal.
- For more protein, stir in cubed tofu, tempeh, or cooked shrimp when adding the chickpeas.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve broccoli’s texture and prevent sauces from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry warm as a flavorful side or over a bed of jasmine rice, quinoa, or even in lettuce wraps for a light lunch. Garnish with extra green onions or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for enhanced aroma.
- Use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced for the best flavor impact and aroma.
- Cook broccoli just until tender-crisp to keep its bright color and nutritious crunch.
- Toast sesame seeds beforehand to bring out their nuttiness before sprinkling on the final dish.
- A well-heated pan is key to proper stir-frying—ensure your oil shimmers and your pan is hot before adding ingredients.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen broccoli for this stir-fry?
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Yes, but thaw and pat dry frozen broccoli to avoid excess moisture. Cooking time may be slightly longer to achieve a tender-crisp texture.
- How can I make this dish vegan?
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Simply substitute honey for maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener to keep the dish completely vegan-friendly.
- Is this stir-fry gluten-free?
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Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure the dish is gluten-free, as traditional soy sauce contains wheat.
- Can I add other proteins?
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Absolutely! Tofu, tempeh, shrimp, or even chicken can be added depending on your dietary preferences and cooking time adjustments.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
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Cook the garlic on medium heat and watch it closely, stirring often, then add other ingredients promptly once fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- What can I serve alongside this stir-fry?
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Steamed rice, noodles, or a grain like quinoa make excellent bases to complement this flavorful stir-fry.
Garlic Broccoli Chickpea Stir-Fry
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or wok for stir-frying
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli cut into florets
- 1 can 14 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 –3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil
- 1 –2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup optional
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets; peel and slice stalks if desired for tenderness.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender.
- Stir in chickpeas, then add soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, and rice vinegar or lemon juice if using; mix well.
- Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and color.
- Boost spice with red pepper flakes or chili paste.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
- Include tofu, tempeh, or shrimp for added protein.
