This vibrant garlic broccoli stir fry with chickpeas transforms simple vegetables into something absolutely magical, creating those cozy weeknight dinner moments when everyone gathers around the table and asks for seconds
1 Large wok or skillet For stir-frying vegetables with proper heat distribution
1 Medium mixing bowl To prepare and whisk the stir fry sauce
1 Sharp knife For chopping garlic, ginger, and cutting broccoli
1 Wooden spoon or spatula For stirring and tossing ingredients while cooking
Ingredients
2tablespoonsoil - Vegetable or olive oil for cooking
1mediumonion - Diced for aromatic base
4clovesgarlic - Minced fresh garlic preferred
1tablespoonfresh ginger - Minced or grated fresh ginger
1teaspoononion powder - For extra onion flavor depth
1teaspoonpaprika - Regular sweet paprika
½teaspoonsmoked paprika - Adds smoky depth to the dish
½teaspoonblack pepper - Freshly ground preferred
1teaspoonsea salt - Or kosher salt to taste
¼teaspooncayenne pepper - Adjust to heat preference
4cupsbroccoli florets - Cut into bite-sized pieces
½cupvegetable broth - Low sodium preferred
1canchickpeas - 15 oz can, drained and rinsed
2cupscooked rice - For serving, any variety
¼cupwater - For the stir fry sauce
3tablespoonssoy sauce - Low sodium works great
2tablespoonsrice vinegar - Or balsamic vinegar substitute
1tablespoonmaple syrup - Or honey as sweetener
1tablespooncornstarch - For thickening the sauce
Instructions
Build the aromatic base. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, fresh ginger, garlic, and all your spices including paprika, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sauté everything for 3-4 minutes until the kitchen smells incredible and the onions soften.
Add the star vegetables. Toss in your broccoli florets along with vegetable broth. Cook this garlic broccoli mixture until the broccoli becomes tender but still has a nice bite, about 10 minutes. You want that perfect crisp-tender texture.
Create the perfect sauce. While your vegetables cook, whisk together water, soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This simple sauce will coat everything beautifully and bring all the flavors together.
Bring it all together. Pour your prepared sauce into the pan and add the chickpeas. Let everything come to a boil until the sauce thickens and starts simmering. Continue cooking for a few more minutes so the chickpeas absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Perfect the final taste. Taste your creation and adjust the seasonings. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if needed. The beauty of homemade is getting it exactly how your family likes it.
Serve and enjoy. Serve this vibrant stir fry over fluffy cooked rice or enjoy it on its own. Either way, you've created something absolutely delicious and nutritious.
Notes
This vibrant garlic broccoli stir fry with chickpeas transforms simple vegetables into something absolutely magical. The secret is not crowding the pan and letting the chickpeas get slightly crispy in the sauce for incredible texture.