Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry
Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry is a delightful dish that combines vibrant broccoli with hearty chickpeas, all enveloped in a rich garlic ginger sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, ready in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious vegan option or a tasty side dish, this Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry checks all the boxes with its health benefits and mouthwatering flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with broccoli and chickpeas, it’s high in fiber and protein while being low in fat.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, ginger, and spices creates a deliciously aromatic taste that elevates simple ingredients.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or serve over rice for a complete meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup makes this Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry ideal for anyone who hates dishes after cooking.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry effortlessly, having the right tools on hand will ensure smooth cooking. Here’s what you need:
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet or wok: Prevents sticking and allows for even cooking of your stir fry ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients to create your flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Flavorful broccoli stir fry with chickpeas and a delicious garlic ginger sauce! This vegan weeknight dinner is easy to make in just one pan and it’s ready in about 25 minutes. The healthy takeout recipe is meat-free, gluten-free, low in fat, and very simple!
For the Stir Fry
- 1 tablespoon oil (see recipe notes)
- 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)
For Serving
- Cooked rice of choice (for serving)
For the Sauce
- 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
How to Make Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add diced onion, minced ginger, minced garlic, and all spices:
1. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets along with vegetable broth:
1. Fry until the broccoli is tender but still crisp, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine:
– Water
– Soy sauce
– Vinegar
– Maple syrup
– Cornstarch
Whisk together until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Sauce and Chickpeas
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the sautéed ingredients:
1. Add rinsed chickpeas.
2. Bring to a boil until the sauce simmers.
Step 6: Final Cooking
Fry everything together for an additional few minutes:
– Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry alone or over cooked rice. Enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry
Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit your preferences. It is not only delicious but also healthy, making it an ideal choice for any meal.
Serve with Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice pairs beautifully with the flavors of the stir fry.
- Brown Rice: For a whole grain option, brown rice adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that complements the dish while adding more veggies.
Top with Nuts
- Toasted Almonds: Sprinkle toasted almonds on top for added crunch and healthy fats.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives a nutty flavor and enhances presentation.
Add Extra Protein
- Tofu: Marinated and pan-fried tofu can add more protein and make the meal even heartier.
- Quinoa: Serve over cooked quinoa for a complete protein source and a slightly nutty flavor.
How to Perfect Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry
To make your Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry truly exceptional, follow these simple tips. They will help you enhance the flavors and texture of your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli, garlic, and ginger provide vibrant flavors that dried or old ingredients cannot match.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keep the broccoli bright green and slightly crunchy for the best texture. Aim for tender yet firm florets.
- Adjust Seasonings: Always taste before serving. Feel free to add extra soy sauce or spices according to your preference.
- Whisk Sauce Thoroughly: Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the sauce before adding it to avoid clumping.
- Cook in Batches if Necessary: If your pan is too small, cook in batches to ensure even cooking without overcrowding.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add other spices like red pepper flakes or fresh herbs for a unique twist.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry
Pairing your Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Crispy Spring Rolls: These fried delights offer a crunchy contrast to the soft stir fry.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is light and refreshing alongside your main dish.
- Asian Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salad with sesame dressing provides a nice textural balance.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice dish brings more substance and Asian flair to your table.
- Grilled Eggplant: Smoky grilled eggplant adds depth and pairs well with the garlic flavors.
- Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad offers crispness and lightness, perfect for balancing rich flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making garlic broccoli stir fry can be quick and easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your stir fry is a success.
- Using too much oil – It can make the dish greasy. Stick to 1 tablespoon or less for a healthier option.
- Overcooking the broccoli – This can lead to mushy florets. Cook until just tender, about 10 minutes, for the best texture.
- Not seasoning enough – A bland stir fry isn’t appealing. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or cayenne.
- Skipping the sauce preparation – The sauce adds flavor! Don’t forget to whisk it together before adding it to the pan.
- Using cold chickpeas – Cold chickpeas can cool down your stir fry. Ensure they are rinsed and drained well before adding them to the mix.
- Ignoring presentation – A visually appealing dish enhances enjoyment. Serve your garlic broccoli stir fry with colorful toppings or alongside rice.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Allow the stir fry to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry
- Freeze in a container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop – Warm in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making garlic broccoli stir fry.
What can I add to my Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry?
You can customize this dish by adding bell peppers, carrots, or tofu for added protein and nutrition.
Can I make Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes! This dish stores well in the refrigerator and can be made a day in advance. Just reheat before serving.
Is Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce when preparing this recipe.
What should I serve with Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry?
This stir fry pairs well with rice or quinoa. You can also enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
Garlic broccoli stir fry is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to mix in your favorite vegetables or proteins. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that anyone can whip up in just 25 minutes. Try customizing it with different ingredients and enjoy a healthy meal that’s full of flavor!
Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry is a vibrant, wholesome dish that brings together tender broccoli and hearty chickpeas in a savory garlic ginger sauce. This quick and easy recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Packed with nutrition and flavor, this vegan stir fry is not only delicious but also offers health benefits, thanks to the high fiber content from broccoli and chickpeas. Perfect on its own or served over rice, this one-pan wonder ensures minimal cleanup while delivering maximum taste.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 heaped tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1 medium head of broccoli (cut into small florets)
- 1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- Soy sauce
- Vegetable broth
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and vegetable broth; cook until broccoli is tender but still crisp (about 10 minutes).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet along with chickpeas; bring to a boil.
- Cook for another few minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
