Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, you’ve come to the right place! This Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry is one of my absolute favorites. It’s packed with hearty chickpeas and vibrant broccoli, all tossed in a savory garlic ginger sauce that makes your taste buds dance. What I love best about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up, even on the busiest of evenings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this dish never disappoints!

With just one pan and around 25 minutes, you can serve up a meal that’s not only healthy but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for family gatherings or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this stir fry is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic and ginger creates an irresistible sauce that elevates the entire dish.
• Nutritious: Packed with broccoli and chickpeas, it’s a wholesome meal that’s low in fat and high in fiber.
• Versatile: Serve it alone as a light meal or over rice for something more filling.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the vibrant colors and delicious flavors, making mealtime a breeze!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make this delightful Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry! You’ll find everything you need right here; no fancy items required.

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

Variations

This Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: If you like heat, add more cayenne pepper or toss in some red pepper flakes.
• Change the Protein: Swap chickpeas for tofu or tempeh if you prefer a different texture.
• Make it Sweet: Add more maple syrup or try honey if you’re not strictly vegan.

How to Make Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced ginger, garlic, and all spices. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. This step is key because sautéing the aromatics brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the flavors of your stir fry.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Now it’s time to add those beautiful broccoli florets along with vegetable broth. Fry until the broccoli is tender but still bright green—about 10 minutes. Keeping the broccoli slightly crisp adds great texture to your dish!

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While your veggies are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, and cornstarch until smooth. This sauce will give your stir fry that delicious sticky coating we all love.

Step 4: Combine It All

Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with your sautéed vegetables. Add in the rinsed chickpeas too! Bring everything to a gentle boil until the sauce simmers—this should take just a few minutes. The simmering helps thicken the sauce while warming up those chickpeas perfectly.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give everything a good stir! Taste your stir fry and adjust seasonings if needed—perhaps adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne depending on your preference.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Serve your flavorful Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry hot on its own or over cooked rice. Enjoy every bite of this easy yet satisfying meal!

I hope you enjoy making this Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry as much as I do! It’s not just food; it’s comfort on a plate that brings everyone together. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry

Creating a delightful Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry is all about technique and flavor balance. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go ensures a smooth cooking process. This helps you avoid overcooking your broccoli while you’re busy chopping and measuring.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and broccoli make a significant difference in flavor. The vibrant taste of fresh produces enhances the overall dish, making it much more enjoyable.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the spice levels to suit your preference! Whether you like it mild or a bit spicy, adjusting the cayenne pepper or adding a dash of chili flakes can personalize the stir fry just for you.
• Experiment with Vegetables: While broccoli is fantastic, don’t hesitate to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. This adds color, texture, and even more nutrients to your meal!
• Cook in Batches If Necessary: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in batches. This prevents overcrowding in the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than stir-frying—keeping your broccoli perfectly crisp.

How to Serve Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry

Serving your Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry can be as creative as you want! Here are some ideas to present this colorful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and an appealing crunch.
• Chopped Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions provide a pop of color and a mild oniony bite that complements the garlic beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, steamed rice (white, brown, or jasmine) serves as the perfect base for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with lemon juice and herbs brings a refreshing contrast that balances out the richness of the stir fry.
• Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumber tossed with rice vinegar and sesame oil offers a cool crunch that complements the warm stir fry perfectly.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with savory flavors and provides additional nutrition.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re ready to impress yourself and others with this delightful Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy healthy and delicious meals throughout the week without the hassle of cooking every day.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure the stir fry has cooled down before sealing the container.

Freezing

• Allow the stir fry to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label it with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
• You can also microwave it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• If the stir fry seems dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth while reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry recipe:

Can I use other vegetables in my Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is tender yet crisp.

What can I serve with Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry?

This dish pairs beautifully with cooked rice, quinoa, or even noodles. Choose your favorite grain for a satisfying meal!

How do I make my Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry more spicy?

If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper or even some crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. You could also toss in some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!

Is Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. It stores well and can be made ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry just as delightful as I do! It’s packed with flavor yet simple enough for any weeknight dinner. Enjoy making this vibrant dish at home, and feel free to get creative with your veggies! Happy cooking!