Looking for a fast, nutritious, and budget-friendly meal? This Chickpea Stir-Fry is a plant-based powerhouse packed with protein, veggies, and bold Asian-inspired flavors. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking for easy dinner recipes that are also meatless, filling, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love Chickpea Stir-Fry
1. Quick and Easy
- Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Minimal prep and simple cooking steps.
2. Plant-Based and Protein-Rich
- Chickpeas offer a hearty, satisfying texture and plenty of fiber and protein.
- Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to eat less meat.
3. Flexible and Customizable
- Use your favorite stir-fry vegetables or whatever’s in the fridge.
- Serve with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for this easy chickpea stir-fry:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Stir-Fry Vegetables
- Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots.
- Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 3: Add Chickpeas and Sauce
- Add chickpeas to the pan and toss to combine.
- Pour in soy sauce, hoisin (if using), and sriracha or chili flakes.
- Cook for another 3–4 minutes until everything is heated through and coated.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the stir-fry.
- Garnish with cilantro or green onions.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
Tips for Success
- Prep ahead: Chop veggies and rinse chickpeas in advance.
- Add crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds.
- Make it saucy: Add a splash of water or broth if you like more sauce.
Variations
- Add tofu: Pan-fried tofu makes it even heartier.
- Switch veggies: Try snow peas, baby corn, or mushrooms.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm in a skillet over medium heat.
- Meal Prep: Portion into containers with rice or noodles for grab-and-go lunches.
Conclusion
This Chickpea Stir-Fry is a quick, wholesome, and delicious plant-based meal you can make any night of the week. With flexible ingredients and bold flavors, it’s one of the best easy dinner recipes you can have in your rotation.