Vegan Broccoli Stir-Fry
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Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner? Our Vegan Broccoli Stir-Fry with Cherry Tomatoes is the answer! This easy stir-fry brings together fresh vegetables, protein-packed chickpeas, and a simple yet flavorful sauce, all served on a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a well-balanced, satisfying dish that’s vegan, gluten-free, and full of vibrant colors and textures.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables and plant-based protein into your diet, keeping you full and nourished. Plus, the addition of fresh cherry tomatoes on top adds a burst of flavor and freshness that takes this dish to the next level.
So, let’s dive into this easy, flavorful recipe and find out why you’ll absolutely love it!
Why You Will Love This Vegan Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. You can also prep the ingredients ahead of time to save even more time.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from broccoli, chickpeas, and other veggies, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: A versatile dish that fits perfectly into vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and cumin creates a savory, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor that brings all the ingredients together.
- Customizable: Feel free to add or swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Ingredient Notes
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a great crunch and are rich in vitamins. You can also use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand; just thaw and drain it before adding to the stir-fry.
- Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are convenient and perfect for this recipe, but you can also use dried chickpeas. If you’re using dried, be sure to soak and cook them ahead of time.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color. They bring a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory stir-fry.
- Rice: White or brown rice both work great, depending on your preference. You could also use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles as a base.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the dish. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute tamari or coconut aminos.
- Maple Syrup: Balances the salty flavors with a hint of sweetness. Feel free to use agave syrup or brown sugar as an alternative.
- Spices (Smoked Paprika, Cumin): These add a smoky and slightly earthy taste that elevates the flavor profile of the dish.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Vegan Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Prep All Ingredients Before Cooking: Stir-frying is a fast process, so it’s essential to have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Cook at High Heat: Stir-fries are best cooked quickly over high heat. This ensures that the vegetables stay crisp and the flavors develop nicely without overcooking.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sauce according to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup; if you prefer more heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes.
- Add Extra Veggies: This dish is super flexible, so add any other veggies you love or have on hand. Some great options include zucchini, snap peas, spinach, or carrots.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley on top adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and enhances the presentation.
Vegan Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Serve Over Different Grains: While this recipe calls for rice, you can serve it over quinoa, couscous, or even soba noodles for a twist.
- Add a Side Salad: A fresh side salad with a light dressing pairs beautifully with the warm, savory stir-fry. Try a simple cucumber, avocado, and lime salad for extra freshness.
- Top with Extra Toppings: You can sprinkle sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of tahini sauce for added texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Vegan Broccoli Stir-Fry
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
- Absolutely! Frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw and drain them properly to prevent excess water in the stir-fry.
What can I use instead of chickpeas?
- You can substitute chickpeas with other legumes like black beans, edamame, or even tofu cubes if you prefer.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
- Yes! You can add crushed red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers for a spicy kick.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the stir-fry and rice ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and top with fresh cherry tomatoes.
Essential Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok: A large pan allows you to cook the ingredients evenly and gives you plenty of room for stirring.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping vegetables.
- Cutting Board: Essential for prepping your ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: To accurately measure out the ingredients.
- Rice Cooker (Optional): To make cooking rice quicker and easier.
This Vegan Broccoli Stir-Fry with Cherry Tomatoes is a perfect combination of health, flavor, and convenience. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to whip up any night of the week, yet delicious enough to impress guests. The colorful veggies, protein-rich chickpeas, and savory-sweet sauce come together in a way that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Plus, it’s entirely vegan and gluten-free, so it fits seamlessly into various dietary preferences.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to add your personal touch by experimenting with different vegetables, grains, or spices.
We love hearing from you! Have you tried this Vegan Broccoli Stir-Fry? Share your experience in the comments below. What veggies did you add, or how did you customize the sauce? If you have any questions or tips of your own, feel free to leave them too! And don’t forget to snap a picture of your beautiful dish and tag us on social media. We can’t wait to see your creations!
Vegan Broccoli Stir-fry
This Vegan Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish served over rice and topped with fresh cherry tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or agave syrup)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water. In a pot, add 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes (or according to package instructions) until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets and bell pepper slices. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Mix in the chickpeas and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour the sauce over the stir-fry mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
- Serve the stir-fry over the boiled rice. Top with fresh halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
Notes
- Chop all the veggies and prepare the sauce before you start cooking. This will make the stir-frying process smooth and fast.
- Stir-fry the vegetables on high heat to maintain their crunch and vibrant colors. This quick cooking method locks in flavors and nutrients.
- Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your preferences. You can make it sweeter, spicier, or more savory as you like!
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