Quick Stir-Fried Chickpeas with Spinach and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fast and flavorful stir-fry combining tender chickpeas with garlicky spinach, perfect as a side or light vegetarian main. This Asian Fusion-inspired stir-fry recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs olive oil, garlic cloves, canned chickpeas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1.5 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until chickpeas begin to brown slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add 6 oz fresh spinach and toss for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and reduces in volume.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; cook for another minute to combine flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and squeeze juice of 1 lemon wedge over the stir-fry before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Chickpeas with Spinach and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Quick Stir-Fried Chickpeas with Spinach and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Chickpeas with Spinach and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Quick Stir-Fried Chickpeas with Spinach and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Quick Stir-Fried Chickpeas with Spinach and Garlic vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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