This Teriyaki Stir Fry with Broccoli and Chickpeas is so easy to make and you might be surprised at how much your child will love it! It’s great for a vegan family dinner!
Does your child like broccoli? I feel like broccoli is the quintessential vegetable that you think of when you think of something kids don’t like. But, thankfully I have found quite the opposite! I asked my three year old what kind of recipe I should make for the blog and he said, “Something with broccoli and chickpeas.” so I came up with this Teriyaki Stir Fry and he at so much! He even asked for more broccoli
I make teriyaki stir frys a lot because they’re so easy to make and great for when you have a bunch of vegetables that need to be used up. I always have the ingredients on hand for my go-to stir fry sauce and the kids love it.
Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe Ingredients
Broccoli – You can use fresh or frozen. I usually have fresh broccoli on hand but if you don’t, frozen is great too.
Chickpeas – I just used one can of pre-cooked chickpeas. You could also use another bean you like, tofu or tempeh. I like to use canned beans because they help make this recipe super quick to make.
Teriyaki Sauce – To make this recipe even easier you could always use a good quality store-bought teriyaki sauce but it’s also so easy to make at home! My teriyaki sauce recipe just has a few ingredients, including: toasted sesame oil, tamari, maple syrup, water, ginger, garlic and cornstarch.
How To Make Teriyaki Stir Fry
This recipe is so easy to make! There are just a few simple steps:
Start by sautéing the broccoli in a little bit of oil with some salt. You then add in a little bit of water to help the broccoli steam.
To make the teriyaki sauce al you do is add all the sauce ingredients to a jar and mix until completely combined.
Then, add the sauce mixture and the chickpeas to the broccoli and cook until sauce thickens and will coat the back of a spoon.
Serve broccoli and chickpea mixture over rice, or your favorite grain and enjoy!
Why Kids Will Love This Teriyaki Stir Fry
I obviously can’t say 100% that your children will like this meal, but if you’re trying to get them to eat more veggies, this stir fry is a good way to do that!
The broccoli is cooked until it’s soft so it’s easy for little teeth to eat, unlike raw broccoli.
The teriyaki sauce is sweet and flavorful, which I’m pretty sure is my son’s favorite thing about it
I serve it over rice, which is usually a favorite of all kids! You could also serve it over cauliflower rice, my son can’t even tell the difference.
My son loves chickpeas so he gets excited about eating anything with chickpeas in it!
This Teriyaki Stir Fry with Broccoli and Chickpeas is so versatile. You can add in any veggies you have that your children enjoy. If you child doesn’t like chickpeas, you could easily substitute tofu or chicken. I also love to use this recipe as a meal prep lunch for my husband and I. I hope you and your family enjoys this!
This Teriyaki Stir Fry with Broccoli and Chickpeas is so easy to make and always a hit with my kids!
Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive oil 6 cups broccoli florets 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup water 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
White rice or cauliflower rice for serving with, optional Teriyaki Sauce: 1/3 cup water 1/3 cup tamari, I like to use low sodium 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil 1 clove garlic, finely grated 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated ginger 1 1/2 teaspoons arrowroot starch 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil, broccoli and salt. Cook for a minute and then pour in water, cover and let steam until water has cooked off and broccoli is tender, about 7 minutes.
Make the teriyaki sauce while the broccoli is cooking. Add all sauce ingredients to a jar and mix until combined.
Add the chickpeas in with the broccoli and pour the sauce over. Cook until sauce has thickened, 5-7 minutes. Serve stir fry over rice and enjoy.
These Rice and Bean Fajita Quesadillas are flavorful and easy to make. They’re cheesy, hearty, and filled with vegetables. The fajita filling can be prepared in advance, and it only takes about 10 minutes to cook the quesadillas. Serve them with your favorite toppings and enjoy for lunch or dinner.
Cheese quesadillas are really easy to make, and I enjoy them as quick snacks. But when it comes to quesadillas for lunch or dinner, I like them to have a little more substance to them. These Rice and Bean Fajita Quesadillas are packed with rice, black beans, and seasoned fajita peppers and onions. They’re filling, packed with protein, and great for any meal. Enjoy these quesadillas with your favorite toppings and tortilla chips.
Why You’ll Love This Filling Quesadilla Recipe
Packed with flavor – These fajita quesadillas get much of their flavor from the onions and peppers. I like to cook them all together in a frying pan until they’re sizzling and browned, just like at a restaurant. Cooking them down until they’re caramelized adds delicious flavor to this recipe.
Easy to make – This recipe may have a few more steps than a regular cheese quesadilla, but it’s all easy. Once you mix the fajita veggies with the rice and beans, you add them to the tortilla with some shredded cheese, and then the hot frying pan does the rest of the work. You can also make these quesadillas in the oven if you wish.
Great family meal – You may not think of a quesadilla as a full meal, but these fajita rice and bean quesadillas are really filling. I like to serve them with a side of chips and dip, along with my favorite quesadilla toppings (lettuce, salsa, sour cream, guacamole). You can make cheese quesadillas for kids, and chicken or beef can easily be added for any meat eaters.
Why Your Body Will Love These Hearty Quesadillas
Heart Health – Black beans contain a significant amount of soluble fiber, which helps decrease cholesterol absorption in the bloodstream. Lowering the “bad” cholesterol in the body can significantly reduce the chances of a stroke or heart attack.
Digestive Health – Black beans are high in insoluble fiber, which helps bulk up the digestive system and prevent constipation. The fiber in beans also acts as a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in the large intestine and carries out toxins in the system.
Immune Health – Bell peppers are high in Vitamin C, essential for keeping your immune system healthy and fighting off sickness. Vitamin C is also very beneficial in healing wounds and collagen production. Bell peppers are high in antioxidants, which also help protect the immune system. Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize harmful free radicals, which otherwise can damage cells and tissues in our bodies.
Rice and Bean Fajita Quesadilla Recipe Ingredients
Peppers and Onion – Pepper and onion make up the fajita part of these quesadillas. I like to cook a variety of bell peppers, yellow onion, and spices together in a pan until they’re softened and beginning to brown. I have seen a few frozen fajita pepper and onion veggie mixes that may make this recipe a little easier. You can also buy packaged fajita seasoning instead of making your own.
Black Beans – I like to use black beans in this recipe, but pinto beans will also work well. Beans add extra protein and fiber to these quesadillas, helping them be more filling.
Rice – I use cooked white rice for this recipe. Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice can also be used, though. You can omit the rice if you prefer.
Cheese – Any cheese can be used for these quesadillas. I usually use shredded Colby Jack, but you can also use pepper Jack or quesadilla cheese, which is made specifically for melting in quesadillas. Dairy-free cheese can also be used.
Tortillas – I use large burrito-sized flour tortillas for my quesadillas; you can make yours smaller if you like. Corn tortillas can also be used to make them gluten-free.
How To Make Vegetarian Fajita Quesadillas
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the peppers, onions, and a pinch of salt. Mix and allow peppers and onions to cook until they are softened and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent burning.
Next, add the rice, beans, and fajita seasoning to the skillet and mix again until all ingredients are combined and the rice and beans are heated through. You can add a little extra oil, if needed.
Assemble your quesadillas: Lay a large tortilla flat and sprinkle about 1/4 cup shredded cheese onto just half of the tortilla. Top with about 1/3 cup of the fajita bean and rice mixture, and then another sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fold over the other side of the tortilla and press down.
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add butter, oil, or cooking spray. Place the quesadilla into the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and enjoy fajita quesadillas with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas.
Make this recipe vegan by using a meltable, shredded vegan cheese.
How should these quesadillas be served? You can eat them alone, or top with your favorite toppings and add a side of chips and dip for a more rounded meal.
Can quesadillas be cooked in the oven? Yes, they can easily be cooked in the oven. Just lay them flat on a large sheet pan and bake at 400 degrees F. for about 10-15 minutes.
How long do leftovers last? If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they should last about 4-5 days. They can be reheated in the oven, frying pan, or microwave.
Are quesadillas freezer-friendly? Yes, but they may not hold up the best in the freezer. I suggest assembling the quesadillas just until you’re about to cook them, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, and placing them in an airtight freezer bag. I have found it works best to reheat the frozen quesadillas in the oven.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP!
These Rice and Bean Fajita Quesadillas are packed with flavor and easy to make. They’re cheesy, hearty and filled with vegetables. The fajita filling can be prepared ahead of time and then it only takes about 10 minutes to cook the quesadillas. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil, or oil of choice
2 medium sized bell peppers, diced (whatever colors you prefer)
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 cup cooked rice
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
6–8 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese
Fajita Seasoning
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add in the oil. Once hot, add in the peppers, onions an a pinch of salt. Mix together and allow peppers and onions to cook until they are softened and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent burning.
Next, add the rice, beans and fajita seasoning into the skillet and mix again until all ingredients are combined and the rice and beans are heated through. You can add a little extra oil in, if needed.
Assemble your quesadillas: lay large tortilla flat and sprinkle about 1/4 cup shredded cheese onto just half of the tortilla. Top with about 1/3 cup of the fajita bean and rice mixture and then top with another sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fold over the other side of the tortilla and press down.
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add butter, oil or cooking spray. Place quesadilla into the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and tortilla is crispy. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and enjoy fajita quesadillas with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Quesadilla can also be cooked on a large sheet pan in the oven.