Cumin-Sichuan Peppercorn Beef

Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the broccoli; cut off and discard the bottom 1/2 inch of the stem, then cut the broccoli into small florets. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. In a bowl, whisk together the cumin-Sichuan sauce, soy glaze, and 2 tablespoons of water.

In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 1/3 cup of water to boiling on high. Once boiling, carefully add the broccoli florets in an even layer; season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Loosely cover the pan with foil and cook, without stirring, 4 to 6 minutes, or until the water has cooked off and the broccoli is slightly softened. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the pan. 

In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the beef, chopped garlic, and as much of the red pepper flakes as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking the meat apart with a spoon, 5 to 7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Add the sauce (carefully, as the liquid may splatter) and cooked broccoli. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until thoroughly combined. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

Meanwhile, add the noodles to the pot of boiling water, stirring gently to separate. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and rinse under warm water 30 seconds to 1 minute to prevent sticking. Return to the pot and stir in 1 teaspoon of olive oil until coated. Serve the cooked beef, broccoli, and sauce over the cooked noodles. Garnish with the sesame seeds. Enjoy!