Beef and Broccoli Noodles

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces dried udon or ramen noodles

• 1 large crown broccoli

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, minced

• 1-1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided

• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1/4 teaspoon Mrs Dash Garlic & Herb blend

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• ground black pepper to taste

• Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish (optional)

• Thinly sliced Jalapeno peppers, for garnish (optional)

• Chopped Cilantro, for garnish (optional)

• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces dried noodles of choice and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and rinse well under cool water. Note: The Udon  noodles I found were pre-cooked and already soft. No need to boil them.
2. Cut 1 large broccoli crown into 1-inch florets.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, 3/4 cup of chicken broth, soy sauce, oney, oyster sauce, cornstarch in a medium bowl and whisk until blended and set aside.
4. Add olive oil to skillet over medium heat and when hot add the ground beef. Crumble ground beef with a wooden spoon to make into smaller pieces. Season with ground pepper and Mrs Dash garlic & Herb seasoning. Cook thoroughly.
5. Add broccoli to the ground beef and the remaining 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Cook about 3 minutes until the broccoli is still crispy, but cooked.
6. Add the Udon noodles and break apart if stuck together and mix thoroughly into the meat and broccoli.
7. Whisk the sauce mixture again and add to the skillet. Toss the mixture well and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles well, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with the green onions, jalapenos, cilantro and sesame seeds.