Place the water in a saucepan fitted with a steamer basket and bring to a boil. Add the broccoli to the basket and steam, covered, 8 minutes.
Remove the broccoli from the saucepan and place on a plate to cool.
Place the sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the cashews.
Cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute. Adjust the heat so they don’t brown.
Add the shallots and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
Add the broccoli, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the dish and serve immediately.
