Pork Stock

1. Clean the bones (optional but recommended): In a large stock pot (at least 7 quarts), add pork bones and enough water to cover. Bring the pot to a boil and continue boiling until impurities (foam) rise to the surface (about 8 minutes). Place a colander in the sink, drain the bones, and rinse the bones with cold water.
2. Prepare stock: Clean the stock pot and return it to the stove. Add 5 quarts of water and the parboiled bones. Simmer on medium-low heat for one hour, or until the pork can be easily pierced with a chopstick. Occasionally, skim off the impurities that might float to the top and discard. While the broth is simmering, prepare the remaining ingredients.

Crab and Pork Meatballs/Crab Cakes

1. Prepare dried shrimp: Finely chop the presoaked dried salted shrimp in a food processor and set aside.
2. Prepare the meatballs: In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, and sauté until fragrant (about 20 seconds). Add the jarred or canned spiced crab and the chopped dried shrimp. Sauté for about 5 minutes. Transfer this mixture into a medium bowl, add ground pork and beaten eggs. Mix until well combined.
3. Cook meatballs: Using two spoons, shape the crab and pork mixture into small balls and gently drop them into the pot one by one. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and proceed to prepare the tomatoes.

Tomatoes

1. Toast aromatics: In the now-empty skillet, heat more vegetable oil. Sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant (20 seconds).
2. Add the sliced tomatoes and stir gently. Cook for 2 minutes or until the tomatoes release some of their juices.
3. Add the tomato mixture to the pot.

Season the Stock and Add Tofu

1. Season to taste: Season the broth with salt (4 teaspoons), chicken/mushroom bouillon powder (2 tablespoons), and MSG (1 teaspoon).
2. Prepare ketchup and shrimp paste mixture: In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and shrimp paste. Ladle some hot broth from the stock pot into the bowl to liquefy the mixture before adding it to the soup. Add a little at a time to adjust to taste.
3. Add fried tofu to the stock pot.

Assembly

1. Add noodles and toppings: Place a handful of cooked rice noodles into a bowl. Ladle hot soup over the noodles, including pieces of pork, meatballs/crab cakes, and fried tofu.
2. Finish: Garnish with green onions and serve with your favorite vegetables, herbs, lime, and additional shrimp paste on the side for customization.