Braised Spiced Pork with Cao Lau Noodles

Preparation

1. Pork

   Step 1

   Combine shallots, lemongrass, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili paste, salt, sugar, and five-spice powder in a large bowl. Add pork shoulder and pork belly and toss to coat. Cover and chill at least 3 hours.

   Step 2

   Remove pork from marinade, scraping excess back into bowl; set marinade aside. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high heat. Cook pork, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 10–15 minutes; transfer to a plate.

   Step 3

   Pour off all but 1 Tbsp. fat from pot. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant but without taking on any color, about 1 minute. Add reserved marinade and 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Add pork, reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, turning pork occasionally, until fork-tender but not falling apart, 1–1½ hours. Let cool in liquid.

   Step 4

   DO AHEAD: Pork can be marinated 1 day ahead of braising; keep chilled. Pork can be braised 2 days ahead; cover and chill.

2. Noodles and assembly

   Step 5

   Heat ½ cup oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry wonton wrappers until golden brown, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain; season with salt.

   Step 6

   Cook noodles according to package directions. Using tongs or a spider, transfer noodles to a colander and run under cold water to stop cooking; transfer to a large bowl. Toss with remaining 1 Tbsp. oil; set aside. (Keep pot of boiling water handy for reheating noodles.)

   Step 7

   Remove pork from braising liquid and slice ¼” thick. Bring braising liquid to a boil (it will be concentrated, like the juices in a roasting pan). Add ½ cup water. The flavor should still be intense and slightly salty; adjust with more water if needed. Simmer 2 minutes, remove from heat and add sliced pork. Let cool slightly.

   Step 8

   Just before serving, return noodle cooking water to a boil. Place noodles in a fine-mesh sieve and lower into hot water to reheat, 30 seconds. Divide noodles among bowls. Place bean sprouts in sieve and cook in same pot of water 30 seconds; drain and place on top of noodles. Remove pork from cooking liquid and place on top of noodles. Ladle some cooking liquid over.

   Step 9

   Serve with chile, lime wedges, wontons, a handful of herbs, and a dab of chili paste.

   Step 10

   DO AHEAD: Wontons can be fried 5 days ahead. Let cool; store airtight at room temperature.