In a bowl add ground pork, minced shrimp, crab meat, minced shrimp in spices, cooked shrimp paste, egg, garlic power, ground pepper. Mix well and store in the refrigerator (30 minute) to firm up.
In a big pot add chicken broth, water, and dried shrimps, sugar, salt, chicken powder and msg. Bring to a full boil then low to simmer for 15 minutes.
In a pan add cooking oil and garlic. Sauté for 10-15 second then add tomatoes, onion and ketchup. Sauté for 1-2 minutes and set aside.
On medium boil. Add in the mixture with a spoon gently. Balls will automatically float to the top once cooked. Continue until all done and let it continue to simmer for about 4-5 minute to firm up.
Slightly stir the bottom to see if any ball is left behind on the bottom.
Add fried tofu, sauté tomatoes, fish sauce, taste and adjust.
Bring back to a boil and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Add onion and turn off the stove.
Ps, when adding balls it’s best not to have the heat too high. Low to medium.
