1Parboil pork spareribs in salted water for 5-10 minutes. Drain and rinse.
2Add shallot, ginger, and parboiled ribs to a soup pot. Add 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower heat to a rolling boil, cover, and cook for 45 minutes. Skim off scum as needed.
3Remove shallot and ginger. Add fish sauce, sugar, MSG, salt, and pepper.
4Add carrots and potatoes; boil for 10 more minutes, or until vegetables are soft. Adjust seasonings.
5Serve with pasta noodles and garnish with green onions.