Ingredients

• 3 1/2 pounds oxtails, cut into 2-inch-thick pieces, patted dry and excess fat trimmed

• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 cup canola oil, divided

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped

• 10 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

• 1 tablespoon chopped drained anchovy fillets (about 6 fillets)

• 9 cups water

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter, well stirred

• 1/4 cup fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons annatto oil or vegetable oil

• 16 ounces fresh wheat noodles, such as Lanzhou or udon noodles, or fresh fettuccine

• 12 ounces baby bok choy (about 12), trimmed and halved lengthwise

• 1 small daikon radish, peeled and thinly sliced into half-moons