Xíu Mại (Vietnamese Meatballs)

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 small yellow onions
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
• 1 small wedge (250 grams) fresh jicama, peeled and small dice
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 whole egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce, divided
• 1 tablespoon Maggi seasoning sauce
• Black pepper, as needed
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 cups chicken stock or water
• 1 x 16 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• Fresh cilantro sprigs
• Crusty bread