Soba with Slow Cooker Garlic and Ginger Pork

Name: Soba with Slow Cooker Garlic and Ginger Pork
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup dry sherry; 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 star anise pods; 1 cinnamon stick; 5 cloves garlic, smashed; 1 2-inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced; 6 to 8 whole dried shiitake mushrooms; 1 pound soba or ramen; 1/4 cup water chestnuts, sliced; 2 Fresno chile peppers, seeded and thinly sliced; 2 scallions, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro