How to Make the Perfect Soto Ayam
Indonesian · Medium · 60 min · 4 servings
Soto ayam is a bright and aromatic Indonesian chicken soup enriched with turmeric, lemongrass, and galangal that gives it a distinctive golden color. It is a comforting and nourishing soup traditionally served with rice cakes, glass noodles, and an array of fresh garnishes.
Why this recipe works
This Soto Ayam recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 30g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 600 grams whole chicken pieces, bone-in
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 1.5 liters water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 100 grams glass noodles, soaked until soft
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Build the Broth
Place chicken pieces, bruised lemongrass, minced garlic, and ground turmeric in a large pot. Pour in the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the broth is golden.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces from the broth and allow them to cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the chicken meat off the bones and set aside. Discard the bones and return the shredded chicken to the golden broth. Remove the lemongrass stalks at this stage.
Step 3: Season the Soup
Taste the broth and season generously with salt and white pepper. You can also add a small amount of chicken stock powder for extra depth if desired. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer and ensure the shredded chicken is warmed through.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Place a portion of soaked glass noodles in each serving bowl. Ladle the hot golden chicken broth and shredded chicken over the noodles. Top each bowl with fresh bean sprouts, sliced boiled eggs, crispy shallots, fresh lime juice, and sambal for a complete and satisfying bowl.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- glass noodles → thin rice vermicelli or even cooked jasmine rice for a heartier version
- fresh lemongrass → one teaspoon of lemongrass paste which blends into the broth more easily
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not skimming the foam during the first stage of boiling which results in a cloudy and bitter-tasting broth
- Adding salt too early in the cooking process before the chicken releases its full flavor into the broth
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 30g protein, 24g carbs, 12g fat, 2g fiber.
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