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Soto Ayam - Indonesian "Chicken" Soup

45 min

Main

We've transformed the classic Indonesian soto ayam into a vegan delight by using mock "chicken" pieces. This soup is brimming with a rich symphony of flavours from aromatic ingredients like ginger, garlic, shallots, and turmeric, lending it a unique colour and flavour profile. Mixed with noodles, potatoes, and a variety of veggies, this combination results in a delicious, filling soup that everyone can enjoy.

Servings

Total

45 min

Prep

20 min

Cook

25 min

Contains

Soy symbol

soy

Gluten symbol

gluten

Free from

Peanut symbol

peanut

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Sesame symbol

sesame

Ingredients

Bumbu "blend of spices"

  • 3
    cloves garlic, whole
  • 2
    medium shallots, quartered
  • 2
    red hot chili peppers, or less for less spicy
  • 1½ Tbsp (9 g)
    fresh ginger, peeled
  • 1 Tbsp (15 mL)
    vegetable oil
  • 1½ tsp (4 g)
    fresh turmeric
  • 1½ tsp (3 g)
    ground coriander

Soup base

  • 1 Tbsp (15 mL)
    vegetable oil
  • 2
    medium potatoes, peeled, cut into ½cm slices
  • 4 cups (960 mL)
    water
  • 1
    vegetable bouillon cube
  • 1⅔ cups (399 mL)
    canned full-fat coconut milk
  • 5.3 oz (150 g)
    dry ramen noodles

Vegan "chicken"

  • 1 Tbsp (15 mL)
    vegetable oil
  • 7.1 oz (200 g)
    mock "chicken" pieces
  • 3
    cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2
    medium shallots, minced
  • 2 tsp (5 g)

Garnish

  • ⅔ cup (60 g)
    fresh bean sprouts
  • ¼ cup (4 g)
    fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1
    stalk green onion, sliced
  • 2 Tbsp (7 g)
    crispy fried onions (optional)

Make your own

Directions

  1. Add all of the bumbu ingredients to a small food processor. Blend until smooth*.
  2. Add the oil to a large pot on medium-high. When hot, add the bumbu mixture and cook for 3 minutes, stirring throughout.
  3. Then add the potatoes, water, and bouillon. Cook covered at a simmer 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through.
  4. Meanwhile, add the oil to a large pan on medium-high heat. When hot, add the mock chicken and cook for 3 minutes.
  5. Then add the garlic and shallot, and cook for another 2 - 3 minutes.
  6. Add the 'chicken' spice mix. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring throughout. Set aside.
  7. When the potatoes are cooked, add the chicken to the pot, along with the coconut milk. Cook until heated through.
  8. Meanwhile, prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. For us, the noodles simply needed to sit in boiling water for 3 minutes.
  9. Add the noodles to a bowl, and ladle the soup over top. Garnish, and enjoy!

Notes

  • * Add more oil or a small splash of water as needed if the mixture won't blend.

Storage

  • The assembled soup is best when enjoyed immediately, but can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Let us know what you think

Plate method

The Plate Method is a visual tool that helps us ensure our dietary needs are on track. Touch the image below to see how this recipe measures up.

Grains & Starches 67%

medium potato

dry ramen noodles

Proteins 10%

mock "chicken" pieces

Fruits & Veggies 23%

clove garlic

medium shallot

red hot chili pepper

fresh ginger

fresh turmeric

clove garlic

medium shallot

fresh bean sprouts

fresh cilantro

stalk green onion

Calcium
No significant sources of calcium
Fat

vegetable oil

vegetable oil

canned full-fat coconut milk

vegetable oil

Nutrition info

We believe that focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. If you require specific nutrition information due to a medical condition, please consult with a dietitian or physician. The nutritional information provided is composed with the utmost care. However, we cannot guarantee the correctness of the displayed values, see also our disclaimer.

Show nutrition info  

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Discussion & Rating

Rate this post


Seb - April 16, 2024, 6:35 p.m.

Tastes amazing!


Neringa - April 4, 2024, 6:25 p.m.

So good!! 🔥😍 It's a first recipe I've made from the app. It's a perfect bowl of sunshine on a cold and rainy spring day ✨


sahiti nallagonda - March 27, 2024, 5:57 a.m.

Lovely flavors! Will be on repeat!


Maisa B - Feb. 27, 2024, 5:38 a.m.

This is one my favourite recipes of all time! It helps to prep the sauce and just warm up and mix the ingredients later


Dominika Kacprzak - Feb. 12, 2024, 9:09 p.m.

Very easy and full of flavours 😀


Kejsi Alhasani - Feb. 12, 2024, 8:33 p.m.

Really positively surprised how good this recipe was. I'm trying to go vegan again and this was a really good start. It also taste good with rice. Exited to try out the other ones that I have been saving these couple of days. Thank you! 🌱

PUL Team - Feb. 13, 2024, 12:21 a.m.

Hey Kejsi, thanks for welcoming us on your vegan journey and culinary adventure! We hope you enjoy the rest of the recipes just as much 💛🌱


Julia - Jan. 31, 2024, 8:43 p.m.

I can’t believe how incredible this recipe is! I’ll be making this again and again!!


Weera - Jan. 27, 2024, 8:12 p.m.

this was great, especially the chicken! I added fresh laos which was a great addition


lobke - Jan. 19, 2024, 6:27 p.m.

So good!!


Iben Braeckevelt - Jan. 17, 2024, 7:32 p.m.

Damnnnnn this dish is amazing 😍 makes me feel like I am a chef, love the feeling!

PUL Team - Jan. 17, 2024, 9:01 p.m.

Love this, Iben! Happy cooking 🤗


Joanna Reszczynska - Jan. 15, 2024, 1:07 p.m.

Super tasty. It's my second time i made it. All of those recipe i can make over and over. I love it. Thank you

PUL Team - Jan. 15, 2024, 7:22 p.m.

What a lovely compliment, Joanna, thank you! 😊


Kiri Gould - Jan. 15, 2024, 6:30 a.m.

So good! I added some baby spinach and bulked my mock chicken out with mushrooms. One of my favourite so far!


Morgan - Jan. 12, 2024, 12:35 p.m.

Would chickpeas work as a sub for the “chicken”? I’m trying to use what I have if possible. 🙂

PUL Team - Jan. 13, 2024, 7:05 p.m.

Hey Morgan, yes you can use a different protein source in place of the “chicken”, such as chickpeas! We're also heard positives reviews for tofu and soy curls instead. Maybe just add a little less water to start in the soup base and add more to the desired consistency since chickpeas are smaller than the mock chicken 🤗


Martina - Jan. 10, 2024, 6:51 p.m.

Another amazingly delicious PUL recipe! 😍 Thank you for this one, I'll cook it again and again in the future.


nadia - Jan. 8, 2024, 12:51 p.m.

Very easy and delicious


Carolyn Sprangers - Jan. 7, 2024, 11:29 a.m.

Great flavor and easy to make! Delicous coconut broth with a little kick as an afternote. Will definitely make it again!


Melusine Parenteau - Dec. 25, 2023, 4:30 p.m.

What I would do without your recipe! Thanks a lot for your ideas, your abilities and for sharing them... I'm discovering a lot of new tastes thanks to you :)

PUL Team - Dec. 26, 2023, 3:39 p.m.

Oh that means so much, Melusine, thank you! They're always such a pleasure to make and share for our whole team, and feedback like this always makes it so much sweeter. We appreciate you!


Natalie Callan - Dec. 19, 2023, 8:53 p.m.

This hit the spot, my husband and I were both sick and this soup was so comforting and delicious!

PUL Team - Dec. 20, 2023, 5:15 a.m.

Awe hope you're feeling better, Natalie!


Robin - Dec. 15, 2023, 6:12 p.m.

I loved it! We ate the 150 gram noodles with two people and that was enough for us. We have leftovers from the soup, so we'll eat that another day. 😍

PUL Team - Dec. 15, 2023, 9:36 p.m.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the recipe, Robin! Enjoy the leftovers 🤗


Johanna - Dec. 13, 2023, 7:37 p.m.

This is a great soup! I used slightly less garlic and a bit of chili, to make sure the kids would enjoy the soup and they did. Thank you!

PUL Team - Dec. 15, 2023, 1:54 a.m.

Always a big compliment when the kiddos enjoy a recipe! Thank you, Johanna 😊


Alex - Dec. 11, 2023, 8:50 p.m.

Easy to make. Bumbu smells and taste Fantastic but go easy on the liquids as it's very easy to wash out the flavours.


Sarah - Dec. 6, 2023, 12:55 a.m.

Delicious! But with even half a red chili she was a-spicy baby! We toned down the spice with more water, a little more stick cube and a touch of sugar.


Marloes k - Nov. 30, 2023, 8:36 p.m.

Love a vegan option for Soto ayam!!!!


Fieldsofyasmine - Nov. 26, 2023, 9:30 p.m.

Ultimate comfort food


Phillipa - Nov. 25, 2023, 8:16 p.m.

I currently have corona and was wanting something comforting but easy to make. The result was so good, warming and filling. The only problem I had was the initial blending. I started with my blender which I got as a recommendation from your website but it was still too big so then I tried it in a nutribullet which also didn't work. I added water and did it that way and cooked the mixture on a high heat until the water evaporated. Do you have any tips which would mean I wouldn't have to add water? I know it mentions a small blender, hence the 2nd attempt in the nutribullet. I did also keep stopping to scrap down the sides.
Many thanks for a lovely recipe. I think next time I might use tofu.

PUL Team - Nov. 25, 2023, 10:22 p.m.

Hey Phillipa, thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the Soto Ayam! Tofu is a lovely idea to modify this one. For blending the spices, we actually recommend a food processor rather than blender. Food processors are better suited for blending semi-solid ingredients, like in this recipe, compared to blenders which are usually designed for liquids. If you'd rather not add water, you could add a touch more oil if the mixture won't blend 😊


Fieldsofyasmine - Nov. 16, 2023, 10:06 p.m.

Delicious dinner
Maar


kaylin - Oct. 31, 2023, 12:20 a.m.

This is absolutely amazing


Lucy-Jo - Oct. 23, 2023, 11:52 p.m.

So good!


angela - Oct. 16, 2023, 4:44 p.m.

I absolutely loved it. So delicious and full of flavors. Thank you both very much for this wonderful app. I thought you might have a cook book available at some point but this is so much better. I tried a lot of recipes already and I aim to try more. It was a great investment into my health.

PUL Team - Oct. 17, 2023, 1:29 a.m.

Awe thanks so much for the love and support, Angela! We have lots more delicious recipes coming 🥰


Luci - Oct. 5, 2023, 3:32 a.m.

So flavourful and delicious! Excited for leftovers.


Andrea - Sept. 30, 2023, 11:35 a.m.

Incredibly delicious! Like literally incredible how these few simple ingredients can make such a tasty soup! It’s become my new favorite dish. I added some carrots, peas and canned corn and I think it worked out perfectly 👌😋

PUL Team - Oct. 1, 2023, 6:32 p.m.

Yay we're so happy that the soto ayam is being enjoyed, Andrea - love the addition too 🤗


Dweepa - Sept. 29, 2023, 5:14 p.m.

It was sooo easy to make I was pleasantly surprised! I’m not a huge fan of mock meat so I substituted it with Tofu and it turned out great! Such a cozy meal when it’s cold and rainy outside 🧥🍜


August Vicars - Sept. 26, 2023, 3:33 a.m.

I made this after watching the video where Robin makes it for Sadia for the first time. Immediately ran to the nearby market for ingredients. The hubby and I were obsessed with the bright, freshness of the ginger. Coworkers were jealous at work when I heated up my leftovers because the break room smelled divine!

PUL Team - Sept. 26, 2023, 6:59 p.m.

Aww we're so happy to hear, August, enjoy! 😍


Ev - Sept. 13, 2023, 6:07 p.m.

This soup is so delicious! Eating it will leave you both nourished & very satisfied. AND it all comes together quick & easy. Love it!

PUL Team - Sept. 13, 2023, 7:23 p.m.

Yay! So happy to hear, Ev, thank you ☺️


Leonie - Sept. 3, 2023, 7:18 p.m.

This soup is so good! I already cooked it a few times 😃


Natalie - Aug. 29, 2023, 8:48 p.m.

Excellent 😋 Ate with whole (non vegan) family who all said it was one their best meals ever!


Tia - Aug. 26, 2023, 8:45 a.m.

Really delicious soup. Didn't have the chili peppers, so used chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and a sweet pepper instead and it worked well.

Also really like the chicken spice mix. I cooked our soy curls on the stove as well as bake them after the I added the chicken spice mix to the pan.

Perfect soup with our challah.


Avani G - Aug. 20, 2023, 11:50 p.m.

This recipe looks so yummy, I can't wait to try it! Quick question, would the same steps apply if I were to use regular chicken instead of the vegan version?

PUL Team - Aug. 21, 2023, 4:47 a.m.

Hey Avani 😊 Since we only use plant-based products here at PUL we haven't tested it out, but we hope you enjoy the Soto Ayam if you're able to give it a try.


Pauline - Aug. 18, 2023, 8:50 a.m.

This soup is the best! I already made it multiple times en every time it’s on the menu we look forward to eating it! I add spinach for extra veggies. My dad, who does not like coconut and loves eating meat, was also very enthusiastic about this soup! I’m planning on making it for lot’s more people to try :-)

PUL Team - Aug. 19, 2023, 8:36 a.m.

Aw so nice of you to make the soup for everyone! Thank you very much, Pauline 🤩


Maud Jonkhout - Aug. 14, 2023, 6:36 p.m.

Very nice soup! Beautiful flavors.


Amber Szymczyk - Aug. 14, 2023, 3:36 a.m.

Super delicious and flavorful! I didn’t have red chili peppers so I used a couple jalapeños and they worked great!


Luzie Weiers - Aug. 13, 2023, 5:55 p.m.

I saw it after watching the video where they made it and wow, it’s so good! I had to swap the fresh turmeric for powder and the chili’s for so Sambal 😅 but it still turned out great 10/10

PUL Team - Aug. 14, 2023, 3:02 a.m.

So happy the soup was enjoyed, Luzie, and thanks for sharing the modifications 😃


Gabor - Aug. 12, 2023, 3:09 p.m.

My mom, who never eats asian food, loved this so much that she decided to make this in a few weeks when guests are coming over.

PUL Team - Aug. 13, 2023, 7:26 a.m.

Aw we're so honoured the recipe will be part of the gathering, Gabor, thank you! 😊


daphne - Aug. 10, 2023, 5:54 p.m.

Very lovely and filled with spice!


Sarah - Aug. 7, 2023, 2:43 a.m.

This is the first recipe I tried after downloading the app and I absolutely loved it! I already had all the ingredients in my pantry and the recipe was so straightforward and easy to follow. Thank you PUL team for this amazing recipe!!

PUL Team - Aug. 7, 2023, 3:49 p.m.

Yayyy so glad it was enjoyed, Sarah, and thanks so much for your support with our app - I hope you continue to enjoy the recipes and features within 🥰


Amrita - July 29, 2023, 9:53 p.m.

There's recipes that surprise you, and then there's recipes you look at once and you know they're going to be fabulous. This was one of the latter kind for me. I saved it for a rainy Saturday when I needed some cheering up, and the recipe turned out exactly as I had imagined - great! :-)

PUL Team - July 30, 2023, 8:59 p.m.

Aw it means so much, Amrita, we're so happy the recipe was enjoyed. We love recipes like this on rainy days too 🥰


Kimberley - July 29, 2023, 9:03 p.m.

Delicious thank you! I've made it a couple of times now.


Kendall Goodman - July 25, 2023, 1:47 a.m.

I loved this! The spice and flavor 10/10. I added just a little sugar to the both and lime juice!

PUL Team - July 26, 2023, 11:40 p.m.

So happy to hear, Kendall, it means so much :D


bv - July 23, 2023, 5:55 p.m.


Jennifer Lawrence - July 22, 2023, 2:16 p.m.

Made this last night and even my kids loved it! Absolutely a winner!!


Claire - July 22, 2023, 12:23 p.m.

I wasn't convinced I'd like this as I'm not a huge potato fan but wow it was so delicious! The coconut milk makes the flavours quite subtle but it still had so much depth with the spices. The whole family really enjoyed. Added some spinach which worked really well.
We ended up with a bit too much liquid so was able to many an extra meal from it the next day by adding more veggies, protien pieces, and some sweet potato as we were out of regular potato and it was still lovely.

PUL Team - July 24, 2023, 5 p.m.

Woohoo! So thrilled to hear, Claire, thank you very much for sharing your experience with the recipe 😃


Louise - July 22, 2023, 12:09 p.m.

I’ve started craving this! Does well the next day after cooking


Celina - July 21, 2023, 1:43 p.m.

This is a new favorite! My brother suggested that I cook it immediately after he saw Robin making it in your "what I eat in a day".
This soup is delicious, creamy, flavourful and so satisfying!
Ten out of ten would recommend :-)

PUL Team - July 25, 2023, 1:47 a.m.

Aw thanks so much, Celina, it means a lot ☺️


Lydia D - July 20, 2023, 5:26 a.m.

Definitely a repeat meal (which it will have to be now that I am the proud owner of 10 servings of the spice mix). Some things I found helpful: I used a bunch of yellow baby potatoes which I didn’t have to peel to save time. Chili flakes worked just fine as a sub for the red chilis. I keep ginger and turmeric roots in my freezer - which worked perfectly in this. I used the food processor to mince the shallots and garlic for the chicken to save time while the potatoes cooked. I also added in a diced bell pepper during the chicken step and a generous squeeze of lime with the garnishes and a lot of salt throughout (if you’re me and don’t watch your sodium - sorry Sadia).


Quaid - July 20, 2023, 3:58 a.m.

Worth the effort! Added extra veg (red peppers) based on other comments.


marianne - July 19, 2023, 8:49 a.m.

Easy and yummy


Lee - July 18, 2023, 9:42 p.m.

This recipe is fire!! So good! 🔥


Maxwell Honzik - July 17, 2023, 6:51 p.m.


Lynette P - July 8, 2023, 11:06 p.m.

A little time consuming to make, but really delicious flavor. It still feels light enough to eat in summertime.


Anayensy López - July 5, 2023, 9:53 p.m.

We love it, it taste delicious!


deia - July 3, 2023, 8:03 p.m.

Delicious and wholesome


Anila - July 3, 2023, 3:41 a.m.

Could use a little more flavour—we had to add some salt and maple syrup! I think carrot would go well in it too. We replaced chicken with tofu and it turned out really hearty too! Definitely an easy, go-to weeknight meal!


Lindsay Hudkins - July 2, 2023, 8:36 a.m.

We loved this dish! The only thing I will change for next time is that I used an American chicken poultry spice mix that was heavy on marjoram, and that didn’t fit well with the rest of the recipe. My bad. Next time I’ll use something milder like the one from Trader Joe’s. But it was still very, very good. Thank you!

PUL Team - July 4, 2023, 2:56 a.m.

Thanks for sharing your experience with it, Lindsay 🤩


Dei - June 30, 2023, 10:15 p.m.

Loved it! Next time i’ll put a little more veg in. Great taste.


Karolina F. - June 30, 2023, 7:11 p.m.

Incredible taste. Perfect receipe.


Aisyah L. - June 30, 2023, 3:56 p.m.

It’s so delicious and explosive with a lot taste. Love it. I ate with compressed rice cake. Yummeh 🤤


Winny Irmarooke - June 30, 2023, 2:07 a.m.

I’m an Indonesian and I can say that typical soto ayam in Indonesia (especially the Java region) won’t use coconut milk and we use glass noodles. And I think this recipe refers to a certain part of Indonesia


Denise F - June 29, 2023, 5:55 a.m.

Just finished eating this. My husband and I loved it. Freaking Delicious! I reduced the recipe to two servings. I used soy curl for the mock chicken. I also added 1 carrot, a small zucchini, green beans, and cabbage because why not? I cut the oil in half. It was so good. Next time I will reduce the coconut milk and add more bouillon.

PUL Team - June 29, 2023, 8:41 a.m.

Mmm love the ideas, Denise, thank you! 🤗


Vanessa Moreno - June 29, 2023, 4:45 a.m.

Absolutely love. Easy to follow along and the taste was explosive !!


alice - June 27, 2023, 4:34 p.m.

also ! This soup doesn't really need noodles imo- just potatoes and added veggies suffice.
'3 servings' made about 18 medium laddles, so if serving is about 5 ladles it was a bit more ;)(

PUL Team - June 28, 2023, 11:34 p.m.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with the reipce, Alice, we'll note it down to help us improve 😃


alice - June 27, 2023, 4:31 p.m.

Hey ! Just made it, and Sadia asks for more comments on website, Sadia gets it ! ;)
So it ws very good (surprisingly not too spicy, i made for 3 portions, just for me for few days ), and although added entire onion and a bit more ginger and curcuma i guess and de-seeded red chilli pepper ), just not enough flavour, i found, and a bit lacking vegetables. So after i preboiled entire not washed potatoes for 7? mins to cut down time, and cooked all about 5 minutes, i added the leftover (about 1/3) tomato tin and entire tomato and 2 carrots just at the end.
Also used real chicken breast *dont kill me ! ); if i need to explain - im about 75% vegan and this one was organic and from Too Good to Go app - i didn't choose with my wallet to kill it. Just thrown for last 10 min cooking and was good.
if anyone would feel inspired by modifications ;p
Didn't have sprouts cilantro onion, so garnished with radish and alfalfa and cresson ;)


Noah - June 27, 2023, 8:50 a.m.

Just made this and like Sadia said in the video, WOWWW!! So delicious! Will be making it again!

PUL Team - June 27, 2023, 7:47 p.m.

🙌 🙌 thanks so much, Noah!


James sonhil - June 25, 2023, 7:36 p.m.

Gonna make this for my GF tommorow! 🙌🏻🙌🏻