Learn how to make this Indonesian recipe for a hearty chicken noodle soup! It’s made in the InstantPot, so it’s quick and easy! Soto Ayam isn’t typically made in the Instant Pot, but this recipe does not compromise on flavor at all!! This is a hearty soup that can be eaten as a meal replacement; it’s filled with vegetables and chicken, and all the Indonesian aromatics really give this soup a unique flavor!
I learned about this soup in the Royal Netherlands Navy, where we would sometimes get this at lunch with maybe a salad on the side. For me, this Indonesian soup is great to be eaten on a cold day; it’s so comforting, and warms you up, and is quite filling! The lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves add citrus notes to the broth that make this soup so special!
Soto Ayam: Indonesian Chicken Noodle Soup in the Instant Pot
Learn how to make this Indonesian recipe for a hearty chicken noodle soup! It's made in the InstantPot, so it's quick and easy! Soto Ayam isn't typically made in the Instant Pot, but this recipe does not compromise on flavor at all!! This is a hearty soup that can be eaten as a meal replacement; it's filled with vegetables and chicken, and all the Indonesian aromatics really give this soup a unique flavor!
Finely chop the ginger and garlic. Do not use a Microplane or garlic press.
Slice the onion in thin semi-circles.
Put your Instant Pot in sauté mode, and heat up 1tbsp of oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and turmeric until the onions turn translucent and soft.
Instructions without an InstantPotSautée the vegetables in your heavy-bottom stock pot until the onions are translucent and soft.
Remove the vegetables from the Instant Pot
Instructions without an InstantPotRemove the vegetables from your stock pot..
Making the broth
Rinse your chicken really well, until water runs clear.
Crush your lemongrass.
Add a little bit of water to your Instant Pot, and scrape off any of the bits of sautéed vegetables that may be stuck to the bottom.
Instructions without an InstantPotAdd some water to the bottom of your stock pot, and scrape off any of the bits of sautéed vegetables that may be stuck to the bottom
Nestle the chicken in the pot, and add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and salam leaves.
Fill the Instant Pot with water, to the "PC MAX -- 2/3" line.
Instructions without an InstantPotFill your stock pot with at least 4L (4 Quarts) of water.
Using Sauté mode, bring the water to a boil. Let it boil for approximately 5-10 minutes. Then, skim off any of the impurities that float to the top. (Typically in the form of foam)
Instructions without an InstantPotBring the water to a boil, and let it boil for approximately 5-10 minutes. Then, skim off any of the impurities that float to the top (Typically in the form of foam)
Put on the lid, and set the vent to "sealing." Turn on High Pressure for 1 hour and 15 minutes.When the timer is done, do a natural release for 30 minutes. Instructions without an InstantPotLower the heat to a simmer, and add the lid to your stock pot. Let it simmer for at least 4 hours. Make sure it stays at a simmer, and add boiling water if your water level gets too low. Try not to add too much water!
Turn the vent to "venting," and remove the lid.
Take the chicken, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and salam leaves out of the broth.
Instructions without an InstantPotRemove the chicken, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and salam leaves out of the broth.
Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheese cloth.
Making the soup
Clean the Instant Pot liner, and add the broth back in.
Instructions without an InstantPotClean the stock pot, and add the broth back in.
Bring the broth to a boil, and let it boil for 5-10 minutes.
While the broth is boiling, take the skin off the chicken, and take the meat off the bones. Make sure all pieces are at least bite-sized.
Shred the cabbage, and thinly slice the leek.
Chop the celery into 1cm (3/8") slices.
When the broth has boiled for a while, lower the sauté setting to medium, and add the chicken and the sautéed onion/garlic/ginger/turmeric mixture.
Stir it through.
Instructions without an InstantPotWhen the broth has boiled for a while, lower the temperature until the soup is simmering. Add the chicken and sautéed onion/garlic/ginger/turmeric mixture.
Stir it through.
Add the celery, and let it cook for a few minutes.
Add the cabbage and leeks, and let that cook for 1 minute.
Taste the soup (make sure to have some chicken in your bite), and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Add the fresh rice noodles, and stir through. Make sure the noodles don't stick together. Cook them for 30s (or whatever the directions on your noodles say), and serve!
