Soup · Asian · Dinner ·

Creamy Malaysian Soto Ayam with Lemongrass and Coconut Milk

Name: Creamy Malaysian Soto Ayam with Lemongrass and Coconut Milk
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: Chicken breasts, 2 boneless, cut into small pieces; Chicken broth, 4 cups; Lemongrass stalks, 2, crushed; Ginger, Thumb-sized piece, sliced; Garlic cloves, 2, minced; Onion, 1 small, diced; Coconut milk, 1 cup; Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons; Turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon; Coriander powder, 1 teaspoon; Cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon; Salt and pepper, To taste; Rice noodles, 200g; Bean sprouts, 1 cup, rinsed; Hard-boiled eggs, 2, halved; Fresh cilantro leaves, Chopped; Lime wedges; Crispy shallots

Discover the harmony of spices and creamy textures in this traditional Malaysian dish that's sure to comfort and satisfy.

4(359 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·February 18, 2026

Creamy Malaysian Soto Ayam with Lemongrass and Coconut Milk — Soup served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

Soto Base

Spice Mix

Noodle and Toppings

Garnishes

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 513 kcal
Protein: 25.25 g
Carbs: 46.75 g
Fat: 24.75 g
Fiber: 2.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2052 kcal
Protein: 101 g
Carbs: 187 g
Fat: 99 g
Fiber: 9 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Chicken breasts 2 boneless, cut into small pieces	330	62	0	7	0
Chicken broth 4 cups	40	6	2	1	0
Lemongrass stalks 2, crushed	5	0	1	0	0
Ginger Thumb-sized piece, sliced	9	0	2	0	0
Garlic cloves 2, minced	9	0	2	0	0
Onion 1 small, diced	28	1	6	0	1
Coconut milk 1 cup	445	5	6	48	2
Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons	240	0	0	28	0
Turmeric powder 1 teaspoon	8	0	1	0	1
Coriander powder 1 teaspoon	7	0	1	0	1
Cumin powder 1/2 teaspoon	4	0	1	0	0
Salt and pepper To taste	0	0	0	0	0
Rice noodles 200g	714	10	158	2	2
Bean sprouts 1 cup, rinsed	31	3	6	0	2
Hard-boiled eggs 2, halved	156	13	1	11	0
Fresh cilantro leaves Chopped	1	0	0	0	0
Lime wedges	5	0	1	0	0
Crispy shallots	20	0	2	2	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

1
Mix spices and chicken
In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with turmeric, coriander, and cumin powders.
2
Season and marinate
Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then let marinate for about 30 minutes.
3
Set aside
Set aside.

Preparing the Soup Base

1
Heat oil and aromatics
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2
Sauté aromatics
Add onions, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, sauté until fragrant.
3
Cook chicken
Stir in the marinated chicken, cooking until lightly browned.

How to Make Creamy Malaysian Soto Ayam with Lemongrass and Coconut Milk

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Simmer the soup
Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, then add coconut milk. Let it cook for about 30 minutes.
2
Cook the noodles
Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3
Assemble the soto
Divide noodles into bowls and ladle over the hot soup, topping with bean sprouts and boiled egg halves.