Authentic Indonesian Mie Ayam: Savory Chicken Noodle Soup

Introduction

Mie Ayam, also known as Indonesian Chicken Noodle Soup, is a beloved street food dish that brings comfort and warmth in every bite. Combining tender chicken pieces, savory broth, and springy noodles, Mie Ayam is a perfect example of Indonesia’s culinary ingenuity. This recipe provides a comprehensive guide to crafting this iconic dish in your own kitchen, delivering an authentic experience that’s as close to Indonesia as you can get without leaving your home.

Time

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Needed Equipment

Blender or food processor
Large pot
Medium saucepan
Frying pan
Wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board
Strainer
Measuring cups and spoons

Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Allergen Information

Contains soy (from sweet soy sauce)
Gluten (from noodles; can substitute with gluten-free noodles)

Dietary Preference

Non-vegetarian
Can be made gluten-free with appropriate substitutions

Course

Main Course

Cuisine

Indonesian

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken meat	250 grams
Shallots	4 cloves
Garlic	3 cloves
Candlenut	1 piece
Fresh turmeric	3 segments
Ginger	2 segments
Galangal	2 segments
Bay leaves	2 pieces
Lime leaves	2 pieces
Lemongrass	1 stalk
Ground coriander	To taste
Ground black pepper	To taste
Salt	To taste
Sugar	To taste
Sweet soy sauce	To taste

For the Broth:

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken bones	As available
Water	1 liter
Garlic	4 cloves
Green onion	1 stalk
Ground black pepper	To taste
Salt	To taste

Additional Ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity
Dried noodles	As needed
Chinese cabbage	As needed
Sambal sauce (optional)	As needed

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken meat into small, bite-sized pieces.
Blend the Spices: Combine shallots, garlic, candlenut, turmeric, ginger, and galangal in a blender. Process into a smooth paste.
Cook the Spices: Heat oil in a frying pan. Sauté the spice paste until fragrant, adding the lemongrass, lime leaves, and bay leaves for additional aroma.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan, cooking until no longer pink. Pour in a small amount of chicken stock for moisture, and season with salt, sugar, and sweet soy sauce. Simmer until fully cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

Boil the Bones: Add chicken bones and water to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer to extract a rich flavor.
Fry the Garlic and Green Onion: Heat oil in a pan. Fry garlic and green onion until lightly browned, then blend into a paste.
Season the Broth: Stir the garlic-green onion paste into the simmering broth. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to simmer until flavors meld together.

Step 3: Final Assembly

Cook the Noodles and Vegetables: Boil the dried noodles and Chinese cabbage in a separate pot until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Dish: Divide the noodles and cabbage among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth over them and top with the cooked chicken. Add sambal sauce if desired.
Serve Hot: Garnish as desired and serve immediately.

Preparation Tips

Use fresh spices for maximum flavor.
Adjust seasoning based on personal preference.
To simplify the recipe, pre-made chicken stock can be used instead of boiling chicken bones.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	25g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	850mg

Tips and Tricks

For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken slightly before cooking.
Add a boiled egg for an enhanced experience.
Customize spice levels by adjusting sambal sauce.

Add-ons

Fried shallots for garnish
Sliced spring onions for added freshness
Lime wedges for a tangy twist

Side Dishes

Fried wontons
Pickled vegetables (Acar)
Spicy sambal

Improvements

Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
Use gluten-free noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Save and Store

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Do not freeze as the noodles may become mushy upon thawing.

FAQ

1. Can I use instant noodles for this recipe?
Yes, instant noodles can be used as a quick substitute.

2. What can I use instead of candlenut?
Macadamia nuts or almonds make excellent substitutes.

3. How do I make it spicier?
Add more sambal sauce or a chopped chili to the spice paste.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken and broth in advance and store them separately. Assemble the noodles fresh before serving.

Conclusion

Mie Ayam is more than just a noodle soup; it’s a culinary experience that captures the heart of Indonesian cuisine. This recipe, with its flavorful broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles, is sure to become a favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. Customize it to your liking and bring a taste of Indonesia to your table today!

References

Indonesian Culinary Association
Authentic Indonesian Recipes by William Wongso