Indonesian Chicken Meatball Soup (Bakso Ayam) Recipe

Bakso Ayam Recipe

Discover the comforting flavors of traditional Indonesian Bakso Ayam, a savory chicken meatball soup that will warm your soul. This delightful dish is perfect for a cozy meal, combining tender chicken meatballs with a rich, aromatic broth. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through creating this delicious dish from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs (Bakso):

• 500 grams chicken fillet
• 50 grams ice cubes
• 3 cloves garlic
• 8 tablespoons tapioca flour
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 seasoning mix packet
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Broth:

• Chicken bones
• 6 cloves shallots, crushed
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 stalk green onion, sliced
• 1 stalk celery, sliced
• 2 liters water (or as needed)
• Salt to taste
• Seasoning mix to taste
• Fried shallots for garnish

For Serving (Optional):

• Egg noodles or rice vermicelli
• Green leafy vegetables (e.g., bok choy)
• Tofu

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:

   • Cut the chicken fillet into small pieces.
   • In a food processor or blender, combine the chicken pieces, ice cubes, garlic, salt, ground pepper, seasoning mix, and baking powder. Blend until smooth.
   • Gradually add the tapioca flour while blending, mixing until well incorporated and the texture becomes slightly sticky.

2. Shape the Meatballs:

   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   • Using a spoon or melon baller, shape the chicken mixture into small balls and carefully drop them into the boiling water.
   • Cook until the meatballs float to the surface, indicating they are done. Allow them to cook for an additional 5 minutes to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
   • Remove the meatballs from the water and place them in a bowl of cold water to cool. This will help them maintain their shape.

3. Prepare the Broth:

   • In a large pot, add the chicken bones and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
   • Add the crushed shallots and garlic, and continue to simmer for about 1 hour to extract flavors from the bones.
   • Remove the chicken bones from the pot, and strain the broth if desired for a clearer consistency.
   • Add the sliced green onions and celery to the pot. Season with salt and seasoning mix to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

4. Assemble the Dish:

   • Prepare the optional serving items, such as cooking the egg noodles or rice vermicelli according to package instructions and blanching the green leafy vegetables.
   • To serve, place some of the cooked meatballs in bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the meatballs and add the cooked noodles or vermicelli, vegetables, and tofu as desired.
   • Garnish with fried shallots for added flavor and texture.

5. Enjoy:

   • Serve hot and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade Bakso Ayam.

Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!