Soto tangkar is a traditional soup and a type of soto. The soup is usually made with a combination of beef ribs, coconut milk, galangal, cinnamon, lemongrass, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, oil, water, and a spice paste consisting of shallots, garlic, hot peppers, candlenuts, turmeric, coriander, cumin, salt, and white pepper.

The beef ribs are boiled in water, then mixed with the sautéed and fragrant spices and water. The soup is slowly simmered until the meat becomes fully tender. The coconut milk is added near the end of cooking, and soto tangkar is then seasoned with salt and pepper.

Before serving, the soup is often garnished with ingredients such as soy sauce, lime juice, tomatoes, and scallions.