Overview
A signature spicy chicken dish from Manado, North Sulawesi, packed with fragrant spices and fresh basil.
IMG_1277
Dinner
Featured
Ayam Woku (Indonesia)
An authentic recipe for Manadonese Ayam Woku, showcasing a rich harmony of spices, citrusy lime leaves, and fragrant lemon basil.
Ready in
60 min
Makes 4 servings
Prep
25m
Cook
35m
Level
Medium
About this recipe
An authentic recipe for Manadonese Ayam Woku, showcasing a rich harmony of spices, citrusy lime leaves, and fragrant lemon basil.
A signature spicy chicken dish from Manado, North Sulawesi, packed with fragrant spices and fresh basil.
Ingredients
Main
Spice Paste
Aromatics
Cooking
Equipment
- Wok or deep skillet For cooking and simmering
- Food processor or mortar and pestle For grinding spice paste
- Wooden spatula
Instructions
-
Clean the chicken pieces and rub them with lime juice and salt. Let rest for 15 minutes.
-
Blend shallots, garlic, chilies, turmeric, ginger, and roasted candlenuts into a smooth spice paste.
-
Heat oil in a wok over medium heat and sauté the ground spice paste along with bruised lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and pandan leaves until fragrant.
-
Add the chicken pieces to the wok and stir well until the chicken changes color and absorbs the spices.
-
Pour in water, season with salt and sugar, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat until the chicken is tender and the sauce reduces.
-
Just before turning off the heat, toss in the lemon basil leaves and chopped scallions, stirring until wilted and aromatic.
Nutrition
Calories
340
Protein
28g
Carbs
12g
Fat
20g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
3g
Sodium
520mg
Serving Size
1 serving
Cooking Timeline
Recipe Scorecard
Overall
9.4
/10
Expert
4.9
95% conf.
Expert Review
Verdict
An explosion of spicy, tangy, and intensely herbaceous flavors that make it a standout Indonesian chicken dish.
Pros
- Incredible aroma
- Rich complex flavors
- Refreshing herby finish
Cons
- Requires multiple fresh aromatics
AI Insights
Summary
An authentic recipe for Manadonese Ayam Woku, showcasing a rich harmony of spices, citrusy lime leaves, and fragrant lemon basil.
Tips
- Do not skip the lemon basil (kemangi); it provides the signature aromatic finish of authentic Woku dishes
- Sauté the spice paste thoroughly until it darkens slightly to unlock the deep flavor profile
- Serve hot alongside plenty of warm steamed white rice
Substitutions
- Lemon basil → Regular sweet basil (though flavor profile will differ)
- Chicken pieces → Chicken breast or thighs
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Pairing
- Warm steamed white rice
- Traditional sambal tomato
AI Cooking Assistant
Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.
FAQ
What makes Ayam Woku unique?
It features a distinctive heavy load of aromatic herbs like lemon basil, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves that give it a refreshing, spicy kick.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, simply reduce or increase the amount of bird's eye chilies used in the spice paste.
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4.9 expert rating
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