Simple and Delicious Ayam Woku Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the paste: Blend or grind all the “spice paste” ingredients until smooth. A fine texture helps the flavors penetrate the chicken better.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a wok. Sauté the spice paste until it’s fragrant and cooked through. This step is crucial! Sauté for about 3–5 minutes until the color deepens and the oil starts to separate.
- Add the leaves: Toss in the bruised lemongrass and lime leaves. Stir until the aroma fills the kitchen.
- Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the wok. Stir well until the chicken changes color and is evenly coated in the spices.
- Simmer: Pour in the water and cook over medium heat. Let it simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce has reduced slightly (usually 15–20 minutes).
- Add the fresh bits: Once the chicken is tender, throw in the diced tomatoes and green onions. Stir until the tomatoes soften.
- The finishing touch: Finally, add the basil leaves. Give it a quick toss and turn off the heat immediately so the basil stays fresh and fragrant without wilting too much.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust with salt, sugar, or bouillon. Serve your Ayam Woku with a plate of warm steamed rice.
Notes
Spice it up: If you love heat, don’t be shy with the bird’s eye chilies!
Dry or Wet: You can cook it longer if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated sauce, or leave it a bit saucy to pour over your rice.
Let it rest: Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving; the flavors develop even more as it cools slightly.
This Ayam Woku recipe brings the authentic flavors of Manado straight to your kitchen spicy, fresh, and incredibly aromatic. Made with simple ingredients like chicken, basil, lemongrass, and chili, this dish isn’t just tasty; it’s also packed with health benefits and surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
Indonesian cuisine is famous for its rich spices and diverse regional flavors. One dish that truly stands out is Ayam Woku, a traditional specialty from Manado, North Sulawesi. The fragrant mix of lemon basil (kemangi), lemongrass, and lime leaves, combined with a spicy and zesty kick, makes it a favorite for food lovers across the archipelago.
Even though it’s a traditional classic, Ayam Woku is actually quite simple to make. You can find all the ingredients at your local market or supermarket. This version is a simplified take that still keeps those authentic Manado flavors intact.
A Quick Backstory: What is Woku?
The word “woku” refers to a specific Minahasan cooking style that uses a variety of spices and aromatic leaves like turmeric leaves, basil, and lime leaves. Originally, this technique was used for fish, but nowadays, chicken is the most popular choice.
The hallmark of Ayam Woku is its spice-rich broth slightly spicy and intensely fragrant. At first glance, it might look like a standard yellow curry (bumbu kuning), but the taste and aroma are much more complex thanks to the abundance of fresh herbs.
Why It’s Good For You
Ayam Woku isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a nutritional powerhouse:
- High Protein: Essential for muscle repair and immune health.
- B Vitamins: Great for energy metabolism and brain function.
- Antioxidants: Ingredients like turmeric (curcumin), ginger, and galangal are natural anti-inflammatories.
- Vitamin C & A: From the chilies, tomatoes, and basil to boost your skin health and immunity.
Elevate Your Woku with Olagud Probiotic Chicken
You can have the best spice mix in the world, but if the chicken isn’t fresh, the dish just won’t hit the same. For a truly juicy, savory, and clean-tasting result, Olagud Probiotic Fresh Chicken is the way to go.
Raised on Japfa Food’s modern farms with strict quality control, these chickens are fed with probiotics and are free from antibiotics and preservatives. Because they are raised cage-free, the meat is naturally tender, making it soak up the Woku spices perfectly.The 1kg pack comes with 10 mixed pieces (thighs, wings, breasts), so it’s super practical for a family meal. No need to spend time choosing cuts just prep your spices and you’re ready to go. Choosing a high-quality source like Olagud ensures your meal is not only delicious but also healthier and fresher for your loved ones.
