Authentic Cakalang Woku from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian main dish with step-by-step cooking instructions

Cakalang Woku: Manado Spiced Tuna

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

Skipjack tuna cooked in a vibrant, aromatic woku spice paste featuring lemongrass, ginger, and lime leaves. A signature Manado preparation.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
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Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500 g skipjack tuna, cut into chunks
  • 3 lemongrass stalks, bruised
  • 5 kaffir lime leaves
  • 3 cm ginger
  • 3 cm galangal
  • Ground spice paste: 10 red chilies, 5 shallots, 3 garlic cloves, 3 cm turmeric, 3 cm ginger, 5 candlenuts
  • Salt and lime juice
  • Cooking oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Sauté spice paste with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, ginger, and galangal until fragrant.
  2. Add tuna chunks.
  3. Stir to coat fish with spices.
  4. Cook on medium heat until fish is done.
  5. Season with salt and lime juice.
  6. Serve with steamed rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cakalang Woku: Manado Spiced Tuna?

Skipjack tuna cooked in a vibrant, aromatic woku spice paste featuring lemongrass, ginger, and lime leaves. A signature Manado preparation.

Where does Cakalang Woku: Manado Spiced Tuna come from?

Cakalang Woku: Manado Spiced Tuna originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

Is Cakalang Woku: Manado Spiced Tuna difficult to make?

Cakalang Woku: Manado Spiced Tuna requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Cakalang Woku: Manado Spiced Tuna?

The spiciness can be easily adjusted by modifying the amount of chili peppers. For milder versions, reduce or omit the bird's eye chilies (cabe rawit).

How do I store leftover Cakalang Woku: Manado Spiced Tuna?

Store leftover Cakalang Woku: Manado Spiced Tuna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team

This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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