Authentic North Sulawesi Woku Fish from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian grilled dish with step-by-step cooking instructions

Ikan Bakar Woku: North Sulawesi Woku Fish

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

Aromatic grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves with woku spice paste.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
NE
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

  • 4 whole fish (tilapia or snapper)
  • Woku paste: 10 shallots, 5 garlic cloves, 10 red chilies, 5 cm ginger, 3 cm turmeric, 3 lemongrass stalks, 5 kaffir lime leaves, 2 cm galangal, handful of lemon basil
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Banana leaves for wrapping

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Grind woku paste ingredients until smooth.
  2. Stuff fish with half the paste.
  3. Wrap each fish in banana leaves with remaining paste spread on top.
  4. Grill over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning once.
  5. Unwrap and serve with steamed rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ikan Bakar Woku: North Sulawesi Woku Fish?

Aromatic grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves with woku spice paste.

Where does Ikan Bakar Woku: North Sulawesi Woku Fish come from?

Ikan Bakar Woku: North Sulawesi Woku Fish originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

What type of grill works best for Ikan Bakar Woku: North Sulawesi Woku Fish?

Traditional Ikan Bakar Woku: North Sulawesi Woku Fish is best cooked over charcoal (arang) for authentic smoky flavor. However, a gas grill or grill pan works well too. The key is maintaining medium-high heat and turning regularly for even cooking.

Is Ikan Bakar Woku: North Sulawesi Woku Fish difficult to make?

Ikan Bakar Woku: North Sulawesi Woku Fish requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Ikan Bakar Woku: North Sulawesi Woku Fish?

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 Ikan Bakar Woku: North Sulawesi Woku Fish?

Store leftover Ikan Bakar Woku: North Sulawesi Woku Fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

🥘Recipes Using Similar Ingredients

NE

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
Loading views...