diff --git a/.forgejo/workflows/ci.yml b/.forgejo/workflows/ci.yml
index b24615e..d895605 100644
--- a/.forgejo/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.forgejo/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -112,7 +112,8 @@ jobs:
               mkdir -p /workspace
               tar -x -C /workspace
               cd /workspace/backend
-              cargo chef cook --release --recipe-path /app/recipe.json
+              # Build local crates using pre-built external dependencies
+              cargo build --release --frozen
               cargo test --lib -- --test-threads=1
             '