diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index f1cefd4..f531782 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -27,6 +27,13 @@ jobs:
         run: |
           rustup update
 
+      - name: Install protoc
+        # https://github.com/taiki-e/install-action/releases
+        # v2.20.3
+        uses: taiki-e/install-action@47d27149ff6b3422864ec504071d5cc7873d642e
+        with:
+          tool: protoc@${{ env.PROTOC_VERSION }}
+
       - name: Cache Rust
         # https://github.com/Swatinem/rust-cache/releases
         # v2.7.0