Spider skimmer is a kitchen utensil with a shallow, round wire-mesh basket attached to a long handle. It is used to lift foods out of hot oil, boiling water or other liquids while allowing the liquid to drain back into the vessel. It is also called a spider, spider strainer or wok skimmer.
The wide basket supports foods that may break or fall through a slotted spoon, such as dumplings, noodles, blanched vegetables and fried items. Slide the basket under the food, lift steadily and allow excess oil or water to drain before transferring the product to a tray, rack or plate. For fried foods, a draining rack is often preferable to leaving the product on absorbent paper, which can trap steam and soften a crisp coating.
A spider skimmer has a basket-like mesh head and is designed to lift and drain food. A flat skimmer has a shallow perforated or slotted head and is commonly used to remove foam and impurities from stocks or liquids. A slotted spoon is smaller and generally suited to individual portions.
Example: lift tempura vegetables from a fryer with a spider skimmer, pause briefly to drain excess oil, then transfer them to a rack so the coating remains crisp.
Safety and care: use a handle length suitable for the fryer or stockpot, avoid carrying an overloaded basket and keep water away from hot frying oil. Clean the mesh thoroughly so food particles do not accumulate in the wires.
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