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A spider is a large ladle-shaped or almost semispherical-shaped mesh spoon with a long handle used as a strainer and skimmer. It’s like a wide shallow mesh bowl on a handle. You’ll find them referred to as Asian because they were originally part of Wok cooking, and you may have seen one made of wire that comes with a new wok. I had an old-fashioned Asian-style spider made with wire mesh and a bamboo for years. The best kind to buy for our modern needs is a stainless steel model with a solid metal handle or quality plastic handle.
Recommended Product: Good Cook Large Spider Strainer
What is a Spider Strainer/Scooper Used For?
The spider is a kitchen tool I reach for constantly. In fact, I can’t seem to do without it. You need one too. Here’s why.
Need to get some ravioli or tortellini out of the water? Reach for the spider. Need to retrieve some boiling eggs? Reach for the spider. Need to put something into the deep fryer without getting splashed by hot oil? Reach for the spider. Need to get something out of hot oil? You get the picture.
What Type of Whisks Do You Need For the Kitchen?
A spider is also great for removing smaller pasta shapes from boiling water while draining the pasta. This way, you won’t have to pull out a clunky colander every time you cook pasta, thus having more to wash up afterward.
You can’t use a spider for removing spaghetti or other strand pasta shapes, but good metal tongs or a pasta fork will work quite well.
Anywhere you’ve been using a big slotted spoon, a spider will make your life easier. The one that I own myself is pictured below, the Good Cook Large Spider Strainer.
Another good choice is the Oxo Good Grips, a brand you can always count on for consistent quality. And, yes, if you do actually do plan to do a lot of wok cooking, you’ll need one of these, but they are useful for much more.
- Spider style skimmer
- Perfect for lifting dumplings or egg rolls from hot oil
- Heat-resistant high quality materials
- Dishwasher safe and BPA free
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