Chinese Spider Strainer

A wide, shallow wire-mesh basket on a long bamboo or metal handle, used to lower food into hot oil or water and lift it out again while draining excess liquid.

Material & Construction

A woven wire mesh basket, traditionally copper or brass wire, mounted on a long bamboo handle for a secure, heat-insulated grip.

Traditional Uses

Deep-frying and blanching, particularly for delicate items like dumplings or greens that need to be lifted out quickly and drained without breaking apart.

Modern Availability / Equivalents

Sold internationally as a "spider strainer" and now common in non-Chinese kitchens as a general deep-frying tool.

Care & Maintenance

Rinse thoroughly after use to remove trapped food particles from the mesh; dry fully to prevent the wire from rusting or the bamboo handle from splitting.