Skimming Scum Made Easy
Now that I've got your attention, let me tell you about my new favorite cooking tool -- it's a Japanese skimmer that lifts off unwanted crud from your bubbling brew, whether that's a stock, pot of beans or batch of Vietnamese pork riblets in caramel sauce. The skimmer works a zillion times better than any other gadget I've bought or tried.
The mesh is fine and the rim is thin enough to just glide right under the fat or scuzzy bubbles and scoop it right up. Whoever designed it was a genius because the mesh has been formed into a slight bowl shape to hold the unwanted junk. What's more, it cleans up exceptionally well with soap and can go into the dishwasher.
Some of you have said that skimming scum from your pot of pho seems like an endless task but with this lightweight skimmer, you'll be looking forward to when the scum reappears on the surface of the broth. You'll be sad when there's nothing left to skim.
I'm indebted to Niloufer Ichaporia King, author of the fabulous My Bombay Kitchen about Parsi cooking in India, for inviting me to lunch and then sending me away with this invaluable gift. She beamed with enthusiasm when she gave it to me and I knew it was special. Niloufer is no fool. So many thanks to Niloufer! (By the way, if you're in the Bay Area, Niloufer is cooking her annual Parsi New Year Feast at the venerable Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley on March 21. Call for details.)
Where can you buy one? Try an Asian market or restaurant/kitchenware supply shop like the Kamei or the Wok Shop in San Francisco Chinatown, where Niloufer got hers. I saw them at Marina Foods market in Cupertino. Wherever you are, I imagine that these are not hard to find.
The one I have came in a plastic sleeve with yellow and black Japanese lettering. One of the words -- if you read characters -- is for oil. I noticed that there are some that don't come in the plastic but look the same. Also, they come in different sizes.
How much does this thing cost? About Less than $2 my friends. Go forth and seek one for yourself!
I think you can find them at Daiso in the Eastridge Mall. The question is, where do you put that scum that you've scooped off. Hopefully not down the drain!
Posted by: Nate 2.0 | January 17, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Thanks Nate. Near the stove, I keep a bowl or cup for the scum/fat. Then yep, it goes down the drain!
Posted by: Andrea Nguyen | January 17, 2008 at 11:47 AM
That is brilliant. Thanks for the discovery. I do the same -- in a can then in the freezer then in a garbage bag.
Posted by: Binh | January 17, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Hey this is awesome, thanks for sharing! I hate skimming scum, so I am excited to find one of these.
Posted by: Laura | January 18, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Andrea, I didn't read your comment properly. It's kinda obvious you live somewhere warm [grin]. In colder climate, the fat can solidify and clog your drain easily. Then it'll get pretty messy.
Posted by: Binh | January 18, 2008 at 02:44 PM
I like to place a wadded paper towel (or two) inside my bowl. The paper towels will soak up the scum and solidified fat, which lays right on top of the towel. I just throw the paper towel away afterwards.
Andrea, I'm running out to my local market to get one. I've always seen them, but never realized how handy they can be for skimming. Thanks for the info!
Posted by: white on rice | January 20, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Scum can go down the drain, and so can a bit of fat -- followed by a long rush of hot water to flush things through. If there is a lot of fat, then I discard it in a plastic bag or other container.
Posted by: Andrea Nguyen | January 20, 2008 at 05:13 PM
I got mine at plain old Sur la Table. I bet most any serious cookware store has them, these days (though at probably twice the price of an Asian cookware store). My stocks and broths have never been clearer!
Posted by: Robyn | January 20, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Sur la Table? Robyn . . . thanks for the heads up! It's a life-altering tool.
Posted by: Andrea Nguyen | January 20, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Thanks for the tip Andrea. I just picked one up at Kamei in the Inner Richmond for $1.99. They are located at the front of the store opposite the check out area. I need to send one to my mom, who has been using the same small ladle for as long as I can remember. Thanks!
Posted by: Chuck | January 25, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Chuck, Kamei is soooo great. I love that store! Prices are fabulous.
Posted by: Andrea Nguyen | January 25, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Just got one over the weekend, and I just love it! Works so well. I got mine at the 99 Ranch market for about $2. From the packaging instructions I believe they actually made it to strain particles from oil, probably for reuse, but it works perfectly for skimming off scum.
Posted by: anh | January 28, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Thanks for the tips on where to get this! I'm gonna get this for my mom! This would be super helpful! =)
Posted by: Brenda Ton | January 31, 2008 at 12:59 AM
My mom gave me one years ago and I use it all the time!
Posted by: steamy kitchen | February 03, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Well your mom was ahead of the game!
Posted by: Andrea Nguyen | February 03, 2008 at 09:17 PM
I got one from ikea a few months back for a couple bucks, works great
Posted by: Theo | April 24, 2008 at 09:18 PM