Glossary - Kitchen Tools

Akutori Fine Mesh Skimmer

A fine mesh net used to remove scum while leaving nutrients intact

What is akutori fine mesh skimmer?

An akutori fine mesh skimmer (あく取り in Japanese) is a net used to remove the scum that floats to the surface when cooking stews or hot pot dishes. It is a small mesh net with a long handle. The akutori fine mesh skimmer is similar to a frying colander used for deep frying, but the mesh is finer and the diameter is smaller than that of a frying colander so it can be easily moved around in a pot or frying pan. Compared to removing scum with a ladle, less broth is discarded with the use of an akutori skimmer, so there is less need to add water and season again. As a result, there is less of an impact on the taste of the dish.

Removing scum

How to use

Before removing the pot’s scum, prepare a bowl filled with water. When scum begins to appear while cooking stews or hot pot dishes, scoop it up with the akutori skimmer, and after each scoop, dip the net in the water to wash off the scum thoroughly before continuing to use.

Substitute for akutori fine mesh skimmer: when you don’t have it

A ladle may be used instead. In this case, it's a good idea to prepare a bowl of water and clean the ladle after each scoop.

Trivia

If you don't have an akutori fine mesh skimmer, you can also soak up the scum that rises to the top with kitchen paper, or place a rolled-up piece of aluminum foil with bumps on the pot and allow the scum to get caught in the aluminum foil.