Favorite Tool for Poached Eggs: Small Mesh Strainer

I have not one but three small, fine mesh strainers in my kitchen. They look small and rather twee, sitting in a jar next to the more substantial tools, but I use them all the time. Here's my latest favorite use for these tiny strainers: Poached eggs.

A small mesh strainer is the perfect tool for lifting a poached egg out of its hot water bath. It cups the delicate egg and lets all the water drain away. In this function it is much better than a slotted spoon.

You can also use a small mesh strainer to lower the raw egg into the water, and even leave it in there with the egg to keep it in a neater, rounder shape.

Poached eggs are pretty hot around here (here's a roundup of tips, guides and good ideas for poached eggs) — so my little strainer is in use all the time. I also use it for cocktails, straining loose leaf tea, and sifting powdered sugar over cakes.

You can find these little strainers at any kitchen supply shop. I think I bought all of mine for just a few dollars apiece. This one is a little more more expensive, but I am linking it here just to show you the size of mine:

• Cuisipro Stainless-Steel 3-Inch Strainer, $6.99 at Amazon

(Images: Faith Durand)

Comments (6)

Pardon the dumb question but do you just prop the handle on the edge of the pan? Or do you sit there and hold it for the requisite 4 minutes?

Oh, if I use it to hold the egg while poaching, yes, I just sort of prop it up inside the pan. (I use this really little saucepan for poaching eggs...)

I use my strainer to sift powdered sugar over my cakes too! in fact, that's probably it's number one use since I am not a huge fan of icing of glazes and prefer just a sprinkling of sugar instead. Interesting idea on the poached eggs though, will have to give it a try!

This is one of those "why didn't I ever think of that" moments -- I'm definitely using my little strainer next time!

I wouldn't poach an egg while still in the strainer - it will cook into all the little spaces. But I definitely love mine for scooping them once they're done.

deelw, I agree with you! Never would have thought of it before!