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Ladle

Utensils & kitchen tools · Spoon

Ladle

A deep bowl on a long handle for scooping and serving soups, stocks, sauces and batters.

Essential in most kitchens · Manual · 5 recipes

Photo: Unknown author, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-4.0)

What it is

A cup-shaped bowl at a right angle to a long handle, often with a hook to hang it on the pot rim. Sizes range from small sauce ladles to large soup ladles; some have a pouring lip. Its depth distinguishes it from a serving spoon.

What it’s for: Transferring liquids neatly in measured amounts.

How to use it

  1. Dip the ladle into the pot and fill it.
  2. Lift straight up and pause to let drips fall back.
  3. Pour from the side or lip into bowls or pans.
  4. Use the back to spread dosa or crepe batter thinly.

Good to know

Tasks
serving soup and dal, adding stock to risotto, pouring batter for dosa and pancakes, skimming fat
Cooking methods
Simmered, Boiled, Stewed
Materials
stainless steel, nylon, silicone, wood
Care and cleaning
Dishwasher-safe for most; dry wood promptly.
Limitations
Awkward for chunky foods and shallow pans.

Safety

  • Hold the handle away from the edge; hot liquid drips down metal handles.

If you don’t have one

  • Measuring jug — Dip and pour from a heatproof jug.
  • Mug — A heatproof mug scoops soup in a pinch.

Equipment guide

How it works: A deep bowl at a sharp angle to a long handle lifts liquid out of tall pots without tipping it. Ladles of known volume let professionals portion soups and sauces consistently.

MaterialGoodWatch out
Stainless steelDurable, non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, does not hold smells.Can scratch non-stick pans; conducts heat, so all-metal handles get hot.
Nylon or siliconeSafe on non-stick.Not for very hot oil.
WoodDoes not scratch pans, stays cool to hold, feels warm and quiet in use.Absorbs water and smells if soaked; cracks if put in the dishwasher; needs occasional oiling.
Soup ladle
Serving.
Portion ladle
Marked volume, e.g. 60, 120 or 180 ml.
Sauce ladle with spout
Pouring sauces neatly.
Flat-bottom ladle
Spreading dosa and pancake batter.

Buying guidance

Starting out: One stainless ladle of about 120 ml with a long handle.

  • Volume marked on the handle
  • Handle long enough for your stockpot
  • Hook to hang on the pot edge

No brands or prices — check current reviews before buying.

Techniques:SimmeringTadka (tempering)Stock makingClarificationBatch cookingPlating

Related tools

Recipes that use it