Prep & Assembly
Filter
Pass liquid through fine material to clarify out the smallest particles
Filtering passes a liquid through paper or fine cloth to remove even the smallest particles, leaving it crystal clear — used for clarifying stocks, oils, or infusions. It's slower and finer than straining. Let gravity do the work and resist pressing, which pushes sediment through.
Filtering passes liquid through paper or fine cloth to catch even the smallest particles, leaving it crystal clear. It's slower and finer than straining, used to polish stocks, clarify oils, and brighten infusions. Let gravity do the work and resist pressing, which forces sediment through.
- Difficulty
- Easy
How to do it
- 1
Line a sieve or funnel with filter paper or fine cloth.
- 2
Wet the filter first so it sits flush.
- 3
Pour the liquid in and let it drip through unaided.
- 4
Swap a clogged filter rather than pressing it.
Common uses
Tips & pitfalls
- Pre-strain through mesh first so the fine filter lasts longer.
- Doubled muslin handles larger volumes than coffee filters.
- Never squeeze the filter — it pushes the haze straight through.
Good to know
- Tool
- Coffee filter, paper, or muslin cloth
- Best for
- Clarifying stocks, oils, syrups, infusions
- Cue
- Liquid runs glass-clear and sediment-free
Also called
clarify
Dishes that rely on it
Related
Whisk
Beat ingredients smooth and aerated with a looping wire motion
Sift
Pass dry ingredients through mesh to aerate and remove lumps
Strain
Pour through mesh to separate solids from liquid for a smooth result
Rice
Press cooked potatoes through small holes for fluffy, lump-free texture
Mash
Crush soft cooked food into a rustic, creamy purée
Grind
Crush food into a coarse to fine texture, from spices to meat
Grate
Shred food into fine bits against a sharp-toothed surface
Zest
Shave the fragrant colored peel of citrus, sparing the bitter pith