Membrane:Pork Ribs

Baby (loin) back rib membranes are easier to pull than spare ribs. Beef ribs appear to be the hardest to pull off.

Membranes are easy.. at the end of the spare rib rack that has the larger bones, use a butter knife and get underneath the membrane and pull it up an inch or so. Grab a paper towel, fold it half, making it thicker, grab the membrane you just pulled up with the paper towel and gently pull it up to the top of the ribs, keeping it all one piece. Then start pulling it across the rack until its completely off in one piece. If it tears, get back under it, pull it up, grab it again and tear til its all off.

I almost always do baby backs and find it fairly easy to take the membrane off. More tender and flavorful that way IMO.

I like the flavor of the spares better. I do take the membrane off for the family and for comps.

The membrane can leave a tough to bite through film. And for me it takes away from the rib.

If I'm doing a larger amount (24+), then I will score the back diagonally in both directions. As it cooks the membrane will shrink some and become less a factor.

RandyE

So, bake,

Did you not answer your poll? Currently it's 0 like/ 8 dislike

Question for you, did you give up because it's just a PITA?

We can help with that if you want.

I voted no because I personally feel that any rub or smoke will never penetrate the membrane, so I remove it.

I know people that cook in bulk will score as you mention, but it still leaves that membrane there after the cook.

Yep,but them strands of plastic can floss your teeth,if corn on the cob was a side.

Once ya get the hang of it, taking thee membrane off is no biggie! Here's a youtube video that might help ya.

quote:

Originally posted by Wheelz:
Here's a youtube video that might help ya.

Ow, something about seeing a guy in a chef's coat telling me how to do it, he doesn't LOOK like a BBQ'er...

LOL. Oh, and of course, he picked BB which are easier.

With the white jacket and white gloves the guy looks more like a proctologist than a barbecuer. Actually, not a bad idea. If I wore the white jacket, my shirts wouldn't have as many stains on them.

No offense, Wheels. He does a good job of explaining removal of the membrane.