Removing the membrane from ribs

[elkins20]

A little while back Divotmaker gave me good instructions on removing the membrane. After my first smoke of ribs decided that this needs to be done. But, have searched the site for two days now and cannot find the instructions. I tried today to get the membrane off of a slab of ribs and after 30 min. I gave up getting some off the middle.

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[gregbooras]

Its really pretty easy, start at one end and with a sharp knife on the short rib and grab it with a paper towel and peel.

Here is a video that shows you how.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_fqJcc4n_I

Greg

[elkins20]

Thanks Greg, you would not believe the fight I had, next time will use paper towels. But, hand on examine gloves and thought would be easy to hold onto.

[gregbooras]

Thanks Greg, you would not believe the fight I had, next time will use paper towels. But, hand on examine gloves and thought would be easy to hold onto.

It is amazing how easy it is with paper towels. But before I starting using this smoker, I never removed the membrane. I would smoke for 4-6 hours and then finish the ribs in the oven with steam....

This is easier and the taste is excellent.

Greg

[gregbooras]

Bill,

I keep a word doc on everything I smoke, bake or cook. The last baby backs I did, I did not remove the membrane, but they were brined....

They were perfect, so there you go

Greg

[DivotMaker]

Start in the middle, Bill - so much easier than the ends!  No paper towels needed, just a butter knife and fingers!  Make a pocket, side to side, in the middle of the rack, and pull up on it!

[gregbooras]

I would suggest giving both a try, but with the paper towels, you will be able to pull the membrane from end to end.

Greg

[elkins20]

Thanks will try both ways. The last spare ribs I smoked had oil between the membrane and bones. Don't really want that again. So going to take the membrane off from now on. Thanks again for the help

[Duffy42]

I use a small phillips screwdriver/ works great

[SuperDave]

I used to get VERY frustrated trying to remove the membrane until I learned that not all ribs still have the membrane on in the package.  Try removing a membrane that isn't there, that'll get you a little miffed. 

[DivotMaker]

Try removing a membrane that isn't there, that'll get you a little miffed.

Ha!  Yeah, it can be frustrating!!       Been there, done that!  Every now and then, I pull a rack out of the pack from Sam's that has the membrane already removed.  Weird...not sure how that happens!  They're pretty much always intact.  So, I in my membrane removal groove, and I'm poking away on the side of a rack that doesn't have one.  Arghh!!

[gregbooras]

Wow I have never bought ribs that did not have the membrane, good to know!

Greg

[DivotMaker]

If the back isn't shiny, look close!  Probably no membrane!