Even after a lengthy smoke when the meat is tender, rib membrane is tough and chewy, and it detracts from the presentation of the finished cooked product. However, the majority of people dislike it, so let’s get rid of it. Here are a few quick steps on how to remove the rib membrane before cooking.
The first step in smoking pork ribs for the first time, regardless of the style, is to remove the membrane.
It’s something that the majority of pitmasters and rib lovers around the world prefer not to eat because it’s tough, stringy, and generally unappealing to eat.
In this article, we go into detail about the membrane and explain how to remove it from ribs.
Some retailers offer ribs without the silverskin or membrane. You may not know this until you open the package. Removing the silver skin is not a big deal and definitely a good idea if it is still in tact.
Removing membrane from ribs is a must if you want super tender meat that’s fall off the bone delicious! Here are step by step directions on how it’s done.
We will demonstrate how to remove the membrane from ribs so that the next time you cook, barbecue, smoke, or bake them, they’ll be the best you’ve ever had. Let us share these cooking basics with you. (originally published 4/19, affiliate links present).
Who doesn’t love ribs? Ever wonder how restaurants prepare ribs that fall off the bone and are so tender that they melt in your mouth? We know the trick.
Because we first removed the rib membrane, every single one was absolutely delicious!
Should you remove the membrane from ribs?
Absolutely. Take the extra five minutes to prepare the pork or beef ribs so that they fall off the bone. It isn’t hard. Ribs with the membrane removed are the best to smoke!
What happens if you don’t remove the membrane from ribs?
The membrane will prevent the ribs from absorbing the desired amount of smoky flavor when making grilled or smoked ribs.
How to remove membrane from ribs
This image demonstrates the first step and how to pull it back.
Remove the membrane from ribs
- Why would you want to do this? You won’t want to eat it.
- Your rack of ribs cannot become as tender as you would like because of the rib membrane.
- Remove this part if you don’t mind your ribs literally falling off the bone. Otherwise it will hold the rack together on the underside.
Once your ribs are cooked, it is very difficult to remove the membrane.
When I last looked, the instructions for the Costco ribs did not include this step, but they should. This step is essential, and I’m sure you’ll agree with me if you make both and compare them.
How to Remove Membrane from St. Louis Ribs
All you need is a large cutting board and a really sharp knife. (put away the butter knife please)
- First you open your package and rinse them thoroughly.
- Afterward, you should place your slab of ribs on the table with the meat side facing up.
- Pull up the membrane in the corner using your SHARP knife and a gentle hand motion. avoid using a table knife; a properly sharpened knife is required.
Pull steadily while being mindful to preserve the membrane. If it breaks mid way through, not to worry. Simply separate from the bone side once more and pull once more to remove.
Keep a paper towel close by to place your scraps in so you can discard them when you’re finished.
It will change everything if you invest these extra 5 to 10 minutes in doing this, I can assure you of that.
You will then ensure that you follow these instructions going forward because they have such a significant impact on the outcome. With just this one easy step before cooking, the meat is incredibly tender.
Best way to cook ribs
Well, that depends on who you ask really. Although I’ve enjoyed every method we’ve used to prepare them, I ultimately favor pressure-cooking the ribs before crisping the outside.
You can do this several ways.
- To make them crisp, put them under the broiler for about 5 minutes.
- After they’re already cooked and tender, an air fryer works great for getting a nice crust.
Utilize my husband’s barbecue rib recipe, which involves cooking and finishing with a crisp. This one’s secret dry rub makes him truly amazing.
Can you remove the membrane from ribs after cooking?
You can but it’s a mess. You won’t ultimately get the results you want if it is cooked with it on. The meat won’t be able to become as tender as it could be because of this movie, which will keep it taut.
Best type of ribs
That is a subjective question too. However, since you requested MY opinion, I will provide it. Pork ribs are, without a doubt, my favorite food.
- St. Louis and spare ribs, in my opinion, don’t have as much meat and won’t be as tender.
- Beef ribs are also available, but I don’t bother. There doesn’t seem to be much meat, and I think pork has a much better flavor.
I know that sounds crazy, but our favorite “quick way” to prepare ribs is to cook them in the air fryer.
Do Costco ribs have the membrane removed?
They do, in fact buying ribs from Costco will save you a step since the membrane has already been removed.
Don’t get me wrong. I’d prefer a filet over a pork chop any day. However, since we’re talking about RIBS, pork takes first place.
Here is a meat smoking chart to use for timing and temperature if you choose to use your smoker.
Try it out and tell us what you think. We’ve been using it for years and wouldn’t make beef or pork racks of ribs any other way at this point.
Want to see a few of my favorite things that I am totally obsessed with?? Take a peek and see how many you might already have…twinsies!
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Taking Membrane off Beef Ribs.
FAQ
What is the easiest way to remove the membrane from ribs?
The rib membrane should be removed before cooking to prevent the ribs from becoming tough and chewy. The membrane doesn’t dissolve during cooking, making it challenging to chew and damaging the meat’s texture.
What happens if you don’t remove membrane from beef ribs?
Additionally, the beef ribs’ backs have a thick membrane. The meat may fall off the bone during cooking, so it’s best to leave this membrane in place. The membrane of the ribs can be easily removed after cooking. In contrast, it is preferable to remove the membrane from the back of pork ribs before smoking them.
Do all beef ribs have a membrane?
Your ribs will have a tough texture and less flavor if the membrane is left on them. The tissue that is attached to the underside of pork ribs is the membrane, also referred to as the peritoneum.