Membrane Removal Tricks needed - Please

Riskdude · Posted: May 06 2009 Post subject: Membrane Removal Tricks needed - Please

Good Evening All:

After reading about how much better babyback ribs are with the membrane removed, I gave it a try. I looked at YouTube and it seemed pretty easy. After about 30 minutes of scrapping, pulling, cursing and cutting, I gave up, tossed them on the smoker and had a nice rib dinner (5 hours later).

However, I know I am in the minority so would you mind sharing some tricks on how to remove the membrane? Are the ribs cold, right out of the fridge? Room Temp? I know I am missing something easy.

Thanks.

broncosmoker · BBQ Pro Joined: 04 Aug 2007 Posts: 717

Easiest is the paper towel method.
Start at one corner of ribs with a butter knife and get under the membrane just a little starting it.

Grab the start with a folded paper towel and pull. Makes it a lot easier than trying to grab it with your fingers.

Make sure they are defrosted fully if the were frozen seems to make it easier.

JamesB · Posted: May 06 2009 Post subject:

Definitely use the paper towel. Back ribs are the easiest to remove the membrane from... I like to do it while they are still very cold, but not frozen... that is IF I do back ribs. Much prefer spares.
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sal95973 · Newbie Joined: 05 Aug 2007 Posts: 83 Location: Gridley, CA

Maybe it didn't have the membranes on them. I just ordered 2 cases of baby backs from Costco about 2 weeks ago for a rib cook off and none of them had membranes on them. I've had that happen before, but I keep trying to peel it off until I realize it isn't there.
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roxy · Posted: May 06 2009 Post subject:

Best way is to start in the middle of the rack and pick with your finger until you get the membrane to lift.. Push your finger all the way under the membrane... Lift a bit and run your finger out to one side of the rack.. Take a paper towel and grab the membrane and pull it off the rest of the rack.. Easy peasy.. I can do a rack in like 10 seconds flat with a beer in my other hand... Wink

I can see a demembraning pictorial coming soon.
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Brian in Maine · BBQ Fan Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 255

I believe it was Odis in another forum, that found the method that I use. Roll the ribs tightly with the meat side in. This stretches the membrane, then lift a corner with a butter knife, grab with a paper towel, and peel the membrane off. This works like a charm. Give it a try. Brian

Canadian Bacon · Posted: May 06 2009 Post subject:

I like to take a butter knife and slide it under the membrane on the first bone and lift gently freeing the end up,grab a sheet of paper towel and pull gently off in one nice piece.
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Rojellio Es Caliente · Posted: May 06 2009 Post subject: Re: Membrane Removal Tricks needed - Please

r6abusa · BBQ Fan Joined: 12 Jun 2007 Posts: 372 Location: Michigan

IDSkinner · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Posts: 5

What they said. Best solution I've tried.

1MoreFord · Posted: May 07 2009 Post subject:

I use a butter knife to start like everyone else and then use a pair of catfish skinning pliers. Best way I've found.
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Big Daddy Woo Woo · Posted: May 07 2009 Post subject:

I always start in the middle of the rack. Pull it up a bit and run my fingers across to the other side of the ribs. Keeping my fingers on the underside go to one end and then grab and pull to the other end. Usually go towards the small end first.
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Riskdude · Posted: May 07 2009 Post subject:

Thanks. I guess I will have to try again.

Vice Grips? Hmmm, I like using garage tools in the kitchen. My wife gets a bit nervous if I bring the circular saw in to cut meats!

I am hoping that perhaps, as Sal95973 said, maybe it was already removed and I am just too much a newbie. I have been buying them at Costco.

Thanks again everyone.

NCBBQFAN · Posted: May 07 2009 Post subject:

I have run into some BB that have had such a thin membrane or that the membrane was perforated during processing that it was nearly impossible to remove, and in those cases I just make 2 or 3 small slits between each rib bone and cook. I wouldn�t do this for a contest because a lot of judges look to see if the membrane has been removed but for home cooking if it won�t come off slitting will do just fine.

SmokinOkie · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 16 Aug 2005 Posts: 2078

c crane · BBQ Fan Joined: 20 Mar 2007 Posts: 156

i find it very easy --its like going to carnigie hall---practice, practice , practice!!!!!

swampthang · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 16

I get under it from one side with a phillips head screwdriver and pull it off!

Wkdforit · Posted: May 11 2009 Post subject:

I use fish skinners also. Works pretty good for me.
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Jeff T · Posted: May 11 2009 Post subject:

Riva · Joined: 24 Sep 2008 Posts: 21