Remove the membrane from the back side of the ribs...

[DWCowles]

I used to have alot of problems of taken the membrame off of ribs until I watched a video where they used a butter knife and paper towels.

[PaulstheRibList]

Small, smooth butter knife. Start on the side of a bone, 3rd or 4th bone in. Wiggle and push up, keep wiggling and pushing, get the knife the whole way through, then lift. If the membrane tears, just back up a bit and get another bite.

A buddy called me a couple mornings ago, asking about pulling the membrane off of Baby Backs. So, I just so happened to have some baby back in the fridge, practicing for an upcoming cookoff that has baby backs as the ribs.

Here you go, @BishopofBBQ on the Youtube, Membrane Removal on Baby Backs

https://youtu.be/CWYZ9cnDY2E

[DWCowles]

Hey...that's the video. Thanks Paul for making my life a little easier

[PaulstheRibList]

This got me to thinking about the same Membrane Pull video I did a few months ago on St. Louis Cut.

https://youtu.be/sHjCD4QiNqc

This vid also has the oiling and Heavy Memphis Dust action that I love!

[PaulstheRibList]

I LOVE the little wiggle on the butter knife on the slant on the 3rd/4th rib - it makes pulling the membranes Lightning Fast! #GoDW

[John Henry]

Yes, it sure looks better to remove the membrane. (And nearly always, I do). But am not certain beyond any doubt that it really produces a better-tasting product. And am I totally whacked-out or haven't I read before that the Great Aaron Franklin doesn't remove membranes from ribs cooked at Franklin Barbecue? If I'm cooking on my PBC, I've never had an issue with falling ribs, but a membrane still on the critter is probably add'l insurance against a gravity fail into the coals. So will just throw those ideas out there for consideration by the AR brain trust across the world in the interest of challenging so many great minds.

[HorseDoctor]

"the Great Aaron Franklin doesn't remove membranes from ribs cooked at Franklin Barbecue? " That is correct...and he is very anal about taste & presentation. IMO: Membrane removal is over rated.

[DWCowles]

Some people leaves the membranes on and some removes it...Aaron Franllin can leave his on but my is coming off.

[Craigar]

HorseDoctor I am guessing in the restaurant game time is money, so he doesn't mess with the membrane. I am probably totally off base, but just my 2.5 cents worth.

[richinlbrg]

PaulstheRibList , your vids were great! I'm going to try your technique next time I so ribs. I don't normally have trouble with the silver skin, but you make it look even easier.

Thank you!

[PaulstheRibList]

Thanks richinlbrg!

[Danjohnston949]

PaulstheRibList, Just watched your UTube presentations on removing rib membranes both from Baby Back and St Louis style Ribs! Well Done
and Thank You! I believe there will be a lot less Cussing in the Johnston House the next time I do Ribs! 👍👍👍👍👍
Eat Well and Prosper! From Fargo ND, Dan

[Willy]

Some cussing when doing BBQ, or anything else (hedge trimming, auto repair), is mandatory. Where else will the neighbor kids learn to cuss?

[JimmieOhio]

Many BBQ articles I read in the past stated that any butcher would be happy to remove the membrane for you. Since about seven local butchers have gone out of business in my area over the past ten or fifteen years, the last one left used to do it. Then, about three years ago, my dear GF went to pick up my rib order since I was busy. I told her to make sure the membrane was removed on all the slabs. When I unwrapped them, the membranes had not been removed. Next visit, I spoke to one of the owners. She said they "never do that". Truth is, they did it for years. Perhaps the butchers did it as a favor without her knowledge. Anyway, she told me they would do it for $.50 a pound!

Heck, I would go into business doing rib membrane removal for $.25 cents a pound and retire in six months. I do the butter knife / paper towel thing pretty well, but only used the butcher to save time.

[Huskee]

I can't stand lazy non-service oriented butchers or any service person for that matter. One time a Subway lady said it was too late (5-7 min before closing) to make me a pizza sub because "it takes too long to put all the pepperoni on there." True story, you can't make this stuff up.

[Cheef]

I just turn it over to the wife. She looks at it as a challenge and does a REALLY good job on them.

[CandySueQ]

I'm of two 'branes about the membrane. I mostly remove it on spares, but tend to leave it on loin backs. I've been known to remove it half way through the cook too (it's actually easier to get off then). Those that leave it on do it to hold moisture in? Others take it off to allow seasonings in?

[Huskee]

My thoughts are only that it makes them easier to slice when they're ready, I highly doubt it makes much noticeable difference in seasonings and smoke. I'll admit I remove it because I think I should, not because of any personal experience proving I really should.

[HorseDoctor]

Now, there is an honest man... VBG!

[sfrancis353]

I usually don't have much of a problem removing them. And once I really start to believe this, one comes around that is a pain in the ass to remove....thus proving I don't know what I'm talking about.

[PaulstheRibList]

I like removing them because it makes it less messy to eat. I really do not want my guests having to touch the ribs or pull stuff out of their mouths with their fingers. (That's also a big reason why I like St. Louis cut better than full spares. You have to pull those cartilage pieces out of your mouth when you eat full spares.)

Some famous BBQ places leave the membrane on for the stated reason of moisture retention.

Now that I think about it, I would do a side-by-side test of the same thickness ribs with and without. But maybe not, since I really don't like having to mess with the membrane when I or a guest are eating them.

[Mosca]

I'm just glad I'm not the only one.

[Ernest]

Remove it after cooking.

[Storlok]

This reminds me of a story. A guy I once knew was talking about eating boiled shrimp. He thought they were ok, but a bit crunchy. Didn't know he was supposed to peel the shrimp before he ate them....)

[PaulstheRibList]

I'm actually laughing...out loud