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.
Instructions on how to remove membrane from ribs is where it’s at! We will show you how to remove the membrane so the next time you cook, barbecue, smoke or bake them they’re the best you’ve ever had. Let us share these cooking basics with you. (affiliate links present)
Rib Membrane Removal
We love ribs!! Who doesn’t right?? Ever wonder how restaurants make ribs falling off the bone and so tender they melt in your mouth? We have the secret.
- Here we show how to make easy crockpot ribs
- We have even made Instant Pot teriyaki ribs.
- You do NOT have to remove anything when making our country style pork ribs Instant Pot though!
Every single one was over the top delicious because we remove rib membrane first! That is the key to getting them fall off the bone, fork tender and melt in your mouth delicious like the restaurants serve you.
How to remove membrane from ribs
Here are several photos showing you from the first step on to the end, and how you pull it back at the beginning. You just slide your fingers along the underside to locate that film.
The membrane is very difficult to remove once your ribs are cooked. Costco ribs instructions did not include this step the last time I looked, they should. If you make both and compare the two I am SURE you’ll agree with me that this step is a necessity.
- Why should you do this??
- It isn’t something you will want to eat.
- Rib membrane doesn’t allow your rack of ribs to get nearly as tender as you’ll want them to be.
- If you want your ribs to literally fall off the bone you must remove this piece. Otherwise it will hold the rack together on the underside.
Should you remove the membrane from ribs?
Absolutely. If you want fall off the bone pork or beef ribs you must take the extra 5 minutes to do this. It isn’t hard. The best way to smoke ribs is with the membrane removed!
What happens if you don’t remove the membrane from ribs?
If making grilled or smoked ribs the membrane will prevent the ribs from fully absorbing the smoky flavor you really want.
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.
- Then you’ll want to lay your slab of ribs down with the meat side facing down.
- Use your SHARP knife to pull up the membrane in the corner and gently pulling up with your hand.
- do not use a table knife, you need a nicely sharpened knife to do it correctly.
Pull slowly and steadily trying to keep the membrane in tact. If it breaks mid way through, not to worry. Just separate from the bone side once again and pull again until it comes off. Keep a paper towel handy to lay your scraps in so you can toss them out once you’re done.
If you take these extra 5 – 10 minutes to do this I assure you it will be a game changer. From then on you will make sure to take these steps because it makes such a difference in the end result. Super tender meat with just this one simple step before cooking.
What is the best way to cook ribs?
Well, that depends on who you ask really. I have enjoyed every way we’ve made them but ultimately I prefer making pressure cooker ribs and then crisping the outside. You can do this several ways. You can place them under the broiler for 5 minutes or so to crisp them. An air fryer works great to get a nice crust after they’re already cooked and tender.
Use my husband’s barbecue ribs recipe which cooks them and crisps them at the end. This one is totally amazing because of his secret dry rub.
Can you remove the membrane from ribs after cooking?
You can but it’s a mess. If it’s cooked with it on you won’t get the results you want overall anyway. This film will keep the meat taut and not allow it to really get as tender as possible.
What are the best type of ribs?
That is a subjective question too. But since you’re asking for MY opinion I’ll give it to you. 😉 Hands down I will say that pork ribs are my favorite!
- St. Louis and spare ribs don’t have as much meat in my opinion, and thus won’t be as tender.
- You can find beef ribs as well but I don’t bother. To me there isn’t a lot of meat and the taste of pork is just so much better.
You can make air fryer ribs too! I know that sounds crazy but next to smoked ribs it is our favorite “quick way” to make them.
Do Costco ribs have the membrane removed?
Yes they do! In fact if you purchase ribs from Costco you’ll save yourself a step because the membrane is already peeled back.
Don’t get me wrong. I’d prefer a filet over a pork chop any day. But we’re talking RIBS here, and pork wins in this category. If you choose to use your smoker here’s a meat smoking chart to use for timing and temp.
Give it a try and let us know what you think. It has been a game changer for us for years and wouldn’t make a beef or pork rack of ribs any other way now.
Once you get the membrane loose grab it with a paper towel. Everyone knows this. I can’t believe Pinterest didn’t check this out.
Do you brine ribs?
We almost always use our dry rub recipe instead
Thx for your awesome recipes! And the tip of removing the membrane. Would it be possible to put a search bar on the site. Then I could just search for a recipe I’m looking for without a lot of searching. I hope it is here and I am just not seeing it! PLEASE let me know. Thx!
There is a search bar on the right side bar on desktop. On mobile it is at the very top, there is a box you can type in what you’re looking for.
This is super helpful for the upcoming ‘Ribs Season’! I love, love ribs in the Instant Pot and I love, love when the ribs fall off the bone – delish! Thank you for sharing your tips!
You break this process down so well into easy steps! Thanks a ton!
How can I print your smoker cook times?
There is a link in there https://temeculablogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/smoker-cooktime.pdf
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How to pressure cooker & wot ingredients also how long under broiler & wot marinate. Cheers.
BEST IF YOU JUST EAT THE RIBS AND STOP BEING SO PICKY.
Obviously you have never had ribs with membrane removed.
The only way I was taught to cook ribs is removing that membrane. That was many years ago so for me it’s not anything new. Just good tenderizer without spices.ai
Nice article and i think its a must to remove membrane so that you get flavor and tender ribs, but cooking time and temp will really make the ribs the way you like them. Cooking too much without the membrane will have all the meat falling off the bones. But you can cook a bit less and still have tender ribs that cling to the bone a bit more. I find most competition cooks and real BBQ restaurants in the North East where I am from prefer to get the best of both world’s. Tender meat and still cling to the bone for easy bite by bite eating. There is an easy way to remove membrane without the fingers or getting the fat under your nails with a Rib Skinner. I had the pleasure of watching the most winning man in BBQ cook amazing ribs, and he uses one of these for ease and quick removal of membrane.
How did he do it
Maybe its just me, but I don’t like mushy fall off the bone ribs. I like my ribs with a kind of steak like texture sweet (chinese style) that you sink your teeth into. Either way I agree with removing the membrane. I use a paper towel to grip and peel it off, after getting a start with a knife.