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.
A trick I learnt a long time ago was to use a spoon to remove the membrane: hold your spoon upside down then choose one of the bones in the middle of your meat and start pushing the spoon against the bone to get under the membrane. Once under, all you need to do is slide the spoon all the way to the other side, then you can pull the membrane completely off the meat to one side. Repeat for the other side. If some tears occur, re-use spoon to get under it and start again.
I make ribs all the time I choose baby back I am not a fan of 3 2 1 . I have modified it to 2 2 1 . I like a little tug. I like Apple juice honey and brown sugar. Comes out great all the time. Make sure you let the ribs rest for 5 to ten minutes.i cook them at 220 degrees.
I always remove the membrane and it is sometimes a slippery little so an so to get off. Once you get a bit of the membrane started with a sharp knife, use a paper towel to hold the membrane as you pull it off slowly. The paper towel is a game changer!
@Christine, clever girl Christine, I do the same when I have to pull the skin off chicken drumsticks, it’s a no brainer 😁
To start off with, you don’t really have to remove the membrane…just use a knife and score it all over. I make my own rub and sauce. I have two pellet grills and use a competition blend of pellets. Most of the time the 3-2-1 method can be thrown out the window bc not all smokers are alike and cook differently. I never use a crockpot, I always smoke my meats. I love baby backs , especially when they are on sale!!
My two cents and Happy New Year to all. Ed. USMC66-
I use a catfish Skinner to do this it makes it easier.
Interesting, will have to try that out
If I don’t have brown sugar can I use white sugar?
It would have a much different flavor with white sugar
Typical mom, thanks.
New to the site and just acquired a ninja.
I don’t mind the adverts, that how it works and willing to cut a lot of slack slack for useful advice as yours, even willing to click on them to get the revenue flowing, but couldn’t your instructions, which I expect to come from experimenting, be more explanatory for non-barbecue sauce addicted rest-of-the-world and Europeans?
Why use acidic liquids? I’m sure there’s a good reason and in a rare moment of lucidity I could explain why but saying it would be helpful.
Why use such an inordinate amount of barbeque sauce? OK, that’s a bit more difficult, can you help me there? It’s just the liquid?
Could something else be used if one didn’t want to become completely Americanized in just one session, his tasting buds completely and instantly obnubilated ?
People could look for alternatives, available in their areas and suitable for their tastes/requirements if the purpose is clear, stated and understood.
Thanks
Sorry didn’t want to sound snobbish just looking for better , clearer instructions which could make your site useful even for retards like me.
@Pietro, Maybe you should search for recipes on sites in your own country? That way there’s no chance of getting Americanized. Just sayin’.
This recipe is delicious. I was always intimidated by baby back ribs. I followed the recipe and it worked great. Take the membrane off for sure!
Yay glad this tip was helpful
What temperature and how long should I cook baby back ribs to make them tender and almost falling off the bone. Also when should I put the sauce on to make them delicious?
There are links within this post you can click on to see what to do with them after removing the membrane. You can use your pressure cooker, smoker, bbq, just choose which method you prefer and follow that recipe.
3-2-1 ribs are a never fail!! Anyone can do it!!
But must take off the membrane 🤗
Absolutely