Spare Rib prep question

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brennan

Smoking Fanatic
Original poster
OTBS Member
Jul 2, 2007
497
10
Lakewood, CO
When prepping the ribs for smoking, I know you have to yank off the membrane thats on the bone side of the ribs. Now, what I'm having a hard time with is getting the membrane away from that flap of meat on the bone side (runs diagonally across the bones), and the membrane just above it. any tips on how to get rid of the membrane? or should I just be happy with being able to get most of it and be done?
 
Brennan, just my technique, I cut the "flap" off of spares (use 'em for tasters during the smoke). Then, get a regular kitchen knife and insert it under the membrane at the end of the bones. Using a paper towel for the grip, just pull the membrane off. It may not come off in one piece, but so what, keep at it.

And as Shortone said, ribs will be fine with the membrane still on. Good luck and dont forget the pics!
 
Not all ribs are the same. On some the membrane comes off more easily then others. Use something to keep it from slipping, like a paper towel, do the best you can but don't let it become a chore.
 
Allright, i'm gonna start some chit here,
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but removing the membrane is not that big a deal! Smoking low n slow will all but shrink and deteriate that membrane (let the stuff fly
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) Get off as much as you can and rub em down.
BTW, that flap is called the brisket, like crewdawg, i cut that off, rub and smoke seperate.....nice snack for the cook
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Good luck and post some pics!!
 
Here we go! ribs went on about 15 min ago. Here's the wood I've been using recently



and heres my lil rib roll so it fits on the smoker



And just for fun, Here's the little one. She just started smiling about a week ago.



And bath time, Doggy style!
 
If you remove that "flap" and square up the ribs, you're preparing Kansas City style ribs. The membrane is removed easiest from the short end, and gripped with a paper towel or even an oven mitt, but throw it in the wash. Nice looking young 'un, mine all have four legs, not two.
 
My .02 worth. I had never removed the membrane until I went to the gathering in Clinton and seen it done there. We removed it there, and I'm going to try it again on a slab or two to compare, but I pretty much agree that it doesn't make much difference just personel prefference. I've eaten way more with it on than with it removed. Even cold out of the fridge as a snack their good.
 
Great lookin kid, My Grand Daughter will be one on the 19th.

Here is a video on removing the membrane from YouTube
 
Great smile on the little one and those ribs don't look half bad either.
 
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