Remove The Membrane or Not?

[jwg299]

 
Rookie question: What's the easiest way to remove it?

I usually work a corner off at the laeger end of the ribs and then when there is enough to grab I use a paper towel to grip and rip.

It's easier on baby backs than spare ribs

 

[jwg299]

 
The way i cook ribs there is no sign of it after it's cooked.  I don't even remember the last time i pulled one so it's a moot point. 

I find that hard to believe!!!!!

 

[jcollins]

great post 

 

[phatbac]

 
Use a paper towel & you get a better hold of it & life is much easier.

TW

I have heard that but i never get that good a hold of it as i do with my fingers.

phatbac (Aaron)

 

[mdboatbum]

I find that hard to believe!!!!!

I don't think he'd lie about something as trivial as the membrane on a rack of ribs. If I remember correctly he does ribs at high temps, pretty much incinerating the membrane.
FWIW, I always just remove the membrane. It's just something I've always done. Can't think if I've ever tried leaving it on, maybe I have. Maybe I've gotten lucky over the years, but it's never taken more than 20-30 seconds to pull a membrane, so I don't even really think about it.

 

[jwg299]

 

I find that hard to believe!!!!!

I don't think he'd lie about something as trivial as the membrane on a rack of ribs. If I remember correctly he does ribs at high temps, pretty much incinerating the membrane.
FWIW, I always just remove the membrane. It's just something I've always done. Can't think if I've ever tried leaving it on, maybe I have. Maybe I've gotten lucky over the years, but it's never taken more than 20-30 seconds to pull a membrane, so I don't even really think about it.

I'm not saying he's lying, I'm saying I find it hard to not notice the membrane when eating them if you're use to eating them without the membrane on.

Now if you don't know the difference a person may think nothing of it, but im sure i can tell the difference.

 

[GaryHibbert]

jwg--great article!!  

Personally, I like to remove the membrane, but if I get a really uncooperative rack, I just smoke it as is.

Gary

 

[fwismoker]

 
I find that hard to believe!!!!!

Don't know what to tell ya.  I do believe it depends on the cooking method somewhat.  If I was cooking them in a cabinet smoker, electric smoker or even a wsm i'd probably remove it.   

I do score the membrane and coat with olive oil prior to putting on the rub but times I forgot to score it I haven't seen any sign of it.   My ribs are always cooked with good direct heat, and often much higher temps then most folks are comfortable with. 

 

[venture]

In my experience I have learned at least a couple of things:

1. I prefer the membrane off.

2. It is impossible to remove the membrane if a kindly meat cutter has already done so.

Good luck and good smoking.