Removing Membrane From Ribs Instructions - The Typical Mom

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Removing Membrane From Ribs Instructions

By Justine

Updated Nov 30, 2024

Published Dec 03, 2023

(this post may contain affiliate links)

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.

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??
1. 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.

Carefully removing the membrane from ribs, a person works on a wooden cutting board, perfecting the rack of ribs for that tender, fall-off-the-bone experience.

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.

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About Justine

Justine is the creative mind behind The Typical Mom and The Typical Family on YouTube. She began blogging about easy recipes, budget friendly activities for kids, and fun family travel destinations in September 2012.

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41 Comments

What about alll.that fat on ribs
Reply
1. Leave that on during cooking to keep them moist
  Reply
What if the membrane won’t come off? One slab membrane came off easy but the other, not so much. The ribs were vac sealed and was not sure if the membrane had been removed already. Thanks!
Reply
Use a piece of paper towel to take the membrane off. It’s usually to slipper to just use your fingers.
Reply
wouldlike to get the ho to cook it
Reply
Just bought a pack of pork ribs from COSTCO and the Membrane was NOT REMOVED like u said they do!!! I had to remove the membrane myself which was not easy to do!
Reply
1. @john p, well now you know how John and you can show us in your new video titled “NOT REMOVED LIKED YOU TOLD ME”.
  Reply

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Hi, I'm Justine!

Welcome to The Typical Mom blog where we share easy Instant Pot recipes, use our Ninja Foodi, Crockpot and air fryer daily, and share fun family travel destinations!

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