Hey guys, so I decided to smoke some ribs for Christmas Eve for my wife and I. This is the first time I do this, but I just saw a video of meat church saying to never take the membrane out. I really don’t want the ribs to come out bad, and I hope I didn’t make a mistake. I’m also just learning how to smoke some beef ribs, I need to be patient and understand that it’s a learning process but would like to get reassurance from the BBQ community.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.
by Randy0811
27 Comments
Nah fuck that u gonna be fine bruh it’s a highly debated topic with little evidence either works better than the other.
I always take the membrane off. You’re good dawg
I wouldn’t freak out should be fine just make sure you get the temp right.
I remove them from pork ribs as well. It makes it so the back meat can get some salt and spices.
I always take the membrane off after doing it with it on once. The membrane is not a positive
Nah remove that shit and hit it raw.
It’s ok I heard it was insane in there
I always remove the membrane. You’ll be fine. Happy smoking!
I always take the membrane off and I always have to answer questions from the neighbors about why the ribs are so dang good.
Make beef ribs all the time, take the membrane off. It does look like they will fall apart after but it’s better with it off imo
The reason to keep the membrane on beef ribs is twofold. Beef ribs dont have much meat on the backside, so the membrane helps hold them together when cooking. Secondly, we usually remove membranes because they can be a bit chewy, but since beef ribs dont have meat on the back, you dont really chew anyway so it’s just an extra step.
So yeah, removing the membrane is a bit of a mistake on beef, however you will be absolutely fine. The worst that’ll happen is the ribs might be a bit delicate to handle once cooked, so just be careful lifting em up after you are done. Your cook shouldn’t be impacted at all otherwise.
There is rarely a “never” with something like prepping ribs. BBQ is an artform, not a science
The cooked membrane just gets stuck in your teeth. You didn’t mess it up, you improved your technique!
I always take it off. The membrane gets tough and leathery after the cook in my opinion.
I was told to take the membrane off first time so I do but I have zero evidence it does anything too substantial. Think you’ll be fine
I prefer to remove it but people have very strong contradictory opinions about every aspect of BBQ including the ones that don’t matter at all. You’re just going to have to be prepared to experiment a bit and see what your personal preferences is on the ones where it even makes a difference at all.
Always take it off. You don’t need me after all the other comments. But you’re good.
What? Take that off. Always
I leave it on for pork. I like the crunch. If I leave it on for beef, it’s like chewing on a tire.
I always remove the membrane.
Beef rib membrane is really thick. Never left it on after the first time a decade ago. Next time leave it on and see which you prefer. That is the ONLY answer.
Or..hear me out… cook it and tell me what you think
good job, I’m too lazy, but you did right
If you think the membrane is tough on pork ribs, it’s like boot leather from beef. You did the right thing
Its totally fine. That thing tastes awful
Any respectable griller takes the membrane off
I have cooked them both ways hundreds of times and I always take it off now.
It’s so much better. I will never leave it on again
Edit: your rub can actually get to the part it’s supposed to be rubbed on