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What to do with rib membranes
Published: 6/29/2011 3:20 PM
Last Modified: 6/29/2011 3:20 PM

Most barbecue fanatics will tell you it's a must to remove the membrane before smoking ribs.

A few cooks hold to the idea that the membrane doesn't impact the quality one way or the other. So just leave it be, they say.

But if you're one who insists on removing the membrane, here's a tip from a friend who happens to make the best ribs I've ever tasted. Yes, they're even better than Elmer's, which says a lot.

He says to use a butter knife, starting at about the third or fourth rib from the left. Work it under the membrane, and use your finger to pull up the membrane to the left.

Then, use a paper towel so you can grip the membrane and pull that sucker off to the right.

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Joe's Burger Search (last year)

As a current KCBS Certified Judge for BBQ Events I'll add that you will lose points from me if your ribs still have the membrane.

AbucS (last year)

Correct, I am also a current KCBS Certified Judge. If I bite into a membrane somone just lost some points. ALWAYS take it out.

Elusive (last year)

Good tip, I had not heard that about the membrane but yes Head Country after the rub.

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Taste

Food Writer Nicole Marshall Middleton joined the Tulsa World in May 1993 after graduating from Oklahoma State University. She has covered crime, city government and general assignment beats during that time - but mostly crime. But when she isn’t at work, Nicole is a devoted food hobbyist. She enjoys meal planning and cooking with her husband, Steve, every day of the week and on holidays it’s a family affair. When the opportunity to become the food writer at the Tulsa World presented itself in the summer of 2011, Nicole jumped at it. She is excited to explore a new side of Tulsa and make the transition from crime to cuisine. .

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2/9/2013		Chocolate filigree hearts great for Valentine's Day cupcakes
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2/7/2013		What are you ...? with the King and Queen of Blue Dome District's Mardi Gras parade

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