The Knife Tip That Will Help You Effortlessly Remove The Membrane From Ribs
By Jess Jeziorowski
The shiny, stubborn membrane on the back of a rack of ribs is slippery, unappetizing, and hard to remove. Try this simple hack that only requires a butter knife to get rid of it.
This thin, white membrane on the back side — the less meaty side — of the rack is called the peritoneum. It's made of elastin, which is tough and doesn’t render with the heat.
Any knife with a rounded head will work best, as a sharper knife will cut the membrane. Start by finding an entry point underneath the membrane, usually along the rib bone.
Slide the knife under the membrane and lift, using the ribs as leverage. The skin will come up, and you can grab it and pull it off with one long, steady motion.
If it's too slippery, use a paper towel to grab and pull away the skin. If the skin rips, find another section and repeat the process to remove it all before seasoning your ribs.