Cleaning ribs before baking primarily involves removing the membrane on the bone side for better seasoning and tenderness. Here's how:
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Remove the Membrane: This step is crucial for achieving tender, flavorful ribs. The membrane is a thin, tough layer on the bone side of the ribs that prevents seasoning from penetrating the meat.
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Step-by-step membrane removal:
- Get Underneath: Flip the ribs over so the bones are curled toward you, revealing the membrane.
- Pull Up and Across: Use a piece of paper towel or a clean kitchen rag to grab the piece of the rib's membrane that you've started to loosen. The paper towel helps grip the slippery membrane.
- Keep Going / Discard Membrane: Continue pulling the membrane across the rack of ribs until it's completely removed. Discard the membrane.
- If the membrane is difficult to remove, try using a butter knife or spoon to help loosen it from the bones.
By removing the membrane, you'll ensure your ribs are more tender and can fully absorb the flavors of your chosen rub or marinade.
