Posted By: ricksrealpitbbq
Oct 25 # 2 of 9
Ok here we go
I start off by taking the ribs out of the packages and rinsing them off with cold water. I do this to wash off any stray bone fragments that may be present from the processing of the ribs and also to wash off the juices which collect in the package. Sometimes pork will have an almost sulfur like smell. This will usually go away by washing as well. It doesn't affect the final product so don't worry about it
Next we remove the membrane along the back side of the ribs.
This is a thin skin like membrane which toughens up while cooking. I've done ribs with and without removing the membrane. Again I don't notice a discernible difference in taste by leaving it. But it is more enjoyable to eat the ribs without it. The membrane comes off rather easily. Just work a knife under one end and start lifting. It's a bit slippery so I use a piece of paper towel to help grab it and pull it off. Sometimes it comes off in one shot sometimes it tears down the middle like you see here
Next we apply the rub to the back and front sides of the ribs
Before I started the ribs I got the smoker going. It's at about 250 degrees which is good