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Whoopi Goldberg’s Incredible Beef Ribs: A Culinary Hug from the Screen

There are some dishes that, when you first encounter them, feel less like a recipe and more like a warm embrace. For me, Whoopi Goldberg’s Beef Ribs fall squarely into that category. I stumbled upon this gem, tucked away in the pages of Good Housekeeping, and even before I’d had a chance to try it myself, I knew it was something special. It wasn’t just about the ingredients or the method; it was the promise of comfort, of deeply satisfying flavor, that resonated. It felt like a dish that could bring a room together, a testament to the power of simple, honest cooking to create moments of pure joy and connection.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: Approximately 45 minutes (including simmering time for ribs)
Cook Time: Approximately 40-60 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: Serves 6
Dietary Type: Not specified (contains beef and Worcestershire sauce)

Ingredients

This recipe champions the simplicity of robust beef flavor enhanced by a bold, tangy marinade. The key here is beef back ribs, which are distinct from short ribs and offer a more tender, meaty experience when cooked properly.

For the Ribs:

18 beef back ribs (ensure they are back ribs, not short ribs)

For the Marinade:

2 cups bottled barbecue sauce
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 tablespoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon natural liquid smoke flavoring
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (added during marinade simmering)
1/2 teaspoon salt (added during marinade simmering)

Equipment Needed

You won’t need a vast arsenal of specialized tools for this comforting dish, but a few key items will ensure success:

A large saucepot for simmering the ribs.
A large saucepan for preparing the marinade.
A whisk for thoroughly combining marinade ingredients.
A large roasting pan to bake the ribs.
A basting brush for applying the marinade.
A measuring cup and measuring spoons.

Instructions

The beauty of Whoopi Goldberg’s Beef Ribs lies in its straightforward approach, building layers of flavor through simmering and baking. Follow these steps for a truly satisfying result.

Begin by preparing the ribs. Place the 18 beef back ribs in a large saucepot. Cover them with water and bring the water to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot and let the ribs simmer for 45 minutes. This initial simmering step is crucial for tenderizing the ribs before they even hit the oven.
While the ribs are simmering, it’s time to craft the flavorful marinade. In a large saucepan, combine the bottled barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, orange juice concentrate, chopped garlic, ground thyme, and natural liquid smoke flavoring.
Add the 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the marinade mixture.
Bring the marinade ingredients to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the marinade simmer for 15 minutes. Continue to stir occasionally to prevent scorching and to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature is key for ensuring the ribs become tender without drying out.
After the ribs have finished their 45-minute simmer, drain them thoroughly.
Arrange the drained ribs in a single layer in a large roasting pan. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so ensure they have ample space.
Pour 2 cups of the prepared marinade over the ribs. Use your basting brush to ensure both sides of the ribs are generously coated with the delicious marinade.
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until the ribs are wonderfully tender. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your ribs and your individual oven.
Once the ribs are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the marinade, remove them from the oven.
Serve the ribs hot, offering the remaining marinade on the side for dipping. And don’t forget to have lots of napkins ready – these ribs are meant to be enjoyed with gusto!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Rib Selection is Key: The recipe specifically calls for beef back ribs. These have a longer, thinner bone and a good amount of meat, making them ideal for this application. Short ribs, while delicious, have a different fat distribution and texture that would alter the final outcome.
Don’t Skip the Simmer: The initial 45-minute simmer of the ribs is not optional. It’s the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that makes these ribs so irresistible. It also begins to render some of the fat, leading to a more pleasing texture.
Marinade Magic: Allow the marinade to simmer for the full 15 minutes. This not only thickens it slightly but also melds the ingredients, creating a more complex and deeply flavorful sauce. The addition of fresh pepper and salt during this phase is a nice touch that elevates the marinade beyond a simple sauce.
Oven Temperature Nuance: A 325°F (160°C) oven is a gentle heat. If your oven tends to run hot, consider a slightly lower temperature or keep a closer eye on the ribs to prevent overcooking and drying. Conversely, if your oven runs cool, you might need the longer end of the baking time.
Layering for Flavor: When arranging the ribs in the roasting pan, ensure they aren’t stacked. This allows the marinade to coat each rib evenly and the heat to circulate properly, ensuring consistent tenderness and browning.
Napkin Diplomacy: This is a dish that demands to be eaten with your hands. Encourage your guests to dive in and savor every messy, delicious bite. Having plenty of napkins is part of the experience!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These beef ribs are a showstopper on their own, but they pair wonderfully with classic barbecue accompaniments.

Serving: Serve the ribs hot, straight from the oven. Pouring some of the reserved marinade into a small pitcher or ramekin allows for individual drizzling or dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving them with coleslaw, creamy potato salad, baked beans, or cornbread. A crisp, cold beer or a refreshing iced tea makes for an ideal beverage pairing.

Storage: Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor often deepens overnight, making them equally delicious the next day. To reheat, gently warm them in a covered roasting pan in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or some of the reserved marinade to keep them moist. They are not typically recommended for freezing due to potential texture changes upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

While specific detailed nutritional information was not provided for this recipe, the ingredients suggest a dish that is rich in protein and flavor. Based on the components, one can estimate the following general nutritional profile per serving (this is an estimation and actual values may vary based on specific brands and preparation):

Nutrient	Estimated Amount per Serving	% Daily Value (approx.)
Calories	350-550 kcal	Varies
Total Fat	20-35 g	Varies
Saturated Fat	8-15 g	Varies
Cholesterol	80-120 mg	Varies
Sodium	800-1500 mg	Varies
Total Carbohydrate	15-25 g	Varies
Dietary Fiber	1-3 g	Varies
Sugars	10-20 g	Varies
Protein	30-45 g	Varies

Note: The high sodium content is primarily from the barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce. The carbohydrate and sugar content will depend heavily on the specific barbecue sauce used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, here are a few ideas to playfully adapt it:

Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh jalapeño to the marinade while it simmers.
Smoky Depth: For an even deeper smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade.
Citrus Swap: While lemon is specified, a splash of lime juice could offer a brighter, more zesty note to the marinade.
Sweetness Adjustment: Depending on the sweetness of your chosen barbecue sauce, you might want to adjust the amount of orange juice concentrate. Taste the marinade before simmering and adjust as needed.

FAQs

Q: Can I use short ribs instead of beef back ribs?
A: The recipe specifically calls for beef back ribs as they have a different meat-to-fat ratio and bone structure, leading to the best tender result with this method. Short ribs might require a longer cooking time and could yield a different texture.

Q: How can I tell if the ribs are tender enough?
A: The best way to check for tenderness is by using a fork. A tender rib will easily yield when poked, and the meat will begin to pull away from the bone.

Q: Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
A: Yes, the marinade can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to re-warm it slightly before applying it to the ribs.

Q: Is there a way to make these ribs less messy to eat?
A: While the mess is part of the fun, you can try to carefully separate the ribs after baking and before serving, or provide guests with small forks and knives for a more controlled eating experience.

Q: My oven seems to cook faster, what should I do?
A: Keep a close eye on the ribs during the last 20-30 minutes of baking. If they appear to be browning too quickly or drying out, you can loosely tent the roasting pan with aluminum foil.

Final Thoughts

Whoopi Goldberg’s Beef Ribs recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather, to savor, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of well-cooked food. It’s a recipe that feels both comforting and celebratory, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or for impressing guests at a weekend barbecue. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, to experience the tender meat and the wonderfully balanced marinade for yourself. Share it with loved ones, laugh over sticky fingers, and let the deliciousness speak for itself. I have a feeling you’ll be adding this to your recipe rotation for years to come.

Whoopi Goldberg’s Beef Ribs Recipe