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Marinating meat in soda pop might sound unusual, but in the American South, it’s a cherished secret—especially when Coca-Cola is involved. Combined with classic flavors like garlic, mustard, and brown sugar, Coca-Cola transforms pork loin into a sweet, tangy, tender dish that’s hard to resist.
This oven-roasted pork loin is coated in a sticky, cola-infused blend of pantry staples. As it roasts, the marinade caramelizes into a lacquered glaze over juicy, flavorful meat.
The Secret’s in the Marinade
This marinade serves three key purposes:
Tenderizes the pork loin to make it incredibly moist.
Infuses sweet and tangy flavor deep into the meat.
Caramelizes into a crisp, golden-brown crust while roasting.
Flavor-Boosting Marinade Ingredients:
Coca-Cola – sweet, tenderizing magic
Soy sauce – umami and saltiness
Ketchup & mustard – classic tang and spice
Worcestershire & balsamic vinegar – deep, complex flavor
Garlic, ginger & thyme – bold aromatic notes
Tip: Marinate the pork for 24 hours to ensure it fully absorbs all the flavors.
Basting Keeps It Moist
Halfway through roasting, you’ll create a rich, syrupy Coca-Cola sauce. As you pour it over the pork, it bastes the meat, enhancing its moisture and deepening the glaze.
The sauce builds on the marinade with:
Brown sugar for sweetness
Balsamic vinegar for tang
Butter & mustard for richness and spice
As the sauce simmers and thickens, it clings to the pork, intensifying the sweet-savory crust.
The Proof Is in the Eating
Though it might sound unconventional, this Coca-Cola pork loin is a Southern classic with a twist. The result is a roast that’s:
Sweet and tangy
Lacquered and crisp on the outside
Incredibly tender and juicy inside
It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want to serve something unexpectedly delightful.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
1 cup Coca-Cola
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/3 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp dry mustard
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp ground ginger
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp dried thyme
1 (3–5 lb) pork loin roast
For the Cola Sauce:
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp dry mustard
2/3 cup Coca-Cola
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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