This recipe combines a perfectly marinated pork loin with the sweet and tangy flavors of Coca-Cola, brown sugar, and spices. The Coca-Cola sauce adds an extra layer of richness, making this dish a standout for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and Tangy Marinade: The Coca-Cola marinade deeply flavors the pork with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
Tender and Juicy: Marinating and slow roasting ensure the pork is incredibly moist and tender.
Show-Stopping Presentation: The caramelized glaze and juicy slices make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
Easy to Make: Despite its elegant look, this recipe is straightforward and requires no advanced cooking skills.
Key Ingredients
For the Marinade:
Coca-Cola: The star ingredient that tenderizes the meat and adds a signature sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness with savory umami.
Dark Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramel flavors and complements the Coke’s sweetness.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and depth to the marinade.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the pork with aromatic, savory goodness.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds acidity to tenderize the pork and a touch of richness to the flavor profile.
For the Coca-Cola Sauce:
Butter: Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and creates a caramelized glaze.
Dry Mustard: Lends a subtle spiciness to balance the sweetness.
Balsamic Vinegar: Enhances the tangy and complex flavors of the sauce.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Combine the Marinade Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your chosen marinade ingredients. These might include Coca-Cola (the key ingredient), soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and any desired spices or herbs.
Marinate the Pork Loin:
Place a 3-4 pound pork loin in a large resealable plastic bag.
Pour the marinade over the pork, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This long marination allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Turn the bag occasionally to ensure the pork is evenly coated in the marinade.
Step 2: Roasting the Pork Loin
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare the Pork for Roasting:
Remove the pork loin from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
Place the pork loin on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan, fat side up. This positioning allows the fat to baste the meat as it cooks, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
Insert a Meat Thermometer:
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the pork loin, avoiding contact with bone if there is one.
Roast the Pork:
Roast the pork uncovered for 30-40 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C).
Start checking the temperature toward the end of the estimated cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Step 3: Preparing the Coca-Cola Sauce
Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
While the pork is roasting, combine Coca-Cola, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of vinegar in a medium saucepan. Adjust the ingredient quantities based on your taste preferences for sweetness or tanginess.
Simmer the Sauce:
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and develops a rich flavor. Reduce the heat if needed to prevent burning.
Step 4: Finishing the Roast
Brush with Coca-Cola Sauce:
During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the pork loin generously with the prepared Coca-Cola sauce. This creates a glossy, caramelized glaze on the surface of the roast.
Rest the Pork:
Once the pork loin reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven.
Cover the roast loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Step 5: Serving
Slice the Pork Loin:
Use a sharp knife to slice the roast into ½-inch thick pieces. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Serve with Coca-Cola Sauce:
Arrange the slices on a serving platter and drizzle with some of the reserved Coca-Cola sauce. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping or pouring.
Serving Suggestions
This roast is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes are a classic pairing that lets the sauce shine.
Roasted Vegetables: Try carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts for a colorful and flavorful complement.
Southern Biscuits: Use flaky biscuits to sop up the delicious sauce.
Rice Pilaf: A neutral base that absorbs the flavors of the pork and sauce.
For beverages, sweet tea or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain moisture.
Freezing: Wrap the cooked pork loin tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the marinade and marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance. You can also make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge until needed.
Variations
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade or sauce for a little heat.
Herbaceous Upgrade: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme into the marinade for a fragrant twist.
Smoky Flavor: Add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the sauce for a BBQ-inspired flavor.
Orange Coke Variation: Replace some of the Coca-Cola with fresh orange juice for a citrusy zing.
Conclusion
This Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin is a true Southern gem, marrying the sweetness of Coca-Cola with savory, tender pork. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any meal, offering a delightful combination of flavors that will leave your guests raving. Whether for a holiday spread or a weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite of this sweet, tangy, and succulent dish!
Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp dry mustard
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp crushed thyme
- 5 pounds pork loin roast boned
- 1 cup brown sugar for sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch for sauce
- 2 tbsp butter for sauce
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar for sauce
- 2/3 cup Coca-Cola for sauce
- Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Place the pork loin in a resealable bag, pour the marinade over it, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, turning occasionally.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the pork loin from the marinade and pat dry. Place on a roasting rack in a pan, fat side up.
- Roast uncovered for 30-40 minutes per pound, or until an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) is reached. Begin glazing during the last 30 minutes.
- Combine sauce ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Let the pork rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve slices drizzled with Coca-Cola sauce.
