The sweet and tangy overtones of Coca-Cola, brown sugar, various juices, and spices are intermingled with the excellently marinated pork loin. The addition of Coca-Cola sauce provides richness and is that one dish so proper for various occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and Tangy Marinade: Coca Cola’s marinade makes for a great flavor with the pork, balancing sweet, savory, and tangy very well together.
Tender and Juicy: Pork is basically marinated for hours and then slow roasted, making it extremely moist while still melt-in-your-mouth juicy.
Presentation: The caramelized glaze looks pretty and is an attention-grabber for anyone looking to take one bite at a time of this delicious meal.
Easy to Make: This could be one of the easiest recipes for its looks, no need of high skills of cooking.
Key Ingredients
For the Marinade:
Coca-Cola– so tenderizes the meat and gives a great signature taste of sweetness
Soy Sauce– the umami from the balancing sweet touch of meat
Dark Brown Sugar– adds caramel flavor, else complements the Coke’s sweetness
Dijon Mustard– tends to the tanginess depth for an acidic marinating
Garlic– provides a kinda aromatic, savory touch to the pork
Balsamic Vinegar– adds a touch of acid to tenderize the pork and flavor finesse.
For the Coca-Cola Sauce:
Butter-helps to add richness along with an amazing smoothness to the sauce
Brown Sugar-makes it sweeter and gets a bit of caramel glaze
Dry Mustard-to give a hidden little spice in the contrasted sweet sauce
Balsamic Vinegar-adds a thin tangy and mouthfeel steal to the sauce as a whole.
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.
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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 very versatile, matching properly with a variety of sides:
Creamy Potatoes – mashed potatoes have to be verily smooth and pulpy so the sauce really shines.
Roasted Veggies – try carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts for a nice colorful, flavorful, contrasting side.
Southern Biscuits – flaky biscuits soaks up the delicious sauce.
Rice Pilaf – blank slate to take in all the fabulousness of both the pork and the sauce.
Perfect with sweet tea and indeed, with a nice crisp white Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat gently in the oven or microwave to ensure the meat stays moist.
Another way is to wrap the cooked pork loin with both plastic wrap and foil tightly and then promptly freeze for up to 2 months. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight so you can reheat it afterwards.
Prepare the marinade and start marinating the pork a maximum of 24 hours earlier. Another option you have is preparing the sauce and keeping it in the fridge until it’s to be used.
Variations
Have This To Jazz It Up Spicy Twist: Add in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade or sauce for a hint of heat.
A Herbaceous Update: Fresh rosemary or thyme directly into the marinade gives it an aromatic twist.
To Provide a Smoky Flavor: Add a little liquid smoke to the sauce or sprinkle in some smoked paprika-for barbecue flavor.
This is like Orange Coke: It is refreshing when half of Coca-Cola is replaced with fresh orange juice.
Conclusion
It is another treasure in the South-this time for its mixture between the very sweet Coca-Cola with savory, tender pork. It is the central display of any meal. It is very well-balanced in terms of flavors that will keep your guests raving. So no matter you bring it on a feast table or a casual weeknight treat, it is going to make it into the favorites for your kids. So relish every ounce of flavor in this sumptuous sweet and sensational 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.
