Marinating meat in soda pop may seem like an odd technique at first glance, but when that soda happens to be Coca-Cola and it’s paired with classic Southern flavors like garlic, mustard, and brown sugar, you get a pork loin that’s sweet, tangy, and irresistibly tender.
This oven-roasted pork loin begins by being coated in a sticky, cola-infused blend of pantry staples. As the meat roasts, the marinade ingredients caramelize, forming an incredible lacquered exterior over the juicy, subtly Coca-Cola flavored meat. Let’s take a closer look at how the ingredients transform this classic cut of pork into something extraordinary.
The Secret’s in the Marinade
The marinade serves three key purposes:
Tenderizing the pork loin, ensuring it turns out moist and fork-tender.
Flavor-enhancing by adding a complex blend of sweet and tangy notes that complement the pork.
Caramelizing to create a delicious crisp, lacquered exterior as it bakes.
In addition to Coca-Cola, the marinade contains several flavor-boosting ingredients:
Soy sauce – for saltiness and umami.
Ketchup and mustard – for tang and spice.
Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar – for depth of flavor.
Garlic, ginger, and thyme – aromatic components to add complexity.
Marinate the pork for a full 24 hours to allow the meat to fully absorb the flavors and for the soda to tenderize the meat.
Basting Keeps it Moist
Halfway through roasting, make a rich, syrupy Coca-Cola sauce. Poured over the pork, this sauce bastes the meat to keep it moist and adds even more sticky sweetness and tang. The sauce, building on the cola foundation, is made with:
Brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, mustard, garlic, ginger, and aromatics.
As it reduces, this sauce contributes caramelized goodness to the pork’s exterior, adding a flavorful and glossy coat.
The Proof is in the Eating
Although the Coca-Cola marinade technique is unusual, it results in meat that’s sweet, subtly tangy, ultra-tender, and undeniably delicious. With a crisp, lacquered crust on the outside and tender, juicy meat within, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
This recipe satisfies with classic Southern flavors that everyone recognizes, but the unexpected use of Coke adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang to keep everyone coming back for more.
Try this recipe on a busy weeknight or for Sunday supper – it’s affordable, family-friendly, and something even picky eaters will devour.
Ingredients:
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