Marinating meat in soda pop seems 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 starts 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 does triple duty here. First, it tenderizes the lean pork loin so it turns out incredibly moist and fork-tender. Next, it adds a complex blend of sweet and tangy flavors that complement the pork. Finally, it helps form a delicious crisp, caramelized exterior as it bakes.
In addition to the soda, the marinade contains flavor-boosting ingredients like:
Soy sauce – for saltiness and umami
Ketchup and mustard – for tang and spice
Worcestershire and balsamic – for depth of flavor
Garlic, ginger, thyme – aromatic flavors
You’ll want the pork to marinate for a full 24 hours. This gives time for the meat to fully absorb all the flavors and for the soda to work its tenderizing magic.
Basting Keeps it Moist
Halfway through roasting, you’ll make a rich, syrupy Coca-Cola sauce. Poured over the pork, it bastes the meat to keep it incredibly moist and contributes even more sticky sweetness and tang.
The sauce builds on the cola foundation, blending in brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and aromatics like mustard, garlic and ginger. As it reduces, you get even more caramelized goodness coating the pork exterior.
Ingredients
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
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
Whisk marinade ingredients together in a baking dish. Add pork loin and refrigerate overnight.
Remove pork from marinade and roast at 325°F for 30-40 minutes per lb until 175°F.
Meanwhile, whisk sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Boil then reduce to a simmer until thickened.
Pour sauce over pork and roast 30 minutes more.
Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing to serve.
Enjoy your crazy-delicious Coca-Cola caramelized pork loin!