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.
The Proof is in the Eating
While unusual, this Coca-Cola cola pork loin technique 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 destined to become a new family favorite.
The recipe satisfies with classic Southern flavors everyone recognizes.
But the unique use of Coke lends just enough unexpected sweetness and tang to keep them 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.
