Classic Southern Coca-Cola Pork Loin – A Sweet and Savory Showstopper You'll Crave Again and Again

There’s nothing quite like the sweet and savory harmony of a Classic Southern Coca-Cola Pork Loin to get your taste buds singing! This delightful dish brings together the timeless Southern tradition of cooking with Coca-Cola to create a tender, flavorful pork loin that’s drenched in a sticky, caramelized cola glaze. It’s the kind of meal that impresses at gatherings, but is just as perfect for a special family dinner.
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The magic comes from the Coca-Cola marinade, which works its way deep into the pork, infusing every bite with incredible flavor. And the cola-based sauce that caramelizes as it cooks? It's simply irresistible, leaving your pork roast with a shiny, sweet, and tangy finish that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Southern Coca-Cola Pork Loin

The Coca-Cola in this recipe doesn’t just add sweetness; it tenderizes the pork, helping create a juicy roast that’s easy to slice and serve. Combined with the other marinade ingredients like mustard, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar, the pork takes on a robust flavor profile that hits all the right notes—salty, sweet, and slightly tangy.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just making Sunday dinner extra special, this pork loin will be the star of the show. Best of all, it’s easier than it looks, thanks to the magic of the marinade doing most of the work while you relax.

How Coca-Cola Elevates the Flavor

The beauty of using Coca-Cola in this recipe lies in how it not only adds sweetness but also works as a tenderizer for the pork. The sugar in the cola caramelizes beautifully as the pork roasts, creating a rich, sticky glaze that’s both sweet and savory. Paired with ingredients like soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar, the marinade develops a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.

The cola-based sauce also plays a starring role, transforming into a thick glaze that you’ll want to drizzle over every slice of pork. This technique of reducing cola into a sauce has been a Southern favorite for years, and it’s easy to see why—when cooked down with sugar and spices, Coca-Cola turns into a syrupy glaze that’s perfect for pork.

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Tips for Perfecting Your Coca-Cola Pork Loin

• Marinating is Key: For the best results, let the pork marinate for at least 8 hours or, even better, overnight. This allows the flavors to really soak into the meat, giving you a tender and flavorful roast.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To make sure your pork is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Pork should reach an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) before you glaze it for the final roast.
• Caramelizing the Sauce: When making the Coca-Cola sauce, be sure to simmer it until it reaches a thick, glaze-like consistency. Stir it frequently to prevent burning and to ensure a smooth texture.
• Rest the Pork: After removing the pork from the oven, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial for keeping the meat juicy and tender, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the roast.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and savory Coca-Cola Pork Loin pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or baked macaroni and cheese. The rich cola glaze also makes it a perfect match for buttery cornbread or honey-glazed carrots. For an extra touch of flavor, spoon the remaining sauce over your sides as well—it’s too good to waste!

How to Store and Reheat

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your Coca-Cola pork loin:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pork will reheat nicely without drying out.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the pork gently in the microwave or oven. If you have extra Coca-Cola sauce, drizzle it over the pork before reheating to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the pork for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly and thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Recipe: Classic Southern Coca-Cola Pork Loin

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 cup Coca-Cola
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 (3-5 lb) pork loin roast

For the Cola Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2/3 cup Coca-Cola
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Pork Loin:
   In a large baking dish, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: Coca-Cola, soy sauce, vegetable oil, Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, garlic, ginger, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Place the pork loin in the dish, making sure it’s fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, but overnight is best for the ultimate flavor infusion.
2. Preheat and Roast the Pork:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the pork loin from the marinade and place it in a roasting pan. Roast the pork for 30-40 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
3. Make the Coca-Cola Sauce:
   While the pork is roasting, prepare the Coca-Cola sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch, brown sugar, butter, dry mustard, Coca-Cola, and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened to a nice, glaze-like consistency.
4. Glaze and Finish Roasting:
   Once the pork reaches 175°F, pour the Coca-Cola sauce over the roast, making sure it’s evenly coated. Return the pork to the oven and roast for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the sauce to caramelize and form a delicious glaze on the pork.
5. Rest and Serve:
   Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is as juicy as possible. Slice the pork loin and drizzle with any remaining Coca-Cola sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 425 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 35g
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 780mg

This Classic Southern Coca-Cola Pork Loin is a sweet and savory showstopper that’s sure to be a hit at any meal!