Juicy Southern-Style Coca-Cola Pork Loin Recipe for Dinner

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when the classic coca-cola pork loin recipe hits the dinner table.

Slow-cooked and marinated in a sweet, tangy Southern soda glaze, this tender meat promises pure comfort.

Home cooks have cherished this old south technique for generations, turning simple ingredients into something spectacular.

The coca-cola transforms ordinary pork into a mouthwatering centerpiece that melts in your mouth.

Every slice carries hints of caramelized sweetness and deep, rich flavor that speaks to traditional Southern cooking.

Juicy and packed with nostalgic charm, this dish connects generations through its simple yet brilliant preparation.

Prepare to savor a true Southern classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tools for a Southern Coca-Cola Pork Loin Roast

• Large skillet: Essential for searing the pork loin to lock in flavors and create a golden-brown crust.
• Roasting pan or baking dish: Perfect for cooking the pork loin in the oven and collecting delicious pan juices.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for whisking together the Coca-Cola sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Paper towels: Necessary for patting the pork loin dry before seasoning.
• Aluminum foil: Used to cover the pork during initial baking to keep it moist.
• Meat thermometer: Helps ensure the pork reaches the perfect internal temperature.
• Knife: Needed for slicing the pork loin after resting.

How to Cook Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin to Tender Perfection

• Prepare the Meat

Pat the pork loin completely dry using paper towels. Sprinkle generously with seasonings to create a flavor-packed exterior that will make your taste buds dance.

• Sizzle and Brown

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Create a golden-brown crust by searing the meat on all sides, developing rich caramelized flavors that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Create the Sauce

Whisk together Coca-Cola, ketchup, and other flavor-boosting ingredients until smooth. This sweet and tangy liquid will transform your ordinary pork into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Initial Roasting

Pour half the sauce over the meat in a roasting pan. Cover with foil and slide into a preheated 350F oven. Let the flavors mingle and the meat become tender during a 45-minute slow cook.

• Glaze and Finish

Remove the foil, drizzle remaining sauce, and crank up the heat to 400F. Continue cooking until the meat reaches a perfect internal temperature and develops a gorgeous caramelized exterior.

• Rest and Slice

Pull the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly juicy and flavorful. Serve with pan drippings for an extra flavor explosion.

Tips for Getting the Flavor Just Right in Coca-Cola Pork

• Use a meat thermometer to nail the perfect 145F internal temperature, ensuring juicy meat without overcooking.
• Brush extra sauce during the final baking stage for deeper caramelization and richer flavor profile, creating a stunning golden-brown exterior.
• Swap regular Coca-Cola with zero-sugar version for lower-calorie option. Gluten-sensitive friends can replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain recipe's delicious essence.
• Prepare the Coca-Cola sauce a day ahead and store in refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before cooking. Marinate pork in sauce for 2-4 hours before roasting to enhance meat's tenderness and taste absorption.

Serve Old South Coca-Cola Pork Like a Southern Classic

• Southern Comfort Platter: Pair this succulent pork loin with creamy mashed potatoes and buttery corn on the cob for a classic Southern-style dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Sweet and Tangy Side Show: Complement the Coca-Cola glaze with a zesty coleslaw or pickled vegetables to balance the rich, sweet flavors of the pork loin and add a fresh crunch.
• Backyard BBQ Companion: Slice the pork loin and serve on soft slider buns with extra sauce for a crowd-pleasing party dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Top with crispy fried onions for extra texture.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or a robust Zinfandel to enhance the caramelized Coca-Cola glaze, creating a memorable dining experience that brings out the pork's deep, complex flavors.

Save & Store Coca-Cola Pork Loin for Future Meals

• Wrap the leftover pork loin tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Slice the cooled pork loin and store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pork loin remains delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Warm refrigerated pork slices in the microwave with a splash of reserved sauce to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 325F for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
• Slice the entire pork loin after cooking and portion into individual servings. Create grab-and-go lunch containers with sides like roasted vegetables or rice. Refrigerated portions stay tasty and convenient for quick weekday meals.

FAQs

• What does Coca-Cola do to the pork loin?

The Coca-Cola helps tenderize the meat, adds sweetness, and creates a delicious caramelized glaze that enhances the flavor of the pork while keeping it moist during cooking.

• Can I use diet Coca-Cola instead of regular?

No, regular Coca-Cola works best because the sugar content is crucial for creating the caramelization and proper glaze on the pork loin.

• How do I know when the pork loin is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145F (63C). This ensures the pork is cooked through but remains juicy and tender.

• What makes this Coca-Cola sauce different from other marinades?

The combination of Coca-Cola with ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard creates a unique sweet and tangy flavor profile that perfectly complements the pork.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for the Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin

• Pork Loin: Tender cut perfect for roasting, choose a well-marbled piece for juiciness and rich flavor, look for pink-colored meat without dark spots.
• Salt: Enhances meat's natural taste, use kosher or sea salt for deeper flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, spicy notes, freshly ground provides more intense aroma.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertone, select high-quality Spanish variety for best results.

• Coca-Cola: Creates sweet-tangy liquid base, classic Southern secret ingredient that helps tenderize meat.
• Ketchup: Provides rich tomato depth and slight sweetness, opt for organic or artisan brands.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, choose low-sodium version for better control.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes caramel-like sweetness, helps create gorgeous glaze.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings complex savory notes, fermented flavor enhancer.
• Dijon Mustard: Offers sharp, tangy kick, select smooth French-style variety.

• Garlic: Introduces robust flavor, fresh cloves provide more intense taste.
• Onion Powder: Delivers subtle background sweetness, ensures even seasoning distribution.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps create perfect sear, use neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.

Succulent Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Southern cooks perfect Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin with tangy soda-infused marinade. Succulent meat promises a delightful culinary journey through classic American comfort cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) pork loin
• ¼ cup (60 g) brown sugar
• 1 can (12 oz/355 ml) coca-cola (not diet)
• ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tbsps worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil (for searing)
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat pork loin dry and generously season with salt, black pepper, and smoky paprika, massaging spices thoroughly into meat’s surface.
2. Searing: Heat vegetable oil in heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork loin on all sides until golden-brown caramelization develops, creating rich exterior. Transfer browned meat to roasting pan.
3. Glaze Creation: Whisk together Coca-Cola, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and onion powder until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Initial Roasting: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Pour half of cola mixture over pork, covering pan tightly with foil. Roast for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with pan liquids to enhance moisture and flavor.
5. Final Caramelization: Uncover pork, drizzle remaining cola sauce, and increase oven temperature to 400F (200C). Continue roasting 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145F (63C) and glaze transforms into sticky, rich crust.
6. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let meat rest 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice against grain and serve, drizzling remaining pan juices over carved meat for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat pork loin completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Searing Technique: Create golden-brown crust by using high heat and avoiding moving meat during initial pan contact, which locks in rich flavors and develops deep color.
• Glaze Monitoring: Baste meat regularly during roasting to maintain moisture and build complex flavor layers, preventing potential dryness in lean pork loin.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches exactly 145F, avoiding overcooking which can result in tough, dry meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg