Introduction
The Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin recipe brings together a unique blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions.
Combining the iconic taste of Coca-Cola with the richness of soy sauce and the warmth of brown sugar, this dish is sure to surprise and delight your taste buds.
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a tender, flavorful pork loin that’s a sure hit.
Ingredients
Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin – Don’t Lose It!
1/4 cup Soy sauce
1 cup Coca Cola
1/2 cup Dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons Oil
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup Ketchup
Instructions
Start by preparing your pork loin. Make sure it’s well-trimmed to ensure even cooking. Place it in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag to marinate.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Coca-Cola, dark brown sugar, Dijon mustard, oil, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup.
The combination of these ingredients will form a tangy and slightly sweet marinade that will infuse the pork with flavor.
Pour the marinade over the pork loin, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let.
the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the pork loin has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure even cooking.
Place the marinated pork loin on a roasting pan or baking sheet, and pour some of the marinade over the top. Reserve the rest for basting throughout the cooking process.
Roast the pork loin in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your pork loin.
Every 15 to 20 minutes, baste the pork with the remaining marinade to keep it moist and flavorful. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C) when it’s done.
Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
As the pork rests, you can take this opportunity to prepare any side dishes or garnishes to serve with it. Once the pork loin is ready, slice it into thick, juicy pieces.
The marinade will have created a beautifully caramelized crust on the outside, with tender, flavorful meat inside.
Serve your Coca-Cola Pork Loin with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad all pair wonderfully with this dish.
The rich flavors of the pork make it the star of the meal, so keep the sides simple to allow the pork to shine.
To finish, drizzle any leftover marinade over the pork slices for an extra burst of flavor.
If you like, you can even reduce the marinade on the stovetop to create a thicker sauce for pouring over the meat.
How to Make
Making the Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin is easy and requires minimal preparation time. The first step is to gather all the ingredients and prepare the pork loin.
Ensure it’s well-trimmed and ready for marinating. Once the pork is in place, prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce.
Coca-Cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, oil, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup in a bowl.
The marinade should be poured over the pork loin, ensuring it’s well-coated. Marinating the pork allows all the flavors to soak in, so be sure to allow enough time for this step.
Refrigerating the pork for at least an hour, or overnight if possible, will result in the most flavorful outcome.
As the pork marinates, the flavors will start to meld, making for a rich, savory final dish.
After marination, preheat your oven to the correct temperature. Roasting the pork loin takes about an hour, depending on its size.
During this time, you’ll want to baste the pork every 15 minutes with the leftover marinade to enhance its flavor and moisture.
The process of basting helps the sauce form a delicious glaze over the pork, which gives the meat a savory yet slightly sweet finish.
Once the pork reaches the appropriate internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful.
When it’s time to serve, slice the pork into thick pieces and drizzle any remaining marinade over the top. The result is a juicy, flavorful pork loin that’s perfect for any occasion.
Variations
If you’re looking to experiment with the recipe, there are several ways to put your own twist on it. For instance
you could add a few extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for an herbal note.
Fresh garlic can also be a great addition to the marinade, bringing a punch of flavor that complements the sweet and savory elements.
For a slightly spicier version, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
This will add a subtle heat that balances nicely with the sweetness from the Coca-Cola and brown sugar.
Alternatively, you could use a different type of soda, like root beer or ginger ale, for a slightly different flavor profile.
You can also try grilling the pork loin instead of roasting it. This adds a smoky flavor and a slight char that contrasts nicely.
with the sweet marinade. If grilling, be sure to baste the pork often to keep it moist and tender.
For a different take on the sauce, consider adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness with acidity.
This will give the marinade an extra layer of complexity. Another option is to replace the ketchup with tomato paste for a more concentrated tomato flavor.
If you prefer a more citrusy pork dish, try adding orange juice or zest to the marinade. The citrus will complement the sweetness of the Coca-Cola, creating a bright.
tangy contrast. You could even experiment with a combination of different sodas for an entirely new flavor experience.
For those who enjoy a sweeter dish, consider adding a bit of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for an added touch of natural sweetness.
This variation would be great for a family dinner or a holiday meal.
Lastly, if you prefer a richer, more indulgent sauce, consider reducing the marinade on the stove after removing the pork.
This will concentrate the flavors and give you a delicious glaze to pour over the pork or your sides.
Tips
To ensure the pork loin turns out tender and flavorful, it’s essential to allow the meat to marinate for as long as possible.
While you can marinate it for just an hour, marinating it overnight will result in a more intense flavor and a more tender cut of meat.
When preparing the marinade, be sure to whisk it thoroughly to combine the ingredients completely.
The sugar and mustard can sometimes settle at the bottom, so a good whisking is essential to get the right balance of flavors.
If you’re worried about overcooking the pork, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the ideal internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
This will guarantee a juicy, tender roast without the risk of being dry.
For extra flavor, consider searing the pork in a hot pan for a few minutes before roasting it.
This will create a caramelized crust on the outside, which will help lock in the juices and give the pork a great texture.
Remember that after roasting, it’s important to let the pork rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.
ensuring each bite is flavorful and moist. Resting the meat for about 10 minutes is ideal.
If you don’t have access to a roasting pan, you can use a regular baking sheet with a wire rack to elevate the pork.
allowing air to circulate and cook it evenly. This also helps prevent the bottom of the pork from becoming soggy.
For a more consistent cook, make sure the pork loin is of uniform size. If it tapers too much at one end it may cook unevenly.
You can always trim the pork to make it more even, or tie it with kitchen twine before roasting.
Conclusion
The Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin is a mouthwatering dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with tender pork, making it an excellent choice for any meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special celebration, this recipe is sure to impress. The Coca-Cola marinade infuses the pork with an irresistible flavor that’s hard to beat.
With its easy preparation and room for variation, this recipe is not only a classic but also a great starting point for experimenting in the kitchen.
Try different ingredients, cooking methods, and marinades to put your own spin on this delicious dish!