Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin

A Southern Twist: Coca-Cola Glazed Pork Loin

This recipe isn't just another pork loin roast; it's a culinary journey infused with the sweet and tangy magic of Coca-Cola. The result? A dish so tender, flavorful, and downright delicious that it will become a new family favorite – just like it did for ours! Even the pickiest eaters won't be able to resist the succulent pork bathed in a rich, caramelized Coca-Cola glaze.

A Symphony of Flavors: Ingredients

To recreate this Southern delight, gather the following ingredients:

The Base:

• 5-pound boneless pork loin roast – This impressive cut of meat provides the foundation for our flavorful dish.

The Marinade:

• ¼ cup soy sauce – Adds a savory depth of flavor.
• 1 cup Coca-Cola – The star of the show! The cola not only tenderizes the meat but also contributes a unique sweetness and complexity.
• ½ cup dark brown sugar – Provides a rich sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – A touch of tang that cuts through the sweetness and adds a delightful sharpness.
• 3 tablespoons oil – Facilitates the even distribution of flavors and helps brown the pork during roasting.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Adds a complex umami flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.
• ⅓ cup ketchup – Provides a touch of tomatoey sweetness and tang.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Releases its pungent aroma and adds a savory garlicky note.
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard – A hint of mustardy heat that complements the other flavors.
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar – A touch of acidity that balances the sweetness and adds depth.
• 1 teaspoon ginger – A warm and aromatic spice that adds a subtle complexity.
• 1 teaspoon crushed thyme – A touch of herbal fragrance that complements the savory notes.

The Coca-Cola Glaze:

• 1 cup brown sugar – For additional caramelization and sweetness in the glaze.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thicken the glaze for a beautiful consistency.
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard – A hint of mustardy heat carried over from the marinade.
• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce.
• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar – For a touch of acidity and balance.
• 2/3 cup Coca-Cola – More cola magic to enhance the glaze's flavor.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – To season to perfection.

A Step-by-Step Transformation: Instructions

Now, let's transform these ingredients into a culinary masterpiece:

1. The Flavor Bath: Marinating the Pork
• In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients – the soy sauce, Coca-Cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, oil, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic, dry mustard, balsamic vinegar, ginger, and crushed thyme. This fragrant concoction will become the flavor base for your pork loin.
• Carefully place the pork loin roast in a resealable plastic bag. This will help ensure even marination and prevent leaks.
• Pour the marinade into the bag, coating the pork loin completely. Seal the bag tightly and place it in a bowl – just in case of any leaks. Refrigerate the marinated pork for at least 24 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. For an even more flavorful experience, occasionally turn the bag over to ensure even distribution of the marinade.
2. Unveiling the Flavor: Roasting the Pork
• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This gentle heat will slowly roast the pork, resulting in a beautifully tender and juicy outcome.
• After the pork has finished marinating, remove it from the bag and discard the marinade (it's not suitable for reuse due to raw meat exposure). Give the pork roast a good pat with paper towels to soak up any surface moisture. Say goodbye to soggy skin! Patting it dry ensures a beautiful, crispy crust.
• Position the pork loin roast fat-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. This allows the fat to render during cooking, basting the meat with its own natural juices.
• For perfect doneness, stick a meat thermometer in the thickest spot of the roast. This is crucial for ensuring the pork reaches the perfect internal temperature for safe consumption.
• Roast the pork uncovered for 30-40 minutes per pound. For a 5-pound roast, this translates to approximately 2.5 to 3
3. The Sweet and Tangy Transformation: Basting with Coca-Cola Sauce
• During the last 30 minutes of roasting, prepare yourself for some Coca-Cola magic! Brush the pork loin generously with the Coca-Cola sauce. This flavorful glaze will caramelize during the remaining roasting time, creating a beautiful sheen and infusing the pork with additional sweetness and tang.
• Preparing the Coca-Cola Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients – the brown sugar, cornstarch, dry mustard, butter, balsamic vinegar, Coca-Cola, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and becomes a beautiful, glossy glaze.
4. The Rest is History: Resting and Serving
• Once the internal temperature of the thickest part of the pork roast reaches 175°F (79°C), remove it from the oven. Resting allows the internal temperature to rise slightly, ensuring perfectly cooked meat throughout.
• Transfer the roast to a platter and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. For the most flavorful and tender results, let the pork rest for 15 minutes before carving. This resting period is crucial – it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful experience.
5. Slicing and Savoring:
• After the resting period, remove the foil and prepare to carve your masterpiece! Slice the pork loin roast against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) for maximum tenderness.
• Serve the sliced pork alongside the remaining Coca-Cola sauce, allowing your guests to add an extra drizzle of sweet and tangy goodness to their plates.

Tips and Variations:

• Slow and Steady Wins the Race: For an even more fall-off-the-bone tender pork roast, consider slow-roasting it at 250-275°F (121-135°C) for about twice as long. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Grilling or Smoking Adventure: Feeling adventurous? This recipe can be adapted for grilling or smoking. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, and keep a close eye on the internal temperature of the meat.
• The Power of Leftovers: Leftover Coca-Cola glazed pork loin is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or even chopped up and added to omelets for a burst of flavor.

A Family Favorite Awaits:

This Coca-Cola Glazed Pork Loin recipe is more than just a dish; it's an experience. With its tender, flavorful meat and the unique sweetness and tang of the Coca-Cola glaze, it's bound to become a new favorite in your household, just like it did in ours. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.