Tangy Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin Recipe: A Sweet Surprise!

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic coca-cola pork loin that brings unexpected magic to dinner tables.

Carbonated magic transforms ordinary meat into something spectacular with minimal effort.

Tender cuts absorb sweet cola notes during slow cooking, creating complex flavor profiles.

Regional cooks understand how simple ingredients can produce extraordinary meals when prepared thoughtfully.

Juicy meat practically falls apart after marinating in this traditional southern technique.

Cola acts like a secret tenderizing agent, infusing rich caramel undertones throughout the protein.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe promises to become your new favorite weekend centerpiece.

You will want to savor every delectable bite of this mouthwatering southern comfort dish.

What Makes Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin So Tasty

• Dive into a mouthwatering pork loin recipe that brings classic Southern flavors to your dinner table.
• Prepare this dish in under an hour with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal.
• Transform an ordinary pork loin into a spectacular dish using the unexpected secret ingredient of Coca-Cola, creating a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
• Impress dinner guests or enjoy a family meal with this foolproof recipe that combines simple techniques with bold, memorable flavors that everyone will love.

All the Ingredients for Coca-Cola Pork Loin

• Pork Loin: Tender cut of meat that provides the main protein for the dish, best when fresh and well-trimmed.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Classic spice combination that enhances meat's natural flavor, adds depth and mild smokiness.

• Coca-Cola: Provides sweet and tangy base for sauce, helps tenderize meat.
• Ketchup: Adds tomato richness and slight sweetness to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and depth to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes caramel-like sweetness and helps with glazing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides complex, tangy flavor profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds sharp, tangy element to the sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides background aromatic flavors.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps with initial searing of the pork, creates golden brown exterior.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering and trapping moisture during initial cooking phase.

How to Cook Southern Pork Loin with Soda Glaze

Step 1: Prep the Meat

Pat the pork loin completely dry using paper towels. Generously season all surfaces with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoky paprika.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully sear the pork loin on all sides until developing a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the beautifully browned meat to a roasting pan.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce

• Coca-Cola
• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Onion powder

Step 4: Initial Sauce Application

Pour half of the vibrant Coca-Cola sauce over the pork loin, reserving the remaining sauce for later glazing. Carefully cover the pan with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Slow Roast

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the pork loin for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with pan juices to enhance flavor and moisture.

Step 6: Caramelize and Finish

Remove the foil after 45 minutes. Drizzle the reserved Coca-Cola sauce over the pork. Increase oven temperature to 400°F. Continue roasting for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the glaze transforms into a gorgeous caramelized coating.

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Remove the roast from the oven. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes, which helps redistribute juices. Slice against the grain and serve with remaining pan juices drizzled on top.

Cooking Tips for Tender and Juicy Pork

• Dry and Prep Perfectly: Pat the pork loin completely dry to ensure a beautiful, crispy sear that locks in maximum flavor and creates a delicious golden-brown exterior.
• Sear for Extra Depth: Take time to brown the meat thoroughly, creating a rich caramelized crust that adds incredible depth and complexity to the final dish.
• Baste Religiously: Consistent basting keeps the pork loin incredibly moist and helps develop a glossy, sticky glaze that makes this recipe truly irresistible.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, removing the pork at 145F to guarantee a juicy, tender result without overcooking.
• Glaze Transformation Trick: Increasing the oven temperature during the final cooking stage helps caramelize the Coca-Cola sauce, creating a stunning, sticky-sweet coating that elevates the entire dish.

How to Keep Leftover Pork Moist and Delicious

• Store leftover pork loin in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Slice the pork loin and place in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Frozen pork loin maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place pork slices in a baking dish, add a splash of broth or reserved sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• For quick reheating, place pork slices on a microwave-safe plate. Add a tablespoon of sauce, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Great Sides for Southern Pork Dinners

• Select a medium-bodied Zinfandel or Pinot Noir to complement the sweet and tangy Coca-Cola glaze, enhancing the pork's rich, caramelized flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Serve chilled sweet tea or a crisp craft beer like an amber ale to balance the pork's savory notes and cut through the richness of the caramelized sauce.
• Pair with creamy coleslaw or roasted sweet potato wedges to echo the recipe's Southern roots and provide a cool, textural contrast to the glazed pork loin.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to add a bright, clean flavor that lightens the dish's deep, sweet-savory profile and provides a fresh finishing touch.

Pork Loin Flavor Ideas with a Southern Spin

• Slow Cooker Version: Sear the pork loin, then transfer to a slow cooker. Pour the Coca-Cola sauce over the meat and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender and falling apart.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace Coca-Cola with diet cola or sugar-free cola. Swap brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol. Use sugar-free ketchup to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to the sauce for an aromatic herb-enhanced flavor profile. Sprinkle chopped herbs on top before serving for extra freshness.
• Spicy Kick Option: Incorporate sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes into the Coca-Cola sauce for those who enjoy a spicier version. Adjust the heat level according to personal preference.

Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern kitchens buzz with delicious Coca-Cola pork loin magic, blending sweet cola glaze with tender roasted meat. Crispy exterior and juicy interior promise a memorable meal that Southern families have cherished for generations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) pork loin

Liquids and Sauces:

• 1 can (12 oz/355 ml) Coca-Cola (not diet)
• ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing)

Seasonings and Spices:

• ¼ cup (60 g) brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Remove pork loin from refrigerator and gently pat dry using clean kitchen towels, ensuring surface is completely moisture-free. Generously season entire cut with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoky paprika, massaging spices into meat’s surface.
2. Warm vegetable oil in heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place seasoned pork loin into hot pan, searing each side until rich golden-brown caramelization develops, approximately 2-3 minutes per surface. Transfer browned meat to roasting vessel.
3. Prepare vibrant Coca-Cola glaze by combining cola, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and onion powder in mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Pour half of prepared cola mixture over pork loin, ensuring even coating. Cover roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavors.
5. Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Place covered pork in oven, allowing it to roast for 45 minutes. Every 15 minutes, carefully remove foil and baste meat with accumulated pan liquids to enhance moisture and flavor depth.
6. After initial roasting period, uncover pork and drizzle remaining cola sauce over meat. Increase oven temperature to 400F (200C). Continue roasting for additional 20-25 minutes, monitoring until internal temperature reaches 145F (63C) and glaze transforms into sticky, caramelized crust.
7. Once perfectly cooked, remove pork from oven and allow meat to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes. This resting period allows juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Slice against grain and serve immediately, drizzling remaining pan juices over carved meat.

Notes

• Ensure the pork loin is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and lock in maximum flavor.
• Experiment with different cola varieties like Dr. Pepper or root beer for subtle flavor variations that can transform the dish’s taste profile.
• Try marinating the pork loin in the Coca-Cola sauce for 2-4 hours before cooking to intensify the sweet and tangy flavor penetration.
• For a low-carb adaptation, replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative and use a zero-sugar cola to reduce overall carbohydrate content.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg