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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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