Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin Recipe: A Sweet and Tangy Southern Classic

If you’re looking for a show-stopping main dish with a unique twist, this Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin is just the recipe for you. Marinated in a flavorful blend of cola, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then basted with a rich Coca-Cola glaze, this pork loin delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. The result? Juicy, tender meat with a caramelized crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re hosting a Sunday family dinner or preparing a holiday feast, this recipe will steal the spotlight with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Profile: The Coca-Cola marinade caramelizes during roasting, adding a deep sweetness balanced by savory spices and tangy balsamic vinegar.
Tender Meat: The marinade works overtime to keep the pork moist and flavorful.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is ideal for cooks of all levels.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

1 cup Coca-Cola
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
⅓ cup ketchup
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp dry mustard
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp ground ginger
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp dried thyme
1 (3-5 lb) pork loin roast

For the Cola Sauce:

1 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp butter
½ tsp dry mustard
⅔ cup Coca-Cola
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

In a baking dish, whisk together Coca-Cola, soy sauce, vegetable oil, Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, garlic, ginger, balsamic vinegar, and thyme.
Submerge the pork loin in the marinade, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 12 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 2: Roast the Pork

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and discard the marinade.
Place the pork loin on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 30-40 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F.

Step 3: Prepare the Cola Sauce

While the pork is roasting, whisk together cornstarch, brown sugar, butter, dry mustard, Coca-Cola, and balsamic vinegar in a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Baste the Pork

During the last 30 minutes of roasting, pour the prepared cola sauce over the pork loin. Return the roast to the oven to allow the glaze to caramelize.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Drizzle any remaining cola sauce over the sliced pork for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, don’t skimp on marination time. 12-24 hours is ideal.
Monitor the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. For optimal juiciness, the pork should reach an internal temperature of 175°F.
Make Extra Sauce: Double the cola sauce recipe if you’d like additional sauce for serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Coca-Cola pork loin pairs beautifully with:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The richness of the potatoes complements the tangy cola glaze.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with caramelized carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
Buttery Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every bit of the cola-infused sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cola sauce to keep the meat moist.