Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin is tender, juicy, and loaded with sweet-savory flavor. The Coca-Cola acts as both a marinade and tenderizer, while the brown sugar and spices caramelize beautifully as it roasts.
Here’s the authentic recipe, straight from Southern tradition 👇
🥤 Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 2–8 hours (recommended)
Cook Time: 1½–2 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours
🧂 Ingredients
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3–4 lb boneless pork loin roast
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1 can (12 oz) Coca-Cola (NOT diet)
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½ cup ketchup
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¼ cup brown sugar, packed
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but adds depth)
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp salt
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Pork:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Place pork loin in a large resealable bag or glass dish.
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Pour marinade over it, cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight (for best flavor).
2. Preheat Oven:
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Set oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Remove pork from marinade (reserve the marinade for basting/sauce).
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Pat pork dry with paper towels.
3. Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended):
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Sear pork on all sides until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes per side).
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This adds flavor and locks in juices.
4. Roast:
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Transfer seared pork to a roasting pan (or leave it in the Dutch oven).
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Pour ½ of the reserved marinade over the pork.
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Roast uncovered for 1½–2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
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Baste every 30 minutes with pan juices or reserved marinade.
5. Make the Glaze (Optional but Amazing):
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While the pork finishes cooking, pour remaining marinade into a small saucepan.
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Bring to a simmer and cook 5–10 minutes until thickened into a glaze.
6. Rest & Serve:
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Remove pork from oven and let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
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Spoon glaze or pan drippings over slices to serve.
🍴 Serving Ideas
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Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered corn, collard greens, or Southern-style green beans.
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Pairs beautifully with a side of coleslaw or baked macaroni and cheese.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Don’t use Diet Coke — it won’t caramelize the same way.
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You can also cook this in a slow cooker on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, then reduce the sauce on the stove.
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For a spicy-sweet kick, add 1 tsp hot sauce or crushed red pepper to the marinade.
Would you like me to show you the slow cooker version next (super tender, fall-apart style with a thick Coca-Cola glaze)?
