Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin
Introduction
This classic Southern-style pork loin recipe uses a surprising ingredient—Coca-Cola—to create a sweet, savory glaze that keeps the pork tender and flavorful. As it cooks, the soda caramelizes with soy sauce and spices, forming a rich sauce that coats the roast beautifully.
Ingredients
2–3 lb pork loin roast
1 cup Coca-Cola
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, sliced
Optional Additions
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for tang)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
2 tablespoons ketchup or barbecue sauce for a thicker glaze
Instructions
Prepare the pork
Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Season lightly with black pepper and smoked paprika.
Sear the meat
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin on all sides until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes per side).
Make the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
Coca-Cola
soy sauce
brown sugar
garlic
Dijon mustard
Assemble
Place sliced onions in the bottom of a baking dish or slow cooker. Put the pork loin on top and pour the sauce over it.
Cook
Oven method
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
Cover and bake 1½–2 hours, basting occasionally.
Slow cooker method
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Create the glaze
Remove the pork when tender. Simmer the remaining sauce in a saucepan for 5–8 minutes until slightly thickened.
Serve
Slice the pork loin and drizzle the caramelized Coca-Cola glaze over the top.
Serving Suggestions
This pork pairs well with:
Mashed potatoes
Cornbread
Roasted sweet potatoes
Southern green beans
Tips for Success
Use regular Coca-Cola (not diet) for proper caramelization.
Let the pork rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
For deeper flavor, marinate the pork in the sauce 2–4 hours before cooking.
Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin
