Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients except pork. Place pork loin in a large zip-lock bag and pour in the marinade. Seal bag and place in a bowl to catch any leaks. Refrigerate for 24 hours, turning and patting the bag occasionally.
2. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove pork from marinade and discard marinade. Place pork fat side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast.
3. Roast uncovered until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C), allowing 30–40 minutes per pound (about 2 1/2 to 3 hours for 5 lb).
4. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush on the glaze (see below), repeating occasionally for a rich, caramelized finish.
5. Remove pork from oven and transfer to a platter. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Glaze Preparation

1. In a saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients.
2. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened.
3. Brush or spoon over pork during the last half hour of roasting. Serve remaining glaze alongside sliced pork.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes + 24 hours marinating
• Cook Time: 2 1/2–3 hours
• Total Time: 26–27 hours (including marinating)
• Servings: 8–10
• Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Roast at 250–275°F (120–135°C) for twice as long for an even more tender pork loin.
• Substitute dark cola or root beer for Coca-Cola for a slightly different flavor.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle kick.
• Use a bone-in pork loin for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions