Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin

250 mins
Serves 6
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Directions

  1. 1Place the pork loin roast into a large slow cooker and season the surface lightly with black pepper.
  2. 2Whisk the Coca-Cola, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and ground ginger together in a bowl until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. 3Pour the liquid mixture over the pork loin, ensuring the roast is well-coated and sitting in the sweet and savory marinade.
  4. 4Cover the slow cooker and cook on the Low setting at 170°F for 4 to 5 hours until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  5. 5Remove the roast to a platter to rest for 10 minutes.
  6. 6While the roast rests, whisk the cornstarch into the remaining juices and simmer them to create a thick, glossy glaze to pour over the sliced meat.

Ingredients

  • 3 lb boneless pork loin roast
  • 1 cup Coca-Cola (classic)
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

large slow cookerbowlwhiskplattermeat thermometerhot skillet

Tips

  • For the best results, use classic Coca-Cola rather than diet or zero-sugar versions, as the real sugar is necessary to create the caramelized glaze.
  • Searing the pork loin in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of oil for 2 minutes per side before slow cooking can add a beautiful color and a deeper depth of flavor.
  • If the roast has a fat cap, place it fat-side up in the crockpot so the rendered fat bastes the meat naturally as it cooks.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to exactly 145°F, which keeps the meat juicy and prevents it from becoming dry and tough.