1. Marinate the Pork:
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: Coca-Cola, soy sauce, ketchup, vegetable oil, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, dry mustard, minced garlic, ground ginger, and dried thyme. Place the pork loin in a large baking dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it, turning to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight.
2. Roast the Pork:
The next day, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the pork loin from the marinade (discard the used marinade) and place it on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for approximately 30-40 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium or 160°F (71°C) for well done. *Note: The original recipe stated 175°F, but modern USDA guidelines recommend 145°F with a 3-minute rest for pork loin to remain juicy.*
3. Prepare the Glaze:
While the pork is roasting, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, 2/3 cup Coca-Cola, 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, butter, cornstarch, and dry mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, whisking frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Glaze and Finish:
When the pork reaches its target temperature, remove it from the oven. Brush or pour a generous amount of the prepared Cola glaze over the entire roast. Return it to the oven and roast for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
5. Rest and Serve:
Transfer the glazed pork loin to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist result. Serve the sliced pork with any remaining warm glaze on the side.
Enjoy your unforgettable, caramelized Coca-Cola pork loin
