How to Make Coca Cola Marinade

Have you ever wondered how many things Coca-Cola can be used for? Aside from drinking for enjoyment, you can clean toilets with cola as well as using it as a meat marinade. The soda acts as a meat tenderizer and is a great cheap marinade substitute for any meat, such as chicken, steak, or beef. Here is how to make a Coca-Cola marinade.

Ingredients

Method 1 (makes 2 quarts)
1 quart (950 ml) Coca-Cola
2 cups (475 ml) oil
2 cups (475 ml) vinegar
3 cloves garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
Method 2 (for about 2 pounds meat)
12 ounces (355 ml) Coca-Cola
1 cup (340g) honey
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
Method 3 (6 servings)
12 ounces (355 ml) Coca-Cola
1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground onion powder
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger root
2 large fresh garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 pinch dried basil flakes

Steps

1
Mix the ingredients in a bowl with a whisk.^{[1]
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2
Use immediately over the steak pieces and be sure to coat thoroughly.

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3
Chill the steaks in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight, for best flavor.^{[2]
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Community Q&A

Question

Do I cook the steak in the Coca-Cola marinade?

Community Answer

You can, but it will further caramelize. I would not recommend it unless you want a syrupy sauce with your meat.
Question

Will this work with diet cola?

Community Answer

Yes, I have tried it with Diet Coke and it tastes just as good (with fewer calories).
Question

Will Coke tenderize a pork loin?

Community Answer

Yes, cola tenderizes the meat due to the acids and will also make it flavorful if it sits overnight or for 8 hours.
Question

Can I marinate a pork shoulder?

Community Answer

Yes, cola tenderizes the meat due to the acids and will also make it flavorful if it sits overnight or for 8 hours.
Question

Can I use apple cider vinegar?

Community Answer

Yes you can, but it has a very strong distinct flavor, which regular vinegar doesn't, so you need to be sure you like it as a marinade first. You might take a small amount of the marinade before you add vinegar and mix it on the side, adding the proportionate amount of apple cider vinegar to the small amount and just tasting it. If it's good, then you can try it in the large batch.