FoodTransform your pork chops: The cola marinade revolution

Transform your pork chops: The cola marinade revolution

Pour a popular drink over the meat. The chops will fall apart on their own.
Pour a popular drink over the meat. The chops will fall apart on their own.
Images source: © Adobe Stock | Oleg Bannikov

2:31 PM EDT, September 1, 2024

Who said pork chops have to be boring? This classic dinner has gained a completely new look thanks to an unusual ingredient: cola. This carbonated drink, known mainly as a refreshing beverage, is an excellent marinade for meat. It gives the chops not only a unique flavor but also extraordinary juiciness.

Pork chops are an indispensable classic in our homes, most often served with potatoes and salads. This traditional, crispy specialty, fried in lard, is popular on Sunday tables. But what if you wanted to add something new and surprising to your dinner? It turns out that just one popular drink—cola—is enough to give the chops a new flavor. Soaking the meat in cola is an experiment that will change the classic recipe and make the chops extremely tender and juicy while giving them an exceptionally crispy crust.

Why is cola suitable for marinating meat?

The secret lies in the composition of cola. The sugar it contains caramelizes during frying, creating a crispy crust on the surface of the meat. Phosphoric acid, on the other hand, helps break down the meat proteins, making the chops extremely tender and juicy. Additionally, cola gives the meat a slightly sweet taste that pairs perfectly with spicy seasonings.

How to prepare pork chops with cola

To prepare exceptional pork chops with cola, you need a few simple ingredients. The process starts with creating an aromatic marinade based on this popular drink. The marinade not only gives the meat a new flavor but also makes it more tender and juicy.

Ingredients:

                                      
  • several slices of pork
  • 1 cup of cola
  • 1-2 teaspoons of sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg
  • 4 tablespoons of cola
  • breadcrumbs
  • oil for frying

Preparation:

                  
  1. Marinade: In a bowl, mix the cola with the seasonings.
  2. Marinating: Cut the pork into chops, gently pound them, and soak in the marinade. Set aside for several hours or preferably overnight.
  3. Breading: Prepare the breading by mixing the beaten egg with cola and breadcrumbs.
  4. Frying: Coat the chops in breading and fry in heated oil on both sides until golden brown.

Besides pork, you can also marinate other types of meat in cola, such as pork neck, ribs, or poultry. You can experiment with different spices and additions to create your own unique versions of this dish.

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