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. 1
    Mix the ingredients in a bowl with a whisk.[1]
  2. 2
    Use immediately over the steak pieces and be sure to coat thoroughly.
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  3. 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
    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
    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
    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.
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Things You'll Need

  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Container or freezer bags, to marinate steaks

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 202,948 times.
94 votes - 81%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: October 21, 2021
Views: 202,948
Categories: Sauces
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