The Weird Coke And Soy Sauce Marinade That Actually Works

It might sound like a strange combination, but mixing Coke and soy are a match made in heaven. The two ingredients work well for adding flavor to meat on their own, but together they're even better.

For tips on how to make this delightful concoction, why it works, and when to use it, continue reading.

Why it works

cooking-chicken-wings-in-soy-honey-sauce-2024-10-11-04-17-35-utc
timofeevavalentina_foto/Envato Elements
timofeevavalentina_foto/Envato Elements

Soda is an effective meat marinade due to its phosphoric acid content, which breaks down the protein's connective tissue and makes for a deliciously tender texture. On the other hand, soy sauce acts as a brine, showcasing moisture from within the meat for a juicier bite.

These two components work well on their own, so it's only natural that they're even more effective when combined into a marinade. Coke's sugary sweetness mixed with soy sauce's sauce's salty notes make for a perfectly balanced flavor.

ADVERTISEMENT

How to make it

ADVERTISEMENT
preparing-a-chicken-for-the-oven-2025-01-08-15-20-08-utc
lyulkamazur/Envato Elements
lyulkamazur/Envato Elements
ADVERTISEMENT

How you prepare the mixture will depend on what you're making. For a more savory dish, mix Coke and soy sauce with other flavorful seasonings like garlic, onion, or ginger.

ADVERTISEMENT

For a sweeter touch, try mixing it with brown sugar or molasses. These added seasonings will compliment the marinade and bring out its bold, rich flavors.

ADVERTISEMENT

What to use it for

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
grilled-ribs-with-sauce-herbs-and-spices-2024-09-18-21-34-27-utc
Artem_ka2/Envato Elements
Artem_ka2/Envato Elements
ADVERTISEMENT

A Coke and soy sauce blend makes an excellent marinade for many types of meat. Add it to chicken breast before roasting, or spread it on wings or ribs as a glaze. It also works as a marinade for more robust meats like steak or pork chops.

ADVERTISEMENT

With a little creativity, this unique blend of flavors will elevate any meat dish and impress your dinner guests.