Hawker-Style 7-Up Glazed Pork Roast: Sweet & Savory Perfection
Tender pork roast, glazed in a sticky, sweet, and tangy 7-Up reduction, reminiscent of bustling hawker stalls.
By Janelle
Updated: January 18, 2026
Why I Love This Recipe
Imagine the vibrant aromas of a Singaporean hawker center, where sweet and savory collide in a symphony of flavors. This 7-Up Glazed Pork Roast captures that very essence, transforming a humble cut of pork shoulder into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. The unexpected ingredient, 7-Up, creates a unique glaze that's both sweet and tangy, perfectly complementing the savory spices and yielding a deeply caramelized crust. This isn't your average Sunday roast; it's a culinary adventure.
- •Unexpectedly Delicious - The 7-Up glaze provides a unique sweet and tangy flavor profile you won't find anywhere else.
- •Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture - Slow roasting ensures the pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender and succulent.
- •Easy to Prepare - Minimal hands-on time makes this a perfect dish for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- •Bold Asian-Inspired Flavors - The combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and five-spice powder creates a truly unforgettable taste experience.
- •Beautiful Caramelized Crust - The glaze caramelizes beautifully during roasting, creating a visually stunning and flavorful crust.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.
- 3-4 lbs Pork Shoulder Roast (Boston Butt)
- 12 oz 7-Up (or similar lemon-lime soda)
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger (minced)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp Five-Spice Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pork roast by patting it dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better and ensures a crispier exterior during roasting. Dry meat also browns more effectively.
~5 min
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, brown sugar, five-spice powder, salt, and black pepper. This creates the base for our flavorful marinade. Ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved for even distribution.
~5 min
- 3
Pour the marinade over the pork roast, ensuring it's evenly coated on all sides. Massage the marinade into the meat for deeper penetration of flavors. This will result in a more flavorful and tender roast.
~2 min
- 4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the pork marinates, the more flavorful it will become. This step is crucial for optimal taste.
0 - 5
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature allows the pork to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast.
~5 min
- 6
Place the marinated pork roast in a roasting pan. Pour the 7-Up over the roast. The soda's sugars will caramelize during cooking, creating a delicious glaze.
~2 min
- 7
Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the moisture and helps to steam the pork, keeping it tender during the initial cooking process.
~1 min
- 8
Roast in the preheated oven for 3 hours. The long cooking time allows the connective tissues in the pork shoulder to break down, resulting in a supremely tender texture.
~180 min
- 9
Remove the foil and continue roasting for another 30-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 200-205°F (93-96°C). Basting the pork with the pan juices every 15 minutes will enhance the glaze and keep the roast moist.
~45 min
- 10
Let the pork roast rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent final product. Resting is crucial for optimal tenderness.
~15 min
- 11
Slice the pork against the grain. This ensures the most tender pieces. The longer the rest, the easier the slicing.
~2 min
- 12
Serve the pork roast with the pan juices spooned over it. Garnish with fresh cilantro or scallions, if desired, for a touch of freshness. Enjoy!
0
How Do I Know It's Ready?
The pork is perfectly done when it reaches an internal temperature of 200-205°F (93-96°C). The meat should be easily shredded with a fork.
Frequently Asked Questions
While pork shoulder is recommended for its tenderness and marbling, you could use a pork loin roast, but be sure to adjust the cooking time to prevent it from drying out.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Hawker-Style 7-Up Glazed Pork Roast: Sweet & Savory Perfection as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!