Perfect Stovetop Popcorn: How To Make It & Flavor It
If you’ve only eaten microwave popcorn, you’re in for a real treat. Here’s everything you need to know about how to make perfect stovetop popcorn.
Why Make Popcorn From Scratch?
Microwave and bagged popcorn might seem convenient, but they often come with inflammatory oils, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors. Making popcorn on the stove gives you a healthier, fresher option. Plus, it’s affordable, and the flavor options are endless!
Essential Equipment For Perfect Stovetop Popcorn
To make popcorn on the stove, all you need are a few basic kitchen tools:
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid: Choose a pot with enough room for the kernels to pop without overflowing, or be ready for pour some into your bowl as they do!
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements help ensure your popcorn doesn’t end up too oily or dry.
- Large bowl: For serving and mixing in your favorite toppings.
Ingredients For Stovetop Popcorn
The beauty of stovetop popcorn is its simplicity. Here’s what you need:
- Popcorn kernels: Organic, high-quality kernels often taste best and pop well.
- Oil: Helps the kernels pop fully and evenly. Use oils with high smoke points, like coconut or avocado oil.
- Toppings: Read on for some delicious ideas below!
Make Perfect Stovetop Popcorn With Me
- Melt a big scoop of coconut oil or lard in a big pot.
- Pour in a layer of popcorn kernels.
- Keep the lid on until the popped kernels almost reach the top.
- Pour excess into a big bowl as needed, leaving the unpopped kernels in the pan with half of the popped ones.
- Repeat as necessary.
- When all of the popping stops, pour the popped popcorn into the bowl.
- Melt a few tablespoons of butter in the hot pot and smother the popcorn.
- Season with salt and/or any other favorite flavors (honey, cinnamon, hot sauce, like, balsamic, etc…)
- Enjoy!
Stovetop Popcorn Technique: Step-by-Step Guide
- Heat the oil: Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to your pot and set it over medium heat. Add a few popcorn kernels to test the heat.
- Add the kernels: Once the test kernels pop, add the rest of the popcorn kernels in an even layer. Cover the pot with the lid.
- Shake as it pops: Gently shake the pot back and forth over the burner to keep the kernels moving and prevent burning.
- Listen for popping sounds: Once the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops, remove the pot from heat.
- Pour into a bowl and season: I like to pour the popped popcorn out into a big bowl, and melt my butter in the popping pan. Once it’s melted, drizzle it over the popped popcorn in the bowl and give it some good tosses to coat. Then add your salt and any other toppings you desire.
Ideal Heat And Timing For Stovetop Popcorn
Using medium heat gives you the best control over the popping process. Cooking at this heat helps avoid burning the kernels while ensuring they pop fully. Typically, the entire process will take 3-5 minutes from the moment you add the kernels to when they’re fully popped.
How To Pour Off Popcorn During Popping (For Large Batches)
If you’re making a big batch, pour the popped kernels out of the pot as they finish. Take off the lid and carefully pour the popped kernels into a bowl, keeping unpopped kernels in the pot. This technique works well when you’re making enough popcorn for a crowd because you can make more popcorn than your pop can hold without having to make two batches!
I can’t seem to do this method without getting popcorn all over my kitchen, but I still do it and love it!! It saves so much time.
Five Flavorful Toppings To Elevate Your Popcorn
Plain popcorn is delicious, but adding unique toppings makes it even better. Here are five tasty ideas:
- Classic Butter and Sea Salt: Melted butter and a sprinkle of sea salt make for an unbeatable classic.
- Cheddar Cheese Powder: A little cheese powder can turn your popcorn into a savory, cheesy treat.
- Cinnamon and Sugar/honey: Sweet and spicy, perfect for a cozy movie night.
- Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy flavor without dairy, try sprinkling nutritional yeast on top.
- Hot Sauce (try this one made by my friend, Mattias!) and Lime: Drizzle a little hot sauce and squeeze fresh lime juice for a tangy kick.
Perfect Stovetop Popcorn Recipe
Equipment
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid
- Measuring spoons
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels organic for the best flavor
- 1-2 tablespoons oil coconut or avocado oil recommended
- 4 tbsp butter
- sea salt to taste
- Optional toppings: cheese powder, cinnamon and sugar, nutritional yeast, hot sauce and lime
Instructions
Prepare Your Pot and Test the Heat
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
- Place the pot over medium heat and add a few test kernels to check if the oil is hot enough.
- Once these test kernels pop, remove them and add the rest of the popcorn kernels in a single layer.
Pop the Kernels
- Cover the pot with the lid and shake the pot gently as the kernels begin to pop. This keeps them moving, ensuring even popping without burning.
- As the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat.
- Pour the popped popcorn out into a big bowl, and melt the butter in the popping pan.
- Once it's melted, drizzle it over the popped popcorn in the bowl and give it some good tosses to coat.
Season and Add Toppings
- Sprinkle salt and other toppings over the popcorn while it’s still warm.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Homemade stovetop popcorn is a fun, affordable, and delicious alternative to store-bought versions. Whether you’re making a small bowl for yourself or a large batch for a group, these simple steps will yield perfectly popped, fluffy kernels every time. Try out these toppings and enjoy a wholesome snack made your way.
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Large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid
Hot Sauce – try this one made by my friend, Mattias!
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I love stovetop popcorn! I’ll have to try your topping suggestions, thanks!
If you think of any other good toppings for stovetop popcorn, let me know! And as always, drop your questions here, and I will get back to you as fast as I can.