Easy Stovetop Popcorn (with Microwave option)

Making homemade popcorn cannot get any easier. It’s cheap, easy and the perfect snack. Learn how to make your own crunchy stovetop popcorn or even in the microwave! You’ll get popcorn that’s ready in just a few minutes and is so good you’ll never need to buy popcorn again.

DIY Homemade Popcorn

I love eating popcorn in the movie theatres, and wanted to replicate the experience at home, especially after my friend Ally made some popcorn with coconut oil for me when we hung out at her place. I loved it as a healthy, easy snack.

However, since Ally has moved back to Australia and I can’t eat the popcorn she makes anymore, I decided to make my own.

While I knew that I could buy popcorn in paper bags to make in the microwave, I still wanted to learn how to make stovetop popcorn.

Especially because I know that not everyone has a microwave at home, but everyone probably has a pot at home.

Popcorn Kernels that Pop

While the corn kernels that we use for popcorn may look similar to the kernels from the corn that we use in cooking, they are not the same. Popcorn kernels have the ability to pop, hence the name “popcorn”.

You should be able to find popcorn kernels in most grocery stores or supermarkets, and there are both white or yellow popcorn kernels. I’m indifferent. For this experiment, I’m using yellow kernels because this is what I can find in my nearest grocery store.

Making Perfect Stovetop Popcorn that Doesn’t Burn

The first time I made popcorn on the stovetop, however, I burnt the popcorn and that scared me a little. I didn’t go back to making popcorn for a while, but I kept wondering at the back of my mind what I did wrong.

After researching a bit, I found these posts from Cookie + Kate and Simply Recipes particularly helpful and decided to give it another try. Two more experiments later, and diligently following all the tips I read, I finally succeeded and can’t wait to share the secrets to perfect stovetop popcorn that doesn’t burn! Ready? Let’s go!

Tips for Making Stovetop Popcorn

1. Use a good heavy-bottom pot. In order for the heat to distribute evenly, you’ll need to use a good quality pot. I used my Dutch oven and it worked perfectly.
2. Use an oil with high smoke point. This ensures that it carries enough heat and helps the corn kernels to pop easily. I like using coconut oil but you can also use avocado oil.
3. Don’t turn the heat up too high. To prevent the popcorn from burning, make sure you don’t go beyond medium-high heat. If you do that, and smell smoke coming from your pot, you can be certain your popcorn is going to burn.
4. Start with a few corn kernels to test temperature. Once the oil is heated, add 3 kernels and cover the pot and wait for them to pop. Once all 3 kernels have popped, it means that the temperature is right.
5. Prime the corn kernels for popping. Once the temperature is right, add the other kernels, cover the pot, and let remove it from heat for 30 seconds to let the kernels get primed for popping and to ensure they generally pop at the same time. After the 30 seconds, return the pop to medium high heat and let them pop.
6. Keep lid slightly ajar as the popcorn is popping to ensure crispy crunch popcorn. By making sure the lid is slightly ajar, this gives the steam that’s building up in the pot an escape route, making sure that the popcorn remains crispy instead of being soaked in its own steam.

How to Make DIY Popcorn in the Microwave with a Bowl

Of course, you can also make microwave popcorn, and it’s super easy. And surprise, surprise, you don’t even need the brown paper bag that stores tend to sell the kernels with. Making popcorn in the microwave is less complicated than making popcorn on the stovetop, and all you need is a large microwave-proof bowl and plate to cover the bowl.

Important: Do not use plastic or metal bowls as plastic will melt in the microwave and metal will explode. Use a glass pyrex bowl or a ceramic bowl to make microwave popcorn.

Place the popcorn kernels and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in the bowl and mix well to coat the kernels with the oil. Cover the bowl with the plate and cook on high heat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until the popping slows to about 1 pop every few seconds.

Tip: Don’t keep cooking them even if there are a few unpopped kernels, or the rest of the popcorn may get overcooked and burn. (I once made the mistake of cooking the popcorn too long and the insides turned really dark and bitter).

Healthy Popcorn Seasoning Ideas

Since the popcorn is cooked in a good amount of oil, the only seasoning I like adding on top is a sprinkle of sea salt. However, here are a few other options:

• Sprinkle of sea salt.
• Sprinkle of red chili powder or ground paprika if you like some heat.
• Freshly ground black pepper.
• Melted better

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love these other healthy snacks:

• Easy Creamy Hummus (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Easy Maple Coconut Chips (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Sunflower Seed Crackers (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Gluten-Free Polenta Bruschetta
• Pico de Gallo (Salsa Fresca)

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