Unlock the Secret to Fluffy, Flavorful Popcorn Every Time: Your Ultimate Stove-Popping Guide

2022-12-13
Unlock the Secret to Fluffy, Flavorful Popcorn Every Time: Your Ultimate Stove-Popping Guide
Total Time:
10 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
10 cups

Growing up, my great grandmother's favorite snack was a simple bowl of stovetop popcorn paired with a glass of iced tea. This timeless treat has now become my go-to snack. While it might take a little longer than microwave popcorn, the stovetop method eliminates the need for artificial additives and lets you customize your experience. Once you master the basic stovetop popcorn technique, you can enjoy it buttered, loaded with seasonings, or create your own unique recipes. Stovetop popcorn offers the freedom to tailor your snack to your taste, using minimal ingredients and tools.

Stovetop Popcorn Supplies

Here are the essentials you'll need to start popping:

  • Pot with Lid: Choose a large, heavy-bottomed pot, at least 4- to 5-quarts in size. A pot with handles is ideal for shaking.
  • Popcorn Kernels: Yellow popcorn kernels are most common, but any popping kernels will work.
  • Cooking Oil: Opt for an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or avocado. Movie theaters often use coconut oil.
  • Butter: While optional, a touch of melted butter enhances the flavor.

Popcorn Kernels Yield

For basic stovetop popcorn, you'll need about 1/2 cup of kernels to yield approximately 10 cups of popped popcorn.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup popcorn

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp butter, melted

Directions

  1. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a 4- to 5-quart saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 to 3 popcorn kernels to test the oil. When these test kernels pop, it's time to add the rest of your kernels.

    Choose an oil with a high smoke point to withstand high temperatures without smoking or breaking down. Avoid using olive oil or butter.

  2. Once the test kernels indicate the oil is ready, add all your popcorn kernels and shake the pan to ensure they're coated with oil.

  3. After adding all the popcorn kernels and oil, cook over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally and partially lifting the lid to let steam escape. When the popping slows, remove the pan from the heat and transfer the popcorn to a serving bowl. Add salt, melted butter, and any desired seasonings or toppings.

Stovetop Popcorn Toppers and Variations

Experiment with your favorite seasonings and toppings to create a personalized snack. Classic butter and salt are a favorite, but here are some of our favorite stovetop popcorn seasoning combinations:

  • BBQ seasoning
  • Grated Parmesan, dried basil, dried parsley, and garlic powder
  • Dry ranch dressing mix
  • Tajín (chile-lime seasoning)
  • Buffalo: Add 1 to 2 Tbsp. hot sauce and 1 Tbsp. to melted butter and drizzle over popcorn
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Cinnamon-sugar

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

96 Calories
11g Fat
1g Carbs
0g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 95.7
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10.5g 14%
Saturated Fat 0.8g 4%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 7.5mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 0.5g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0.1g 0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0.1g 0%
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
Vitamin C 0mg